The all-new Jaguar GT EV delivers on the British car-brand's original founder's vision that a 'Jaguar should be a copy of nothing' – and then some.
In fact, so radical is the four-door limo alternative to other electric limos like the Mercedes EQS, Polestar 5 and Lotus Emeya, many 'experts' thought it would be impossible to build.
Work actually began on the Jaguar GT, codename X900, back in 2021 when a small black ops-style band of designers and engineers met to drive some of the classic Jaguars that have shaped the carmaker.
Curiously, instead of becoming infatuated by cars like the XK120, E-type or much later XJ-S, it was a 1978 XJ-C coupe that won the team over, with the pillarless two-door delivering a masterclass in ride, refinement and effortless performance.
To achieve the show car's dramatic proportions, Jaguar had to start from scratch developing both an all-new architecture and a triple-motor all-electric powertrain.
In the flesh, a classic GT's long bonnet, short rear deck and ultra short overhangs are all present and correct but turned up to 11.
Much bigger in the flesh than you would imagine, even with camouflage, the 5200mm length, stretched 3200mm wheelbase and standing just 1400mm tall, plus monolithic design is imposing and like nothing else.
Beneath the skin, it might have been tempting to load up the Jaguar GT with all the tech it could, but engineers did the opposite. If it wasn't needed, it wasn't included.
There is height-adjustable dual-chamber air suspension and adaptive dampers and even rear-wheel steering, but it's all tech used previously in either Jaguars or Range Rovers.
Trick roll-cancelling tech was ignored due to weight, power usage and the fact the GT has a low centre of gravity.
Non-negotiables were optimum double wishbones up front and an expensive multi-link integral rear suspension, plus arran ging the battery pack for an optimum 50:50 weight distribution.
Engineers also split the battery to create an area of free space within the pack itself, enabling them to mount the driver and passenger seat almost as low as the F-Type, the same arrangement also provides valuable foot room for the second row.
We were permitted to climb into the rear seats, or explore the old mule that is just one of 150 prototypes that have been hot and cold-weather tested all over the world but a large boot has been promised, as well as a small frunk for cables.
Leg and headroom should also be generous.
Behind the wheel, the Jaguar doesn't lack pace thanks to a mighty triple-motor arrangement that pumps out a towering 768kW and 1300Nm of torque.
Expect a 0-100km/h comfortably below 4.0 seconds, although in the driving mode we were limited to, instead of neck-snapping thrust, engineers focused on a more linear build-up of acceleration.
Using a pair of e-motors to drive the rear axle, that alone produces 706kW, Jaguar says combined with a smaller 260kW motor driving the front wheels, it delivers a traditional rear-biased feel.
The rear axle can also use the motors for torque vectoring, boosting agility further.
Over a poorly surfaced road that gives a decent impression of what we're subjected to in Australia, the GT soaks up the punishment and provides easily what feels like class-best comfort.
Push a little further and you'll discover there is some body roll but it's not excessive and combined with accurate and precise steering, drive-by-wire brakes that imperceptibly blend real mechanical braking with regenerative braking and you have an engaging and surprisingly authentic driving experience.
Fitted with a 120kWh battery – the biggest power pack engineers could squeeze between its axles – and the new GT should be able to cover up to 700km on a single charge.
Plug it in and its 800-volt architecture should ensure a 10-80 per cent recharge in around 20 minutes.
In markets like the UK, the Jaguar GT is tipped to be priced around £130,000 ($260,000 plus on-roads) with the British brand preferring to sell fewer cars at high prices and profit margins than before.
Verdict
While Jaguar's chaotic rebrand could have led to a British Cybertruck, the new GT strikes us as a winning combination of bold looks and top-drawer driving dynamics.
Its decision to ignore hybrid technology could prove costly but from our first spin it feels like after a bumpy restart Jaguar might have its mojo back.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer with accommodation and meals provided.
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