Jaguar will discontinue production of its XJ luxury sedan this summer, with indications that a new electric model may replace it next year.
The curtain is set to close on the Jaguar XJ’s X351 generation in July as the final model leaves the production line, but whispers of a rebirth are emerging with plans for an electric reinvigoration in the works for its next iteration, according to Autocar.
According to a 2018 report by the same publication, there were rumors that Jaguar was planning to replace the XJ with an electric model as early as last year; however, it appears the timeline has shifted.
A Jaguar spokesperson has confirmed the brand’s intention to revive the iconic XJ nameplate, paving the way for the electric model’s development and production.
The XJ model has undergone a significant decline in popularity, with its sales trailing well behind those of other Jaguar styles. According to GoodCarBadCar, Jaguar sold just 1,579 XJ models within the US over the past year, with only 502 units moving thus far this year.
The goal is to craft an electric XJ that can rival luxury vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, or among EVs, the forthcoming Porsche Taycan.
Electrek’s Take
As Autocar predicted last year, there are indications that the current ICE XJ’s demise is drawing near, which may bring Jaguar’s electric plans one step closer to reality.
Jaguar now offers an electric vehicle option, a development that wasn’t previously anticipated when these plans were initially considered feasible. The automaker appears emboldened by the widespread acclaim received by the I-Tempo – as we noted in our review.
While speculation is rampant about a potential plan in motion, we’ll exercise caution and await an official announcement before jumping to conclusions.
