The first car of Jaguar’s new era has finally broken cover as it begins road testing for a 2026 launch, just two weeks before the firm unveils a concept that will set the tone for the design of all its upcoming models.
The first all-new Jaguar since the I-Pace was launched in early 2018, this striking four-door GT is the first of three upcoming electric cars due to arrive by the end of the decade atop a new brand-specific, EV-only platform dubbed JEA. The other two EVs are a large luxury saloon and an SUV.
Technical details remain closely guarded, save for what the company has already confirmed: it will pack north of 575bhp, have a range of more than 430 miles and be priced above £100,000.
But now that road testing is finally under way, fresh images give the first indication of the size, shape and silhouette of Jaguar’s Porsche Taycan rival. They reveal just how accurate Autocar’s earlier renderings (see below) were in their straight-edged proportions, long bonnet and complete departure from recognisable Jaguar styling hallmarks - features that will carry over to all the brand’s future models.
Beneath the heavy camouflage of this early prototype, it is clear that the Jaguar GT will be a large, low-slung saloon with a rakish, coupé-like roofline, a generous wheelbase and its A-pillars positioned as far as possible behind the front axle to give a cab-rear silhouette reminiscent of some of Jaguar’s biggest-engined past models.
Interestingly, in size and shape, it appears not dissimilar to the electric Jaguar XJ that was axed midway through its development programme in 2021, though it will bear no relation to that car.
The front ends of Jaguar’s new models will be dominated by a distinctive new lighting arrangement made up of ultra-slim LED strips that will be almost invisible when off, but they are covered entirely on this test car.
The one design element recognisable from past Jaguar models on this car is the front grille panel, which is the same shape as that of the I-Pace, but camouflage is clearly visible underneath, which strongly suggests that it is non-functional and won’t feature on the production car. Instead, electric Jaguars will wear an all-new face centred around a new decorative ‘grille’ and a new interpretation of the Jaguar badge.
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Oh crap! The front end really does look like the autocar render.
a cross between a baking shark and the grimace emoji !!!
Basking shark
That's one episode of Bake Off I'd watch! ;-)
Interesting proprotions, quite menacing. The long bonnet is an interesting decision given EVs don't need much space up front. Could there be a frunk? Not much ground clearance though, hopefully it's riding low on air suspension because that could easily get caught on a few speed humps.
Proportions of a foot long super dong. Hey ladies, look at my chopper.
I really don't get why you'd have a bonnet that long when there's no engine in there. Or have they packaged the battery up front in a block (rather than a skateboard) in order to get a super-low occupant position and low roof?
It looks like the childish fantasy of a tyranical super villain. aka Gerry McGovern, zero f*cks given.