Jaguar Poised with New GT EV to Usher in All-Electric Era
Jaguar is on the brink of a revolutionary shift with the introduction of the new Jaguar GT EV, a pivotal move as the brand transitions to an all-electric future. This groundbreaking concept is set to be revealed in December, marking the end of combustion-engine Jaguars and the dawn of Jaguar’s electrifying new era.
Jaguar's New-Era EVs: A Bold Step Forward
Despite fluctuations in the demand for electric vehicles, Jaguar remains committed to its strategy of going fully electric next year. The brand is just months away from scrapping its current lineup to introduce a crucial concept car that will define its new direction. Unlike any models before, these next-generation Jaguars will stand apart visually, technically, and in their market positioning. Jaguar has kept details under wraps, only hinting that these vehicles will be a “copy of nothing.”
All will be revealed this December when Jaguar unveils a radical new concept that previews its first new-era EV: a luxurious £100k four-door GT with a range exceeding 435 miles, ultra-rapid charging capabilities, and a powerful dual-motor system delivering over 575bhp. This concept will not only set the stage for the GT but will also introduce the design language that will characterize future models, including a Bentley Bentayga-rivalling SUV and a Flying Spur-sized limousine, expected in dealerships by 2028.
Reimagining EV Design
Jaguar's managing director, Rawdon Glover, emphasized the need to rethink the basic principles of EV design. He noted that current electric cars often look similar due to aerodynamic considerations, leading to a homogenized market. Jaguar’s upcoming models will challenge these conventions with long, elegant bonnets, minimalist and imposing front ends, and a distinctive new grille motif envisioned as the new face of Jaguar. The sleek LED lights will be almost invisible when off, and the design is expected to be bold with features like the absence of rear windows, akin to the Polestar 4.
A Nod to Jaguar’s Heritage and Future
Reports of the leaping cat emblem’s demise are exaggerated, according to Glover. He assures that this iconic symbol will live on, reimagined for the new brand and vehicles. Similarly, historic names will influence the naming strategy for these new models, blending Jaguar’s storied past with a forward-thinking approach.
The new Jaguar GT EV will make its global debut in the US, a key market for the brand, while still honoring its British roots. Jaguar’s commitment to EVs comes at a time when many of its rivals are re-evaluating their electrification strategies. Porsche, for instance, plans to continue producing petrol-powered Cayennes beyond 2030, while Audi and Mercedes-Benz are focusing more on hybrids due to slower-than-expected EV sales.
Jaguar's Future in the EV Market
Jaguar’s parent company, JLR, has increased its electrification investment from £15 billion to £18 billion to develop flexible platforms for Land Rover, ensuring broad market coverage as buyers remain cautious about EVs. However, Glover is confident that Jaguar’s brand repositioning, technological advancements, and new design cues will enhance their market appeal.
Jaguar’s strategy includes higher prices and lower volume ambitions, aiming for a maximum of 50,000 units a year. This approach allows the brand to focus on value over volume, making the broader EV market trends less relevant to its success.
As Jaguar transitions into its new era, production of the XE, XF, and F-Type has already ceased, with the E-Pace and I-Pace to follow by year-end. Only the F-Pace will remain in production through 2025. UK deliveries of the new electric GT won’t begin until 2026, leading to a period with no new Jaguars on sale in the UK. In the interim, Jaguar retailers will focus on used cars and aftersales services.
Looking Ahead
Jaguar is poised with its new GT EV to redefine luxury electric vehicles, blending heritage with innovation. As the brand embarks on this all-electric journey, the automotive world eagerly anticipates what promises to be a groundbreaking evolution in the luxury EV market.