Jaguar News: Rumorpile: Next-Generation Jaguar XJ To Transition To Electric-Only

[William Maley]

Last month, we reported that work had begun on the next-generation Jaguar XJ. The company's director of design Ian Callum said it would be "something quite special." What that may mean is the next XJ transition to being an electric-only model.

Autocar has learned that Jaguar is planning to reinvent the XJ into being a fully-electric model to take on the like of the Tesla Model S, and provide an interesting alternative to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Design-wise, the XJ will morph into a 5-door model - something akin to an Audi A7 we're guessing. It will also debut a new design language that will be used on future models.

In terms of platform, the new XJ will use an all-new platform that will be shared with an upcoming model from Land Rover - the Road Rover we reported in the Rumorpile back in September. The platform will be capable of being equipped with internal-combustion or electric powertrains. For the XJ, it is believed that twin electric motors will be used to power and provide AWD.

Autocar expects the car launch in 2019.

Source: Autocar

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[David]

We live in interesting times and the auto world is ripe for a major upheaval. This could come in the form of the new leading luxury makers not being German.

I like the idea of an EV XJ. Being that luxury cars are not driven as much as other auto's, this makes total sense and I could see a new top dog luxury maker come out of the change over in the industry from ICE to EV.

I really hope Cadillac has something special for the New York Auto Show.

[smk4565]

This all comes down to Jaguar building a better mouse trap.  Because the German trio are all making electric sedans too.  Tesla is doing well because they are the only game in town right now.  When there are 5 full size EV sedans on market, then it gets back to who does it best.

[riviera74]

OK fine.  When will these luxury EVs be available for anyone to test or buy?  At least with the Teslas and Chevy Volt/Bolt, one can buy any of them right now.

[ocnblu]

LOL nothing special about it if that rumor is true.

[William Maley]

16 hours ago, riviera74 said:

OK fine.  When will these luxury EVs be available for anyone to test or buy?  At least with the Teslas and Chevy Volt/Bolt, one can buy any of them right now.

Jaguar's first EV, the i-Pace is expected to arrive sometime this year.

[smk4565]

But an electric XJ is probably 3 years away, the Porsche Mission E will be on sale before that and the other guys will probably have one in 3 years also.