Jaguar is on the cusp of a radical transformation, poised to reimagine itself as an ultra-luxurious, electric-only marque.
Recent images offer a glimpse into this future, showcasing a sleek grand tourer (GT) that melds sharp design with electric prowess.
First look
Three official spy shots reveal a long, low-slung four-door GT draped in camouflage. The vehicle exudes an assertive presence with its squared-off nose and flat bonnet.
Short windows and pronounced rear haunches accentuate its sporty demeanour. While some might draw parallels to the Porsche Taycan, there's a distinctiveness that sets this Jaguar apart.
The wait for a clearer picture won't be long. Jaguar plans to unveil this vehicle as the Design Vision Concept at Miami Art Week on December 2.
This concept will provide deeper insights into what the production car, slated for a 2025 release, will embody.
While the official name remains a secret, discoveries like a US trademark application for 'I-Type' hint at potential nomenclature, possibly linking back to the brand's first-ever EV, the I-Pace.
A break from tradition
Intel suggests that Jaguar is intent on distancing itself from previous design themes as it ascends towards a luxury market dominated by brands like Bentley and Cadillac.
Notably, there's speculation about the sedan's rear design. Autocar posits that the absence of rear imagery in the teasers might be intentional, hinting at a rear end devoid of a traditional window - a design choice reminiscent of Polestar's new 4 electric SUV.
The profile shot is particularly striking. A dramatically raked windscreen and an expansive stretch of metal between the front door and wheel give the GT the classic proportions of a rear-wheel-drive combustion sedan. It's a subtle nod to Jaguar's storied past, even as the brand ventures into uncharted electric territory.
While interior details remain under wraps, expectations are high.
Jaguar has confirmed that the new GT will boast over 420kW, a range nearing 700km and a price tag upwards of £100,000 (around NZ$215,000). Such specs position it as a formidable competitor in the luxury EV segment, rivalling models like the Cadillac Celestiq.
What lies ahead
This GT is just the beginning. Jaguar has committed to introducing two additional EVs - potentially including an SUV - built on the same JEA platform before the decade's end.
However, this electric revolution arrives at a complex juncture.
Industry shifts, like Bentley delaying its EV-only transition to 2035 due to tepid luxury EV demand, and Porsche reconsidering combustion options for future models, add layers of uncertainty. Jaguar itself recently axed its entire lineup, save for the enduring F-Pace.
Only time will tell if this bold leap will redefine the brand's legacy or prompt a strategic recalibration.