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Jaguar embraces spotlight after radical $100K luxury EV concept sparks backlash

After revealing its new Type 00 electric vehicle concept this week, Jaguar has been the center of the spotlight. With a +$100,000 price tag, Jaguar’s new luxury EV is stirring up plenty of debate. Love it or hate it, Jaguar is embracing the attention.

On Tuesday, Jaguar finally unveiled the Type 00 EV, an electric four-door GT. The new model is Jaguar’s first reimagined production car, kicking off a new (all-electric) era for the storied British automaker.

Jaguar is transitioning to become an all-electric brand with a new lineup of ultra-luxury EV models priced over £100,000 ($130,000).

Ahead of its official debut at Miami Art Week, images leaked of Jag’s new EV online, stirring up the social media crowd. Some poked fun, comparing it to Barbie’s dream car or the Pink Panther, while others love it, saying it shows Jag’s “bold” new look.

Even Tesla CEO Elon Musk had something to say about the controversial EV. After teasing its new branding on X with the tagline “Copy Nothing,” Musk commented, “Do you sell cars?”

Musk wasn’t the only one. EV startup Lucid Motors also teased Jag, responding with a picture of its Air Sapphire, the “World’s first luxury Super-Sports Sedan.”

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Jaguar Type 00 luxury EV concept (Source: Jaguar)

Jaguar welcomes attention over controversial luxury EV

Rawdon Glover, appointed to lead the revamped Jaguar brand last year, welcomes the attention, for better or for worse.

Glover told Sky News that the company has “gathered an awful lot of attention over the last few weeks,” adding, “But now I think it’s really important to talk about the vehicle.”

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Jaguar Type 00 luxury EV concept (Source: Jaguar)

After introducing its new Type 00 concept, Jaguar described the luxury EV as “unmistakable, unexpected, and a dramatic physical manifestation of Jaguar.” In other words, it was “a fearless statement.” And that’s exactly what it is.

Glover explained, “We need to make sure that Jaguar is relevant, is desirable, is future proof for the next 90 years of its history.”

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Jaguar Type 00 luxury EV concept interior (Source: Jaguar)

It’s no secret that the auto industry is in the middle of arguably its biggest transformation yet, with advanced new EVs, software, and connectivity tech rapidly hitting the market.

“At Jaguar, we’ve looked at that, and we think we have to make a really bold step forward,” Glober said. Jaguar’s boss added:

“We want to be bold and disruptive… We’re clearly in the conversation.”

While many companies unveil new cars all the time that go unnoticed, Glover explained, “More people have been talking about Jaguar for the last two weeks than – goodness, for so much longer.”

When asked about the backlash, Glover responded, “We absolutely don’t want to alienate any of our loyal fans.” Although Jaguar wants to take as many of its current clients as possible, it must also appeal to a new audience.

Jaguar’s new electric GT is based on its new JEA (Jaguar Electric Architecture). It has a target EPA range of 430 miles (692 km) and a WLTP range of up to 478 miles (770 km). It can also add 200 miles (321 km) of charge in as little as 15 minutes.

The production model will be revealed later next year, and sales will kick off in mid-2026. It will be built in the UK as Jaguar looks to a new beginning.

Electrek’s Take

Top comment by petero

Liked by 4 people

IMO, thumbs down for a Jaguar. The Type 00 Concept would make a great' personal driver' for Rolls Royce owner. Jaguars were reknown for being graceful. beautiful, flowing , with classic great looks. Take a good look at the early sports cars (XK120 -150, C Type, D Type, E Type), the beautiful XJ sedans. They were sexy and oh so stylish. The Type 00 Concept looks like a blunt instrument. I agree the 00C will grab attention - negative attention. Mr. Johnson's reference to a low riding with a chop top is appropriate.

Lastly, I think back to 2012 when I first saw a Tesla Model S. This was a make or break car for Tesla. If the "S" failed so would the company. The rear styling of the "S" seemed influenced by Jaguar but it was (is) a very flowing and pretty sedan. If the 00C is representative of vehicles to come from the new Jaguar styling department I am aghast. I suspect Sir William Lyons is turning in his grave.

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Jaguar’s brand boss has a point. The company needed to do something “bold” to regain relevance. However, is a Miami Pink low-riding electric GT going to do it? Not to mention the +$100,000 price tag. That’s why the brand is receiving so much backlash.

Love it or hate it, the British automaker will face stiff competition when it relaunches in 2026. New luxury EVs from Lucid, Porsche, and several others are expected to hit the market.

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Google search interest for Jaguar spikes after revealing new luxury EV (Source: Google Trends)

Jaguar has received more attention in the past two weeks than in at least 20 years. Check out the brand’s search interest in the chart above.

Jaguar is trending again, but can it keep the spotlight over the next few years as it revamps the brand? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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Author

Avatar for Peter Johnson Peter Johnson

Peter Johnson is covering the auto industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is an experienced investor, financial writer, and EV enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is a significant reason he pursued a career in investments. If he isn’t telling you about his latest 10K findings, you can find him enjoying the outdoors or exercising

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