2019 is shaping up to the the year of the electric luxury sports utility vehicle. The Tesla Model X was the first electric luxury SUV on the market until Jaguar entered the arena. Multiple other auto makers have announced plans to release their own fully electric luxury SUVs next year. Let’s take a look at how the Tesla Model X compares to the rest.
Tesla Model X
As the pioneer, it is understandable that every new electric luxury sports utility vehicle will be compared with the Tesla Model X. Tesla set the bar very high with this model. The base model Tesla Model X starts at $79,500, making it the most expensive of the two current electric SUVs on the market. The Model X can go 237 miles per charge, and Tesla, as the frontrunner, has done an excellent job implementing Supercharging stations all over the globe. All Wheel Drive helps maintain control in a variety of driving situations. The Model X can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds. Because it is a luxury SUV you can, of course, expect stylish interiors and state of the art infotainment systems.
Jaguar I-Pace
With the introduction of the Jaguar I-Pace, electric luxury SUV shoppers finally have an option. Jaguar offers Tesla some steep competition. The base level I-Pace starts at $69,500, which is 10K less than the Tesla base model. The I-Pace can travel 240 miles per charge, which is comparable to the Model X. The I-Pace has standard All Wheel Drive and can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds, slightly out edging Tesla. The I-Pace’s Touch Pro Duo infotainment system is spread out over two screens and supports both CarPlay and Android Auto. Jaguar has been defining auto luxury for nearly a century, and they bring their experience to the I-Pace. Expect nothing but the best when you sit inside this Jaguar.
Audi e-Tron
Audi will enter the electric luxury SUV market with the e-Tron. The Audi e-tron is built on technology inspired by Formula E. The e-Tron is a smaller SUV and will sit between Audi’s Q5 and Q7 in size. It has a 95 kWh battery which has an expected range of 248 miles per charge. Audi advertises that the e-Tron will be set up to use full 150 kWh charging which can recharge the vehicle from zero to 80 percent in half an hour. The e-Tron was expected to be introduced next month but production has been delayed until next year.
Mercedes-Benz EQ
The Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ is slated to go into production in France in September and sell as a 2019 model. The vehicle features a wallbox that serves as a fast charging station at home. A free “Charge & Pay” app will make public charging stations conveniently accessible. Permanent all wheel drive guarantees high level performance. The sleek design of the vehicle, along with the futuristic interior design, are what Mercedes-Benz call the future of EV design. With a range of 500 kilometers, two electric motors, and the excellent reputation that Mercedes-Benz carries, this electric luxury SUV is much anticipated.
Other exciting launches to watch for in the coming year are the Volvo XC40, BMWiX3, and the Ford Mach 1 (which Mustang fans will love). The future of driving technology is electric and, as usually happens, the wave of the future starts with luxury vehicles. To learn more about the future of electric vehicle technology, as well as to preview some of the current top performing electronic luxury vehicles on the market, read our article about the best electric cars for 2018.
