It’s fair to say the new Jaguar Type 01 has got people talking.
From its incredibly long bonnet and low roofline to its enormous 23-inch wheels, Jaguar hasn’t exactly played it safe with its new electric car. But that seems to be precisely the point.
The Type 01 is a four-door electric Grand Tourer and, according to Jaguar, it will be the most powerful and aerodynamic car the company has ever produced. It’s bold, dramatic and designed to stand out – so whether you love its looks or aren’t quite convinced yet, it’s certainly difficult to ignore.
Let’s start with the performance figures, because they’re every bit as striking as the design.
Jaguar says the Type 01 will have more than 1,000 horsepower, making it an exceptionally powerful electric car. It is expected to accelerate from 0–62mph in just 3.2 seconds.
It will have three electric motors and four-wheel drive, which means power can be delivered to all four wheels. Jaguar has also included technology designed to control that power and help the car remain stable and responsive.
The Type 01 will use adjustable air suspension to help balance comfort and control, while all-wheel steering should make it easier to manoeuvre around town and more stable at higher speeds.
For many drivers, however, its range and charging figures will probably be even more interesting.
Jaguar is targeting up to 450 miles of official WLTP range. When connected to a suitable 350kW rapid charger, the battery is expected to charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 22 minutes. Jaguar also says drivers could add up to 200 miles of range in 13 minutes.
As always, the words “up to” are important. The distance an electric car can travel and how quickly it charges will depend on several factors, including the weather, driving style, battery temperature and charger being used.
Even so, these figures give us a good idea of what Jaguar is aiming to achieve with its new electric car.
There will be charging ports on both sides of the Type 01, making it easier to plug in regardless of how a charging point is positioned. Its built-in navigation can also plan charging stops automatically when they are needed.
The car can warn drivers when their driving style is having a significant effect on the remaining range. It also has a system that helps keep the cabin and battery at an efficient temperature during hot and cold weather.
Inside, the Type 01 looks every bit as unusual as it does on the outside.
A brass-inspired feature runs through the centre of the cabin, helping to create an individual space for each of the car’s four occupants. The driver gets a large 24-inch screen for essential driving information and entertainment, plus a smaller seven-inch screen for commonly used controls.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be included, along with wireless phone charging and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot that can support as many as eight devices.
One of the most interesting features is the digital rear-view display. The Type 01 has what Jaguar describes as a “glassless tailgate”, so a camera and screen take the place of a conventional rear-view mirror. This works alongside cameras around the car to help provide the driver with a clearer view of their surroundings.
Jaguar has also included a full-width Meridian soundbar and technology that reduces unwanted road noise inside the cabin. There is even a feature called Sensory Audio, which Jaguar says will allow occupants to physically feel the music as well as hear it.
Despite its dramatic appearance, the Type 01 hasn’t completely forgotten about practicality. Jaguar says it will provide more than 450 litres of combined luggage space, alongside pull-out compartments and hidden storage areas. The rear seats can also be tilted forwards to make room for larger items.
The battery will be covered by an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first.
It is important to remember that the vehicle currently being shown represents the Type 01 as it enters production. Jaguar says final customer cars and individual features are not yet available for sale and could change before launch.
That means we’ll need to wait for the finished production model and independent real-world testing before reaching firm conclusions about its range, charging speed and performance.
What we can say is that Jaguar hasn’t chosen to make a cautious return.
The Type 01 combines enormous power, a long target range, very rapid charging and a design that looks unlike almost anything else on the road.
Will everybody like it? Probably not. But a Jaguar that inspires debate, divides opinion and gets people looking twice feels much more interesting than one that simply blends into the background.
