Jaguar is pushing full speed ahead into the electric era, with its upcoming I-Type grand tourer leading the charge. Despite the mixed reactions to its EV-only strategy, the British luxury automaker is standing firm on its commitment to electrification. In a recent interview with Autocar, Jaguar’s managing director, Rawdon Glover, doubled down on the company’s vision and provided fresh details about the highly anticipated I-Type.
No Turning Back on EVs
While some automakers have scaled back EV plans in response to slowing demand, Jaguar is taking the opposite approach. “There is no flexibility,” Glover stated, emphasizing that Jaguar’s next-generation Jaguar Electric Architecture (JEA) will exclusively support battery-electric vehicles. That means no hybrids, no internal combustion engines—just pure EVs.
This strategic decision was made back in 2021 when Jaguar committed to becoming an all-electric brand. Glover remains confident in the long-term viability of EVs, pointing to advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure as key factors that will shape the market over the next decade. “EV will be the right platform for us and the powertrain of choice,” he said.
Blazing Performance with 986 HP
Jaguar is positioning the I-Type as a true performance grand tourer, and the numbers are staggering. The range-topping version is set to deliver 986 horsepower, allowing for breathtaking acceleration and a top speed of 160 mph—figures that rival some of the most powerful electric sedans on the market.
Glover, who has personally driven the high-performance prototype, described it as “the most fun I’ve had” during his time at Jaguar. “It was stunning in terms of its speed, its acceleration, its performance, but also how it delivered the power with a real sense of character,” he added.
Despite its immense power, the I-Type isn’t being developed as a hardcore sports car. Instead, Jaguar aims to create a refined grand tourer that blends speed with long-distance comfort. “You can drive confidently at pace for extended periods and still come out feeling great,” Glover explained.
A Shared Foundation with JLR Models
While the I-Type will debut Jaguar’s new electric platform, it won’t be built in complete isolation. Glover confirmed that the I-Type will share its battery and electric motors with other Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) models to keep development costs manageable. That means we might see similar powertrain components in the upcoming Range Rover EV, which is expected in the near future.
Sleek Design with a Four-Door Layout
The I-Type draws heavy inspiration from last year’s Type 00 concept, but it will feature some key changes for production—most notably, an additional set of doors. Despite this, Jaguar promises that the final design will stay true to the concept’s long hood, aggressive front fascia, and signature “Strikethrough” taillight graphic.
Inside, the I-Type is expected to feature an innovative, minimalist cockpit with retractable screens that can disappear when not in use, reducing distractions for the driver. “We won’t be bombarding the driver with technology,” Glover assured.
Pricing and Launch Timeline
Originally rumored to cost around $200,000, the I-Type will instead start at approximately $128,000, making it more competitive in the high-end EV market. Jaguar plans to unveil the final production model by the end of 2025, with deliveries beginning in mid-2026.
The I-Type is just the beginning. Jaguar has two more EVs in the pipeline, including a large sedan and an SUV, both of which will be built on the same electric platform.
With its bold shift toward electrification, Jaguar is redefining its legacy, hoping to position itself as a true luxury EV brand for the future.
