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A drive in the new Jaguar GT
Jaguar’s rebirth is almost upon us – ahead of it we take a ride in its all-electric GT
Words by: Auto Trader
Published on 17 December 2025 | 0 min read
Almost exactly a year after the headline-grabbing launch of the Jaguar Type 00 concept we’ve been on the road in one of the 150 production car prototypes currently testing around the world.
For us, it’s a session at Jaguar Land Rover’s Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire where the new GT is undergoing its final test phase before a global unveiling next summer. JLR’s vehicle engineering director Matt Becker – the man who previously tuned cars for Lotus and Aston Martin – is leading development and is our chauffeur over the Gaydon track’s very British (and very wet) surfaces. The brief, according to Jaguar managing director Rawdon Glover, was clear. “It needs to be an involving, engaging drive, but it’s not a sports car,” says Glover. “It needs to be a car that eats up miles, that’s great to do long journeys in at speed. It needs to have that sense of power in reserve.”
For us, it’s a session at Jaguar Land Rover’s Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire where the new GT is undergoing its final test phase before a global unveiling next summer. JLR’s vehicle engineering director Matt Becker – the man who previously tuned cars for Lotus and Aston Martin – is leading development and is our chauffeur over the Gaydon track’s very British (and very wet) surfaces. The brief, according to Jaguar managing director Rawdon Glover, was clear. “It needs to be an involving, engaging drive, but it’s not a sports car,” says Glover. “It needs to be a car that eats up miles, that’s great to do long journeys in at speed. It needs to have that sense of power in reserve.”
Power in reserve
That power is substantial. The prototype Becker drives us in packs close to 1,000 horsepower from its triple-motor powertrain, yet still promises a range of around 400 miles. Despite being over five metres long and weighing pretty much the same as an electric Range Rover the car delivers effortless performance thanks to all-wheel drive, rear-wheel steering and more.
Early impressions from the test track suggest a blend of comfort and composure that’s unmistakably Jaguar. You don’t feel as detached from the road surface as in some luxury models thanks to a sense of what we’d describe as connected comfort, despite the big 23-inch wheels and low-profile tyres.
Early impressions from the test track suggest a blend of comfort and composure that’s unmistakably Jaguar. You don’t feel as detached from the road surface as in some luxury models thanks to a sense of what we’d describe as connected comfort, despite the big 23-inch wheels and low-profile tyres.
Jaguar GT on track
Air suspension keeps the car poised and stable – even at three-figure speeds – while the steering, brakes and acceleration have been tuned to deliver a sense of calm, with continuous power rather than the abrupt surge common in many EVs. “We’re looking for a cohesion between braking and accelerating,” Becker explains. “We want it to feel like there’s always that power in reserve”.
After our prototype drive, Jaguar’s design team lifts the covers on a production-ready version of the car. We can’t reveal too much yet, but the finished car is a striking four-door GT retaining the long bonnet, low roofline, big wheels and dramatic stance of the original Type 00. Much of the concept’s daring design has made it into production but it’s been refined, looks more resolved, and is visually even more arresting. We are also given a glimpse of the interior, which promises a reimagined take on “Modern Luxury”, with cues taken directly from the concept’s bold cabin. What we can also say from riding in the prototype is it will also rely on a fully digital rear-view system, rather than a conventional back window, echoing innovations seen in the Polestar 4.
After our prototype drive, Jaguar’s design team lifts the covers on a production-ready version of the car. We can’t reveal too much yet, but the finished car is a striking four-door GT retaining the long bonnet, low roofline, big wheels and dramatic stance of the original Type 00. Much of the concept’s daring design has made it into production but it’s been refined, looks more resolved, and is visually even more arresting. We are also given a glimpse of the interior, which promises a reimagined take on “Modern Luxury”, with cues taken directly from the concept’s bold cabin. What we can also say from riding in the prototype is it will also rely on a fully digital rear-view system, rather than a conventional back window, echoing innovations seen in the Polestar 4.
All-electric, all-in
This new GT represents the first model in Jaguar’s next chapter – one that we’re told places design and desirability at its core. “There are lots of sports cars out there and there are lots of sedans that are extremely comfortable, but perhaps a bit anonymous. So, it’s definitely a Jaguar thing,” says Glover.
And, despite some brands rowing back on their all-electric plans, every future Jaguar will still be fully electric, according to Tom Bury, the brand’s product and services marketing director. “People will buy into Jaguar and design first, electric second,” he promises. The all-electric GT will be revealed next summer, with first customer deliveries expected in 2027. For Jaguar, this isn’t just a new model – it’s a complete reinvention of the brand. From what we’ve seen and experienced so far, the GT stands a good chance of elevating Jaguar’s position to put it among the world’s most desirable luxury carmakers.
And, despite some brands rowing back on their all-electric plans, every future Jaguar will still be fully electric, according to Tom Bury, the brand’s product and services marketing director. “People will buy into Jaguar and design first, electric second,” he promises. The all-electric GT will be revealed next summer, with first customer deliveries expected in 2027. For Jaguar, this isn’t just a new model – it’s a complete reinvention of the brand. From what we’ve seen and experienced so far, the GT stands a good chance of elevating Jaguar’s position to put it among the world’s most desirable luxury carmakers.
