I-Pace

Make
Jaguar
Segment
SUV

The I-Pace has been a strong seller since its debut back in 2018, but we've known for a while that Jaguar is planning to expand its luxury EV lineup to compete with the likes of Tesla, Mercedes, and VW. For the first time in its model's history, the next-generation Jaguar XJ will be sold as an all-electric flagship sedan. Now, Auto Express claims Jaguar is putting the finishing touches to the long-rumored J-Pace, the carmaker's new secret weapon to take on the Tesla Model X.

Like the new XJ, Jaguar's new electric SUV will ride on Jaguar's new MLA platform that supports traditional combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric powertrains. While the J-Pace was expected to be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the publication claims it will be an electric-only model.

With former Renault boss Thierry Bollore at the helm, rolling out the J-Pace is reportedly one of the new CEO's top priorities as Jaguar prepares to evolve into an all-electric brand to compete with Tesla and Polestar.

The mid-sized J-Pace will borrow styling cues from its smaller I-Pace sibling, sporting a closed-off grille and slim LED headlamps, but the profile will have more in common with the larger F-Pace SUV. As for the battery, the MLA platform supports battery sizes up to 100 kWh, which could power the range-topping J-Pace. All-wheel drive will be offered as standard.

In the US, the J-Pace will need to offer an electric driving range of over 351 miles to compete with the Model X. For reference, the I-Pace has a maximum range of 234 miles but is only offered with a 90 kWh battery.

While the J-Pace will be a large luxury SUV, Jaguar's design boss Julian Thompson also wants Jaguar to build cars that are "smaller, more efficient and have all the inherent values of a Jaguar, which are a beautiful thing to look at, with a fantastic interior, and are just great to drive." A launch timeline for the J-Pace is unknown, but the production of the electric XJ has been delayed until October 2021 so it could be a long wait.