Jaguar’s electric XJ, once the flagship model tipped to lead the brand’s electric reinvention, was sadly scrapped in 2021. However, leaked pictures of an almost production-ready version of the XJ EV have now surfaced, giving us a glimpse of what could have been.
The electric XJ was first previewed by Jaguar in 2019 and was seen road testing in the advanced stages of its development. Despite this progress, Jaguar made the tough decision to cancel the model just two years later, citing a mismatch with the brand’s vision for a reimagined Jaguar lineup in the rapidly changing automotive industry.
While Jaguar never officially released images of the XJ EV, leaked photos now show that the design took heavy inspiration from the Jaguar I-Pace, the brand’s only existing electric vehicle. The XJ EV retained the classic saloon body shape of the XJ, with elements reminiscent of the I-Pace’s design language.
Interestingly, the shape of the XJ EV bears a resemblance to the upcoming electric Jaguar GT, set to launch in 2026. This new model is said to be a departure from traditional Jaguar styling, featuring straight-edged proportions and a long bonnet. It will be the first of three electric Jaguars to be built on the brand’s new EV-only platform, JEA, with a large luxury saloon and an SUV also in the pipeline.
As Jaguar prepares for its electric future, production of several non-electric models has already ceased, with only the F-Pace set to remain in production for certain markets through 2025. The brand is gearing up to unveil a concept that will set the tone for its complete electric rebirth in the coming weeks, signaling a new era for the iconic British automaker.
