The Jaguar XJ might be primed for a return as the company is reportedly working on a large and luxurious car that is said to be the size of a Bentley Mulsanne
The illustrations in this article are speculative and not affiliated with or endorsed by Jaguar.
Jaguar confirmed plans for an electric XJ in 2019 and prototypes were spied the following year. However, the model was eventually delayed before being killed altogether.
It’s a complex tale but, in 2021, Jaguar Land Rover announced a Reimagine strategy focused on sustainability, modern luxury, and a “positive societal impact.” As part of this effort, Jaguar will become an electric-only brand with a “dramatically beautiful new portfolio of emotionally engaging designs and pioneering next-generation technologies.”
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The company has already confirmed a three vehicle lineup, which will be headlined by a four-door GT that will arrive in 2025 and have up to 430 miles (700 km) of range. The other two models were believed to be crossovers, but an insider has told Autocar that one of them is actually an “imposing limousine conceived in the mold of the XJ.”
More: Jaguar Confirms 4-Door EV GT With 430 Mile Range And $125K Starting Price For 2025
Illustrations for the next-gen Jaguar XJ | Carscoops
That being said, the model will reportedly look nothing like an XJ as it will adopt a “radically minimalist” design with a “low-slung silhouette defined by sharp surfacing and generous proportions.” The car is also said to have a long hood, slender lighting units, and a “non-functional grille-style structure that will come to be known as the new face of Jaguar.”
Other reported highlights include 22-inch wheels and a ‘floating roof’ thanks to blacked out pillars. Much to the chagrin of traditionalists and common sense, the model is also said to eschew a rear window as Jaguar will reportedly rely on a digital rearview mirror like the Polestar 4.
The bad news doesn’t end there as the leaper emblem will reportedly be replaced by “Jaguar” lettering. That would be the biggest change since the leaper hood ornament was phased out nearly two decades ago.
Needless to say, the car sounds like a big gamble and that’s an apt word as the model is said to be roughly the same size as the old Bentley Mulsanne. The ultra-luxury sedan measured 219.5 inches (5,575 mm) long and had a wheelbase that spanned 128.6 inches (3,266 mm). To put those numbers into perspective, the 2019 Jaguar XJ L measured 206.9 inches (5,255 mm) long and had a 124.3 inch (3,157 mm) wheelbase.
The radical design will reportedly continue in the cabin, which is said to be devoid of physical controls other than the steering wheel. Instead, digital displays will rule the roost as there will be a digital instrument cluster, an infotainment system, and a smaller display on the center stack for climate and audio controls. The model is also said to have a rear seat entertainment system with two individual displays.
While everything should be taken with a grain of salt, the car will reportedly ride on the new Jaguar Electric Architecture and have a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with at least 450 hp (336 kW / 456 PS). The publication goes on to say it could have between 385 and 475 miles (620 and 764 km) of range.