My view: you'll have more fun driving the i-Pace, but the risk of it having a serious problem (compared to the e-Tron) seems to be higher based on what I see on audiworld. The biggest problem I saw for the e-Tron was when they first came out there were real problems getting the DCFC connector released from the car when charging finished, and that software fix took them more than 6 months.

 

So...trying to decide between a 2020 iPace and the new etron Sportback.

Here is my dillema:
1) I like the looks of the iPace much more
2) eTron has a few more "luxury" features
3) I'm concerned though about the reliability of the iPace. Both cars certainly have issues now and then, but boy, y'all seem to have lots of problems with the ipace
4) 2020 iPace is much more discounted/cheaper (although MSRP is relatively similar).

Would welcome thoughts!

Driving dynamics are different. E-tron feels like you're driving an SUV. I-PACE feels like you're driving a Jag hatchback.

 

I drove the original Audi e-Tron SUV in Sept 2019, which I think was basically an electrified Q7. The I-PACE was way more sporty. Also, it looks sexy and different - it's a new generation car that emphasizes the skateboard platform (cab forward; wheels at corners). The Audi e-Tron looks just like the ICE version; only the small e-Tron badge distinguished it from all the "me too" Audi SUVs. I want people to know I'm driving a BEV!

 

Agree that Ipace should be more fun and probably better range if that maters to you. Forums by their nature tend to generate posts about problems and fixes. Ipace has been around a bit longer. I've had zero problems in 9 months if that means anything. I did lease it though not knowing how reliable it would be as the tech is so new.

 

My only issue with the e-tron Sportback is the size. It is a lot bigger and heavier than the I-Pace. If Audi put those same motors on something the size of the I-Pace it would be a winner.

 

Yeah, the fact that the e-Tron S (and e-Tron Sportback S) are only going to be able to do 0-60 in 4.5s with 3 motors, just matching what the i-Pace does with 2, is a bit depressing.

 

I don't know enough about the sportback version but I've found the design choices of the eTron especially regarding the long snout, which is not necessary, perplexing. The I-Pace is really designed around the electric drivetrain; no silly product manager messed with that singular focus, and it produced an outstanding and unique vehicle. My main beef is with the battery management but that can be mitigated by responsible behavior (precondition during fast charging, don't deplete the battery completely) and (in the case of fast charging) with a bit more patience (ok, so it maybe takes 10 min longer than the eTron to charge from empty). Wrt dealer network, maybe Audi is better at fixing stuff and maybe they're more motivated to help electric customers, but I don't know. My bottom line: I-Pace is a freaking amazing vehicle and at this point it's the devil I know; I don't yet know the eTron devil.

 

I primarily use Apple CarPlay no matter what car I’m driving...even in my Mercedes and BMW (which both have stable infotainment systems).

Do you think using CarPlay almost exclusively will eliminate some of the issues with the iPace system?

 

it mostly deals with that. car play will continue to gain features as well. the button push lag is worst i've seen in any carplay application. however if youre typing all sorts of stuff on the screen, it's a distraction.

 

It does get rid of some of the issues. The lag is still noticeable when dealing with the AC and the reverse camera.

 

I really like the E-Tron and especially how the Sportback looks, but Its an electrified Q6.
I-Pace is sportier, more exotic looking, ground up EV, soul of a Jaguar

 

So I’m very close to pull the trigger on a 2020 HSE. I’m still nervous about the infotainment system, bugginess. I read that some have felt like the biggest issues have been largely resolved in the latest software. Would you all agree? Any last minute questions. I’m getting about $14k off MSRP so a pretty competitive deal compared to other options.

 

I‘m over a year with my 2020 HSE - love the car. Previous car was an Audi Q8 diesel - which I also loved. I have no doubt Audi is building a quality electric SUV in the E-Tron but I can’t imagine liking a car more than my I-Pace (and I didn’t get $14K off MSRP ).

 

So...trying to decide between a 2020 iPace and the new etron Sportback.

Here is my dillema:
1) I like the looks of the iPace much more
2) eTron has a few more "luxury" features
3) I'm concerned though about the reliability of the iPace. Both cars certainly have issues now and then, but boy, y'all seem to have lots of problems with the ipace
4) 2020 iPace is much more discounted/cheaper (although MSRP is relatively similar).

