There is a sense of fluidity and controlled softness about the ‘Jaguar Four-door GT’ prototype that is extremely refreshing in these days of ever-increasing roll stiffness, but that word ‘controlled’ is key. On the company’s test track, its ability to smooth away surface sharpness impresses hugely, yet so do the accuracy of the steering and the ability of the damping to quell float while maintaining isolation. It rides like a luxury car should, yet simultaneously feels as engaging as a GT should. If anything sums up the greatest of Jaguar’s traditional dynamic attributes, it is this combination.
And that’s fair enough, as Jaguar’s engineers have spent time benchmarking the best cars from its back catalogue, cars that evoke admiration for their ride comfort and refinement, as well as their poise and (obviously) their pace.
Pace is clearly important for a modern luxury GT, and the Jaguar is extremely brisk – as you’d expect for a car with more than 1000bhp from three electric motors, even though it weighs more than 2.5 tonnes. But unlike some rival EVs, as well as prioritising ride comfort, the Four-door GT will shove you firmly in your back yet won’t shock you with the violence of its acceleration. It is deliberately rather more laid-back in that respect.
For more details, and to hear more about how Jaguar’s engineers were influenced by such cars as the XJ 5.3C, see issue 276 of Octane, on sale on 29 April.
