Details of an all-new Jaguar J-PACE SUV flagship have surfaced, giving insight into how the British car-maker soon do battle with luxurious SUVs like the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS.
Developed alongside the fifth-generation Range Rover, the Jaguar J-PACE will be based on the group's soon-to-be ubiquitous Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA) platform, according to
.The new MLA platform is set to come in 'high-rise', 'mid-height' and 'low-rise' versions, with cars like the Range Rover and Defender riding on the tallest platform and the Jaguar J-Pace using the mid-height architecture.
Significantly lighter than the current D7 and D8 platforms currently used, the all-aluminium base will allow the Jaguar J-PACE to use the car-maker's next-generation electrified powertrains.
As standard, Jaguar will offer its largest SUV with plug-in hybrid power that combines a turbocharged inline six-cylinder Ingenium engine, electric motor and lithium-ion battery that will provide for a 70km pure-electric range.
Interestingly, engineers have also developed a new rear axle that uses an electric motor to drive the rear wheels to provide all-wheel drive.
Without a mechanical connection from front- to rear axle, Jaguar can neatly use the underfloor space to package a lithium-ion battery pack without compromising cabin space.
It's claimed the electrically-powered rear axle will also be tuned for on- and off-road handling prowess and provide far more agile handling than a conventional set-up. In fact, engineers are confident they will be able to eclipse the Porsche Cayenne for handling.
Measuring in at about 4.9 metres long, the J-PACE's interior space should be generous for passengers with plenty of luggage space.
It's thought a rakish rear roofline will rule out a third row of seats and, ultimately, the taller Range Rover will remain ultimately the more spacious and luxurious SUV.
Set to sit above the current I-PACE in the SUV range, in the UK it's predicted when the J-PACE arrive in 2021 it will be priced from around £70,000 (A$130,000).