Mercedes-Benz EQC Vs Jaguar I-Pace - Electric SUVs Compared

Published On 14 Apr 2021 06:06 PM

The two electric SUVs occupy the upper echelons of the Indian EV market. But it’s time to see which one comes out on top (on paper, at least).

Since its launch in India in October 2020, the Mercedes-Benz EQC has been the costliest electric offering in the country. Now, after almost half a year, it finally has a competitor in the Jaguar I-Pace, which launched here on March 23, 2021.

We try to find out which one is the better electric SUV (at least on paper).

Dimensions

	Mercedes-Benz EQC	Jaguar I-Pace
Length (mm)	4762mm	4682mm
Width (mm) (with mirrors unfolded)	2096mm	2139mm
Height (mm)	1624mm	1566mm
Wheelbase (mm)	2873mm	2990mm

The two electric SUVs are nearly similar in size (and also similar to other electric SUVs on sale in the country), with minor differences. While the EQC is longer and taller, the I-Pace is wider and sits on a longer wheelbase.

Powertrains

Specs	Mercedes-Benz EQC	Jaguar I-Pace
Electric motor setup	Twin-electric motors	Twin-electric motors
Battery Capacity	80kWh	90kWh
Power	408PS	400PS
Torque	760Nm	696Nm
0-100kmph	5.1 seconds	4.8 seconds
Top speed	180kmph	200kmph
All-wheel-drive	Yes	Yes
Standard Charging Time (home charger)	7 hrs,30 minutes (10-100 per cent with with 11kW charger)	14 hrs (0-100 per cent with 7.4kW charger)
Fast Charging Time (50KW charger)	1 hrs 30 minutes (10-100 per cent)	1 hrs 25 minutes (0-80 per cent)

Now, let’s get to the things that really matter. The EQC and I-Pace have a few commonalities, including a twin-electric-motor setup, an all-wheel drivetrain, and standard and fast charging options. 

While the EQC may have more grunt on tap, it’s actually slower off the line. The I-Pace has the edge both in top speed and the 0-100kmph sprint time, despite having less grunt than the EQC. Thanks to its larger battery pack, it can run longer on a single charge.

Charging times for both SUVs may be similar when using a 50kW fast charger. However, the EQC’s new 11kW charger, introduced in November 2020, can charge the SUV at half the time of the I-Pace, which only comes with a 7.4kW charger in India. That said, the I-Pace benefits from an extensive charging network, thanks to Tata Motors providing a complimentary 7.4kWh home charging box as part of its tie-up with Jaguar.

Features

	Mercedes-Benz EQC	Jaguar I-Pace
Infotainment	10.25-inch MBUX touchscreen	10-inch Pivi-Pro touchscreen
Digital Driver’s Display	10.25-inches	12.3-inches
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto	Yes	Yes
Climate Control	Tri-zone	Four-zone
Wireless charging	Yes	Yes
Audio system	Burmeister 13-speaker	Meridian 16-speaker
Electric adjustable front seats	12-way	16-way
Head-up display	No	Yes
Connected Car Tech	Yes	Yes
Sunroof	Electric sunroof	Panoramic glass roof
Ambient lighting	64 colours	Yes

Both electric SUVs come loaded with features like connected car tech, premium audio, a large touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and wireless charging. But the I-Pace has that slight edge over the EQC, thanks to a better (read: more efficient) climate control system, a 16-speaker Meridian sound system (compared to the EQC’s 13-speaker Burmeister), a head-up display, and improved adjustability for the powered front seats. 

On the other hand, the EQC has a slightly bigger touchscreen, an electric sunroof, and 64-colour ambient lighting. 

Safety

Mercedes-Benz EQC	Jaguar I-Pace
Airbags	9	6
ABS +EBD	Yes	Yes
Park assist	Yes, automatic	Yes
360 degree camera	Yes	Yes
Cruise control	Yes	Adaptive
Driver Condition Monitor	No	Yes

Neither SUV has compromised on safety. Both offer multiple airbags (the EQC has nine, the I-Pace has six), ABS with EBD, park assist (the EQC gets an automatic park assist), a 360-degree camera, and cruise control (the I-Pace gets adaptive cruise control). 

However, an essential and innovative addition in the I-Pace is that of a Driver Condition Monitor. This system detects if the driver is feeling drowsy (by analysing steering inputs, brake, and throttle pedal activity) and issues a warning accordingly. 

Price and Verdict

	Mercedes-Benz EQC	Jaguar I-Pace
Price (ex-showroom)	Rs 1.04 crore	Rs 1.05 crore to Rs 1.12 crore

All prices ex-showroom, India

While the Mercedes-Benz EQC is the more affordable option, it is limited to only the one 400 MATIC variant. It also misses out on a few features but gets more airbags for passenger safety. On the other hand, the Jaguar I-Pace is available in three variants (S, SE, and HSE), brings more range and performance on tap, and is equipped with slightly more features. 

It is raining good news for premium electric SUV enthusiasts. The Audi e-tron and e-tron GT are expected to launch in the country around June 2021, which will then rival the EQC and I-Pace.