Jaguar’s 735kW electric GT begins Arctic testing

Jaguar has begun Arctic Circle testing of its new all-electric four-door GT, with prototypes facing temperatures as low as minus 40°C in Sweden ahead of the model’s reveal later this year.

The luxury grand tourer is undergoing what Jaguar calls its most comprehensive development programme ever, with 150 prototypes covering hundreds of thousands of miles across desert highways, frozen lakes and virtual testing environments.

Winter testing on the frozen lakes of Arjeplog, Sweden, is helping engineers refine the GT’s drive modes and calibrate its advanced chassis systems, including all-wheel steering, dynamic air suspension and active twin-valve dampers.

“Jaguar has always been about driving pleasure and our new electric four-door GT will be no different,” says Matt Becker, Vehicle Engineering Director at Jaguar.

“It marks a step-change in our technical ambitions. Innovative in-house electric propulsion technologies combine with the car’s unique proportions and low centre of gravity for a luxurious grand tourer that drives like nothing else.”

Most powerful Jaguar road car ever

The four-door GT will produce more than 735kW (1000PS), making it the most powerful Jaguar road car in the brand’s history. Advanced tri-motor all-wheel-drive technology with Intelligent Torque Vectoring is designed to deliver power where needed with greater precision than previous systems.

Arctic conditions are also allowing Jaguar engineers to validate the car’s ThermAssist thermal management system, which reduces heating energy consumption by up to 40% and can recover heat to warm the propulsion system or cabin in temperatures as low as minus 10°C.

The system aims to optimise driving range even in the coldest conditions, addressing a key concern for electric vehicle owners in extreme weather.

Engineers are using the sub-zero testing to fine-tune bespoke 23-inch winter tyres and ensure the propulsion torque control works in harmony with the chassis systems for what Jaguar describes as “supreme composure and ride comfort.”

The new GT follows the Exuberant Modernist design philosophy previewed by the Jaguar Type 00 design vision and represents a significant shift for the British luxury brand as it transitions to an all-electric future.

“Our aim from the outset has been to deliver a true Jaguar driving experience and we have crafted a hugely desirable car that will be as captivating to drive as it is to look at,” says Rawdon Glover, Managing Director of Jaguar.

The four-door GT will make its world premiere later in 2026, though Jaguar has not confirmed specific market availability or pricing for New Zealand. The model is expected to compete in the luxury electric GT segment alongside vehicles like the Porsche Taycan and BMW i7.

For New Zealand’s growing luxury electric vehicle market, the new Jaguar could represent a significant addition to high-performance EV options, though local pricing and availability details are yet to be announced.