Would welcome thoughts!

I don't think we have a lot of problems w the I-PACE. The e-tron is a great car and I'm on their Facebook group and you also hear about issues there. Nothing like the Tesla Model Y group, though. Selection bias. Happy people don't post "I have no problems"

 

Agree. I don't find the infotainment system that slow. I have a 2010 LR4 - that system is really slow. Depends what you're used to I guess. Its take a half minute for everything to startup but you can still drive off while the system finishes booting up. Haven't had any system crashes since it's been updated. Android Auto will occasionally hang but I blame Android for that not Jaguar. Swapping between screens is quite fluid, sub menus open up within 10s of milliseconds.

 

My older wife was driving my I-Pace with younger lady in the I-Pace yesterday and a guy on a motorcycle passed them and waved at them. Ditto the times I have received comments and waves in the I-Pace. Buy a another same old SUV or an I-Pace.🙂

 

So...trying to decide between a 2020 iPace and the new etron Sportback.

Here is my dillema:
1) I like the looks of the iPace much more
2) eTron has a few more "luxury" features
3) I'm concerned though about the reliability of the iPace. Both cars certainly have issues now and then, but boy, y'all seem to have lots of problems with the ipace
4) 2020 iPace is much more discounted/cheaper (although MSRP is relatively similar).

Would welcome thoughts!

I have my I-pace now for 21 months and driven 53k including several really long trips (>500 miles).

The I-pace is a great car it is fast, nimble, fun to drive however it has 2 major flaws if you ask me.
1) Software & slow lagging infotainment system that is not that user friendly for the money you pay - the MY2021 new infotainment should resolve most of those issues but not all.
2) DC charging rate is far too slow and tapers too early. So if based on your travel pattern you reckon you will frequently have to DC charge - don't choose the I-pace (1hr for 10-90% charge) unless you don't mind to have to wait an extra 25 minutes compared to E-tron (35 minutes for 10-90% charge).

 

Having driven a wide variety of cars, including in the BEV category, an MS & the I-Pace, just a couple of thoughts on your comments:

1. Infotainment systems are the biggest consumer complaint in cars for the last 5-10 years. Consumer Reports often dings cars for this and it shows up in consumer surveys as one of the frequent issues. encountered. Complexity, slowness, attention required while driving, etc. are far more common than not. So this is certainly not an I-Pace 'only' issue.

2. This is another issue not at all related to just the I-Pace. You should see the Tesla forums, loaded with complaints about how fast the faster charge rate tapers. I had to go through with that for a long time with my MS. I'd peak for perhaps 5-10 minutes and down she slid. If you take frequent long trips and don't want to waste time, then a BEV is not for you. An efficient hybrid is a much wiser choice.

 

The Jag is exceptional in many ways. It looks amazing, drives better than it should, and has a roomy, stylish and comfortable interior. With a roof rack for bikes (I can fit 3), I don't need any more space than what it offers for my family of 4 and the 1- to 5-hour roadtrips we take. For me, the software behind the multimedia system mars the experience to such an extent that it nearly ruins the ownership experience of an otherwise great car. I've owned a recent model Porsche (911) and a few Audis. None of them had multimedia systems that I felt were on par with the price I paid for those cars. However, they were all superior to the Jag's. For me, the software is an important part of driving a car - so buggy, laggy software is perhaps going to annoy me more than it may others. I looked at the e-Tron too, and went with the i-Pace. No regrets on that choice, even in the knowledge that e-Tron's multimedia system is superior. ...and I'll comment that with the OTA and dealer-installed updates, the software has improved over time. It's still not good IMO, but it's sure not as bad as it was.

 

While I agree with some of the comments on the infotainment system, if you use the shortcut button and use Apple Car Play you can manage without it being a big deal, at least I can. And that little bit of lag and lack of responsiveness is a small price to pay for a car that looks and drives as great as this one does. I charge at home and can get 4 days of travel on one charge so the DC charge speed is a non-issue for me. If I need to drive a long way, I will just take the 740i. I have had minor issues with mine for sure, but most of that was due to my dealer not updating any of the software prior to delivering the car to me. I certainly would buy it again knowing what I know now.