Compare the2024 BMW X3VS 2024 Jaguar I-Pace

The X3’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The I-Pace doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The BMW X3 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The I-Pace doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The X3 has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The I-Pace doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The X3 offers an optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The I-Pace doesn’t offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the X3’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The I-Pace doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The X3 offers an optional Surround View to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The I-Pace only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the X3 and the I-Pace have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available all wheel drive.

The BMW X3 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The I-Pace has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

The X3’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the I-Pace’s (12 vs. 6 years).

There are over 2 times as many BMW dealers as there are Jaguar dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the X3’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the X3’s reliability 43 points higher than the I-Pace.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Jaguar vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Jaguar is rated below average.

As tested in Car and Driver the X3 M40i 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Jaguar I-Pace:

The X3 stops shorter than the I-Pace:

The X3’s optional 275/35R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the I-Pace’s optional 40 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the X3 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The I-Pace doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For better maneuverability, the X3’s turning circle is 1.1 feet tighter than the I-Pace’s (39.4 feet vs. 40.5 feet).

For greater off-road capability the X3 has a 1.5 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the I-Pace (8 vs. 6.5 inches), allowing the X3 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The BMW X3 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 700 pounds less than the Jaguar I-Pace.

The X3 has .8 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more rear headroom, 1.4 inches more rear legroom and 1.4 inches more rear shoulder room than the I-Pace.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the X3’s rear seats recline. The I-Pace’s rear seats don’t recline.

The X3 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the I-Pace with its rear seat up (28.7 vs. 25.3 cubic feet). The X3 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the I-Pace with its rear seat folded (62.7 vs. 53.6 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the X3’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The I-Pace doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

The X3’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the I-Pace’s (4400 vs. 1653 pounds).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Jaguar. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With an 8% lower rating, Jaguar is ranked 10th.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the X3 has a standard rear wiper. The I-Pace doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the X3 offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The I-Pace doesn’t offer cornering lights. The X3 also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the X3 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The I-Pace doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The X3’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The I-Pace’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park.

The X3 is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The I-Pace doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Insurance will cost less for the X3 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the X3 will cost $4780 to $6370 less than the I-Pace over a five-year period.

The X3 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the X3 will retain 50.69% to 52.37% of its original price after five years, while the I-Pace only retains 47.85%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW X3 will be $5788 to $20530 less than for the Jaguar I-Pace.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW X3, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Jaguar I-Pace isn't recommended.

The BMW X3 outsold the Jaguar I-Pace by almost 124 to one during 2023.