New electric Jaguar XJ cancelled

• XJ was set to be one of the first electric luxury saloons
• Jaguar plans to build more electric cars in the UK
• Nameplate may return

The forthcoming Jaguar XJ replacement has been cancelled. The brand was believed to be deep into the process of developing the car but a change of emphasis at Jaguar has meant the new XJ is no longer part of the plan.

Much was said about the new Jaguar XJ, and in particular the availability of an electric powertrain for the first time. It would have rivalled the BMW i7, Tesla Model S and Mercedes EQS, and would likely have provided occupants with a very quiet cabin.

Jaguar’s new ‘Reimagine’ strategy focuses on turning the brand into one that only sells electric cars by 2025, and it also looks set to reposition itself as even more luxurious. While it seems odd that a luxurious electric Jaguar XJ has been cancelled as part of such plans, it may be that it was too expensive to produce a flagship with the performance and range to match its rivals.

Alternatively, the decision to axe the XJ may have come because of the architecture that would have underpinned it. Jaguar will develop its own electric platform - separate from sister company Land Rover - but we understand that the XJ was set to use Land Rover’s MLA platform, which can also welcome hybrid powertrains.

The new XJ was set to be built at Jaguar’s Castle Bromwich plant in Birmingham. It appears the brand is currently undecided about the future for the historic site. It may become a factory for electric car batteries and technology, with vehicles assembled in a newer site nearby.

Read our reviews of Jaguar’s current models here.