Many hints have emerged recently to indicate that Jaguar will soon launch an all-electric SUV to compete with the Tesla Model X.
Now Jaguar engineers have been spotted testing a prototype SUV, not with an all-electric powertrain, but rather a diesel-electric powertrain.
Tipped to be called the J-Pace, the test mule could foreshadow one of a pair of plug-in models from the British carmaker.
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The test mule is based on the F-Pace, but appears to have been lengthened, according to Britain's Autocar magazine, which published photos of the vehicle.
The powertrain reportedly consists of a 2.0-liter diesel engine, with some unspecified form of electric assistance.
Any production model based on this test mule would feature styling distinct from that of other Jaguar models, reports Autocar.
![2017 Jaguar F-Pace 2017 Jaguar F-Pace](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/2017-jaguar-f-pace_100552807_l.jpg)
2017 Jaguar F-Pace
Jaguar's goal is reportedly to create a family look for its green models, much as BMW has with its i3 electric car and i8 plug-in hybrid.
Within that planned family, the diesel-electric hybrid and all-electric SUVs may in fact be separate models.
Late last year, Autocar reported that Jaguar was planning an all-electric SUV with around 300 miles of range (on the European testing cycle).
ALSO SEE: Jaguar 'EV-Type' To Be All-Electric F-Pace To Compete With Tesla? (Aug 2015)
Its styling would be inspired by the C-X75 hybrid supercar concept.
Now, the magazine surmises that the hybrid J-Pace could be a larger model that will slot above the all-electric SUV in a lineup of Jaguar utility vehicles that could ultimately include up to four models.
All of these models would use the same aluminum-intensive platform as the current F-Pace and XE sedan.
![Jaguar Land Rover electrified vehicle concepts Jaguar Land Rover electrified vehicle concepts](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/jaguar-land-rover-electrified-vehicle-concepts_100526056_l.jpg)
Jaguar Land Rover electrified vehicle concepts
Last year, Jaguar and its Land Rover sibling unveiled mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric technology demonstration vehicles.
So it's entirely possible that Jag is indeed developing hybrid and all-electric production models in parallel.
Jaguar has reportedly trademarked the names E-Pace and I-Pace, although not yet J-Pace.
MORE: Jaguar Land Rover's Future Electric-Car, Efficiency Concepts Previewed (Sep 2015)
Using these names for SUVs would continue the convention established by the F-Pace, which takes its name from the old Jaguar ad tagline "grace, pace, and space."
The all-electric Jaguar SUV could arrive as early as 2017, though the hybrid reportedly wouldn't go into production before 2018.
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