The much-rumoured Jaguar SUV will make its long-awaited debut at next month’s Frankfurt motor show, according to reports.
Autoweek reports sources have confirmed the compact SUV, expected to ride on an variation of the XJ‘s aluminium platform and enter production in 2016, will be unveiled at the forthcoming German show.
Despite reportedly not sharing platforms with sister brand Land Rover, the report claims the new Jaguar SUV – possibly badged as the XQ – will share powertrain technology with the 4WD marque, including Jaguar Land Rover’s upcoming all-new four-cylinder petrol and diesel engine family.
The publication also suggests a range-topping variant will also be offered, powered by Jaguar’s supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine used to motivate models across its line-up including the new F-Type.
While the British marque is yet to officially confirm the new model, with the XF starting at $68,545 locally, the SUV will need to sit closer to the BMW X3’s $59,000 starting price.
In June, Jaguar global brand director Adrian Hallmark told CarAdvice that a Jaguar SUV would not tread on Land Rover’s toes as any future product would remain “pure” to each marque and be reflective of two very different target markets.
“There’s nothing to stop us [Jaguar building an SUV],” Hallmark said.
“Would we take an existing Land Rover or Jaguar and swap badges Definitely not, that’s a proven model of failure.”
In response to entering the SUV market, Hallmark said, “…why can’t Jaguar have a go at SUVs? There’s no internal inhibitions about it whatsoever.”
Speculation is also rife that a new more affordable Jaguar sedan, priced in line with the BMW 3 Series, which starts at $50,900 in Australia, is also soon-to-be revealed as a new XS model.
Hallmark said previously that while he’s talked about Jaguar’s aim to expand its model range down the price ladder into the 3 Series’ price point, “I’ve never said it would be a direct 3 Series rival.”
The 2013 Frankfurt motor show opens its doors on September 12.
