Jaguar design boss Ian Callum has spoken out for the first time about the long-mooted J-Pace flagship SUV, and admits the next XJ could be all-electric.
In an interview published in The Sun newspaper's motoring pages, the long-standing head of design claimed that it was "worth looking at" following up the Jaguar E-Pace and Jaguar F-Pace with a larger, more luxurious SUV.
A day with Jaguar's design director Ian Callum
"We can't become obsessed with it [making SUVs]. We are still a car company. We have a sister that specialises in SUVs. But in terms of sales opportunity, it would be a good idea to do another one".
When asked about Jaguar's next move, Callum confirmed it would be the new XJ, due later this year. He claimed the British firm is "looking at it in a rather individual way".
Asked if that meant it could be all-electric, Callum said: "it could be. I think it is important Jaguar latches on to the idea now that we're an electric car company - because one day everyone will be, so let's just get on with it."
With the J-Pace reportedly sharing its platform with the XJ, that would mean an EV J-Pace is a probability. "Potentially," said Callum. "That's my view. We should just go for it".
Jaguar's three-pronged SUV attack to bring much-needed sales revival
The upcoming J-Pace flagship SUV will be one of the first electrified models built on an all-new Jaguar Land Rover platform – and sources have previously suggested an electric version is on the cards.
The J-Pace is thought to be just over two years from launch and will arrive at around the same time as the fifth-generation Range Rover, which will also be built on the firm’s MLA platform. The J-Pace is one of three new ‘mid-height’ Jaguar Land Rover models that will be based around electrified powertrains.
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Talking about being strategic
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/future-of-jaguar-land-rover-16144255
I agree TStag
Yes, sports saloons are more efficient and more fun to drive, but if the public are infatuated with SUVs, give them SUVs. There's no point trying to swim against the tide.
Exactly!
That's why Porsche/Bentley/RR/Lambo and uncle Tom Cobbley and all are building SUVs...
It's what the customer wants, take no notice of the "purists" on here. They can be catergorised as
1. Those who own a "classic" that needs its nipples greasing every 500 miles
2. Sad individuals who lust after a 2CV, are nominally vegan but would kill for a bacon sandwich
3. Jealous
4. Blather on as if their opinion counts, the kind of person who bemoans the loss of the local corner shop, despite the fact that they have never shopped there and prefer the experience of Waitrose(the "thinking" mans C0-OP). I reckon most of them are Jezzer Corbyn with multiple accounts
5. Nobheads
BREXIT - It's all your fault, NO. Really. It is.
There's also category #6
Former JLR employes who were let go for being witless and now spend their time trying to sound "strategic".
"Jaguar tends not to preview new models with concept cars"
The first XF was previewed with a concept car, to test the water with post-1960's styling. The F-Pace was too, to test the SUV water. How many concept cars are you waiting for?