by New Jaguar GT: An Electric Blow to Bentley and Rolls-Royce
Automakers rarely completely overhaul their own portfolio, but Jaguar has done just that. The British luxury brand has hit the reset button to radically transform itself and compete with Bentley and Rolls-Royce.
Leading this charge is a fully electric large sedan, temporarily called the “GT”. This is Jaguar’s shot, their moment to make people pay attention. Previewed by the Type 00 concept, it will also be the most powerful Jaguar ever to hit the roads. The final design was chosen from 17 full-size clay models before the public saw any official preview images.
Intrigued? Read on, as we’ve stripped the camouflage from the prototype and gathered everything known about Coventry’s biggest gamble.
Bold and Controversial Design
Unlike Jaguars of the past, the GT showcases a striking new direction with monolithic surfaces, sharp lines, and proportions that betray its electric foundation. Forget the curves, this car blends 70s muscularity with Cyberpunk 2077 futurism.
The front is blunt, vertical, and imposing. Narrow matrix LED headlights frame a faux rectangular grille panel, while additional daytime running lights sit above active cooling louvers to add visual width. The hood (or frunk) is very flat, with only a chamfer on the leading edge giving it shape.
Prototype of the future production Jaguar GT (photo Baldauf).
In profile, the proportions immediately grab your attention. Unlike most EVs, the GT has an axle-to-hood ratio that could accommodate a V12; it’s absolutely absurd, but it works. The glass cabin is low and frameless, and the front fender houses the largest charging port we’ve ever seen. At the rear, it borrows a page from the Polestar 5 design book with a sharp tail cut and the omission of a traditional rear window.
Retro Luxury in the Interior
Interior of the Jaguar Type 00 concept.
Unlike its Crewe-based competitors, Jaguar has equipped the GT with a minimalist, avant-garde cabin filled with 80s geometric lines and curved OLED screens. Visibility feels like a bunker, with thick pillars and a camera system compensating for the tiny rear hatch.
The three-spoke steering wheel has touch-sensitive buttons and a linear lower insert that almost resembles a speaker grille. The drive selector has been moved to the steering column. The cabin uses recycled luxury materials and rose gold accents, and rear passengers will have more legroom thanks to a generous 3.2-meter (126-inch) wheelbase.
Power Above All
Built on Jaguar’s electric architecture, the GT is quite heavy at 5962 lbs (2.7 tons). It is equipped with a cleverly designed 120 kWh battery pack, allowing passengers in this 5235 mm (206 in) long, 2220 mm (87 in) wide, and 1395 mm (55 in) tall behemoth to sit lower than in a traditional EV. The battery layout differs from the standard skateboard form, splitting into several sections to lower seating positions and improve cabin packaging.
Range is projected to be around 430 miles (692 km) on the WLTP cycle, while a 50:50 weight distribution and intelligent torque vectoring add sharpness to the big cat’s claws.
Propelling this car is a tri-motor all-wheel-drive setup producing over 1,000 horsepower and 959 lb-ft (1300 Nm) of torque. These figures have recently been revised upwards from the previously stated +986 hp. Power is sent via one motor in the front and two at the rear, with the latter managing torque distribution much faster than a traditional system. Acceleration to 62 mph (100 km/h) is expected in 3.3 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
Immense power figures, but don’t expect it to rearrange your internal organs quite like a Plaid, as Jaguar has focused heavily on making acceleration progressively linear, unlike the shotgun-blast effect some other EVs have. Those who still find this excessive can expect less powerful versions.
Competitors and Launch
Jaguar previously had BMW and Mercedes-Benz in its sights, but the GT signals a shift into the more luxurious territory occupied by the Bentley Flying Spur, Rolls-Royce Ghost, and Cadillac Celestiq. Pricing in the UK is expected to start from £120,000 ($160,000 USD), with a Launch Edition costing from £140,000 ($187,000 USD). US pricing will be similar. This is significantly more than the old XJ it indirectly replaces.
The world will see the official debut later this summer, with deliveries beginning early next year. What do you think of Jaguar’s radical new style? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Illustrations: Josh Byrnes / Carscoops
This move by Jaguar is extremely risky, as the company is essentially turning its back on its historical audience and entering a market dominated by players with long-standing traditions. The GT’s success will depend not only on its technical specifications but also on whether the new, audacious design can resonate with wealthy buyers accustomed to conservative luxury. Abandoning familiar forms for futuristic lines is an all-or-nothing gamble that will either make Jaguar a leader in the new segment or leave it by the wayside.
