Jaguar Luxury SUV Ready in 2015

While they don’t make a big fuss about their performance orientation and advanced technologies like the Germans do, Jaguar engineers usually don’t shy away from such things, a fact that was clearly demonstrated when the XJ’s unique lightweight aluminum body structure was unveiled and, more recently, the British carmaker’s endeavors with four-wheel drive and a frugal 2.2-liter diesel engine.

It looks like that isn’t really the end of the story, as an SUV, hybrid and Audi A5-rivaling crossover are also in the works, according to the Inside Line.

In another installment of the ongoing Jag-SUV rumors saga, the British carmaker is reportedly going to bring such a vehicle to the market in four years’ time, pitching it against competitors like the Cayenne, BMW X5 and Mercedes ML. The Jag-SUV will feature a lightweight aluminum structure and share some hardware with high-end Range Rovers, although we can expect to see a different approach to road behavior.

Before that happens, Jaguar will launch a number of new cars and systems, including a competitor to the segment currently occupied by the BMW 3-Series, effectively replacing the discontinued X-Type and slotting below the XF. Also expected is the AWD version of the XJ in two years’ time, but the XF might not get the benefit of traction from all four wheels until the next-gen version arrives.

These new models and programs, including a new hybrid drivetrain, make the coming years the busiest period in the famous British carmaker’s history. It’s as head of marketing Adrian Hallmark puts it, Jaguar needs to "unlock the potential of the brand. We are playing catch-up."