Ahead of the global debut of its Type 01 on October 6 in New York, Jaguar is sharing with the world some interior images of its upcoming electric grand tourer.
As the flagship entry for the brand's complete relaunch under its “exuberant modernism” design philosophy, the Type 01 is a big deal for the embattled British carmaker. And while we’ve previously seen what the exterior will look like, in early prototype form at least, this is a first look at what’s inside. And what’s inside is a four-seat cabin embracing a starkly minimalist, linear aesthetic that departs sharply from traditional ultra-luxury conventions.
Just like with the exterior design, this austere, almost barren interior is likely to generate a polarized reaction.
Four cubicles
The interior’s defining structural feature is a full-length central spine running from the dashboard through to the rear seats. Replacing a conventional centre console, the spine maintains a uniform height to divide the cabin into four distinct, individualized spaces.
Forsaking the massive infotainment screens so prevalent in new vehicles today, particularly in the luxury segments, the Type 01 restricts digital displays to a single cluster directly in front of the driver, next to which sits a small, vertically angled display mounted on the central spine. That one’s for climate and media controls, and you’re probably right to conclude from that that there will be few-to-no physical buttons within this space.
Here’s another notable absence: a rear window. To compensate, a digital rear-view mirror display is embedded at the base of the windscreen.
Jaguar says it drew inspiration for the materials from travertine stone and artisan textiles, making mention of cream-coloured upholstery paired with light brown bolsters and brass-toned metal trim that spans the length of the cabin and doors. Linear graphics along the cowl extend directly into the top of the dashboard, visually merging the exterior bodywork with the interior environment.
While Jaguar focuses attention on the cocooning, low-slung seating position and concealed storage compartments, it’s hard not to take note of the rigid, rectangular seat forms and absence of physical switchgear. The effect is surprisingly utilitarian, a contrast to rivals like the Rolls-Royce Spectre and Cadillac Celestiq.
Powertrain of the Jaguar Type 01
Underneath, the model rests on the new dedicated Jaguar Electric Architecture (JEA). Performance figures project a three-motor powertrain delivering 986 hp (1,000 PS) and 959 lb-ft of torque, backed by a 120-kWh battery pack targeting a 644-km range.
Following a prototype appearance of Jaguar’s Type 01 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 16, full specifications, as well as the final versions of the exterior and interior designs, will be revealed in October in the Big Apple.
