Jaguar is edging closer to revealing the production version of its much-discussed electric four-door GT, and next week the word is that the name of the new model will be announced. So far, we have referred to it as X900, or simply ‘Jaguar GT’ but early next week we should have the new model name revealed at last.
The new car, expected to be officially unveiled in September this year, represents far more than a replacement for any previous Jaguar model. As we have covered extensively both here and in Jaguar Enthusiast Magazine, it marks the beginning of an entirely different chapter for the marque — one aimed firmly at the upper reaches of the luxury market.
Our test drive revealed that the new GT could produce close to 1,000bhp, placing it among the most powerful Jaguars ever built. The car is expected to ride on Jaguar’s new dedicated EV platform, known internally as JEA, with a large battery pack and a three-motor layout delivering four-wheel drive performance.
Performance figures being discussed are certainly dramatic. A 0-62mph time of around three seconds is believed to be possible, while the projected driving range could exceed 430 miles in the right specification. Ultra-fast charging capability is also said to be part of the package, with Jaguar targeting rapid top-up times to make long-distance touring more practical.
Jaguar engineers and designers appear focused on restoring the sense of occasion traditionally associated with the marque. Long bonnet proportions, a low-slung stance and a dramatic silhouette are all expected to feature heavily in the final design. The company has openly stated that it wants the new GT to stand apart from the increasingly generic appearance of many modern electric cars.
There is also considerable emphasis on refinement and ride comfort. Despite the car’s substantial weight — inevitable given the size of the battery pack — Jaguar is developing sophisticated suspension systems, adaptive damping and rear-wheel steering in an attempt to preserve the fluid, relaxed character enthusiasts expect from the brand.
Importantly, Jaguar remains fully committed to the car being electric-only, despite wild speculation in the mainstream media. The forthcoming GT is expected to start at around £120,000, although highly personalised examples will almost certainly climb significantly beyond that. This is a market sector and price point familiar to Jaguars from many decades ago, a market the brand long since abandoned during the Ford era and into Tata.
Customisation is likely to become a major part of the ownership experience too. Rather than offering countless trim levels, Jaguar is expected to provide extensive bespoke options and limited-run editions tailored to individual buyers.
For many enthusiasts, the styling direction remains the biggest talking point. The controversial Type 00 concept car appeared first and divided opinion, with many falling for the social media rhetoric that Jaguar had abandoned its traditional customers. But, contrary to all that, Jaguar has engaged more deeply than ever before with clubs like the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club and believes the production car will reconnect the company with the sort of emotional appeal once associated with models such as the Jaguar E-Type, XJ6, XJ Coupé and XJ-S.
Jaguar’s leadership argues that simply continuing to build conventional executive saloons would not have secured the brand’s future. Instead, the company is attempting something far riskier: reinventing Jaguar as a low-volume luxury manufacturer centred around striking design and emotional appeal.
Whether traditional Jaguar owners embrace the new direction remains to be seen. However, there is no doubt the upcoming GT will be one of the most important cars the company has launched in decades.
If Jaguar gets it right, this electric grand tourer could become the model that redefines the brand for a new generation.
