The Jaguar Type 01 Grand Tourer EV, priced at £120,000, is 2m wide and 5.2m long, making it too large for UK car parking spaces. The heritage carmaker calls it “a new era”, but the vehicle's size and design have drawn criticism.
Design and Dimensions
The car's width and length mean it cannot fit into standard UK parking bays. It features a glassless tailgate, blacked-out windows, and 23-inch wheels, which are larger than the 16-18 inch wheels typically found on a Toyota Hilux, the vehicle of choice for Chad warlords.
Despite using 73% aluminium, the car weighs over 2.5 tonnes. Its drag coefficient is 0.23, which is higher than the 0.21 of an average electric saloon. The design aims for a “monolithic” look, with a rounded nose and a front-to-back taper intended to convey friendliness.
Target Buyers and Performance
Jaguar is targeting buyers who are “rich, urban, very design literate, very technology literate”, according to Rawdon Glover, Jaguar's MD. This marks a shift from the traditional Jaguar driver, typically a man in his 50s wanting to signal his wealth.
The Type 01 has three engines – one at the front and one on each rear wheel – and can accelerate from 62mph to 112mph in 4 seconds. However, it only has four seats and boot space that a Skoda Octavia would surpass.
Practicality and Colour
Given its width, the car is deemed impractical for regular city driving. The ticket price is £120,000, but extras make the final cost likely to be around £150,000.
The car is available in “London red”, inspired by mansion blocks, double-decker buses, post boxes, and room 32 of the National Gallery. The colour is described as a signal of a certain personality type.
