No matter how much Jaguar->ke39 denies the existence of a new crossover being developed to slot in above the upcoming F-Pace, the rumors keep on coming. Unlike previous reports, the latest rumblings on the proposed J-Pace->ke5144 crossover cast a little doubt to Ian Callum’s “categorically, no” response when asked about a larger Jaguar SUV->ke145 or crossover.->ke288

Callum’s statement was in regards to a three-row Jaguar not happening because it wouldn’t be sporty enough. If this latest report from CAR is true, Jaguar’s team has either figured out how to get a three-row crossover to be sporty, or the big crossover won’t have three rows. The latter would be somewhat disappointing since the big Jag will reportedly share a platform with the Range Rover,->ke469 and offering a third row would be an excellent way to keep these two SUVs from stepping on each other’s toes.

One way it seems that Jaguar SUVs will differentiate its crossovers from Land Rover->ke46 or other competitors is by making them more performance-oriented than the go-anywhere Land Rover models. The report says that the J-Pace will be offered with two wheelbase options as well as a plug-in hybrid->ke4486 drivetrain and even a high-performance model. Unlike the four-wheel-drive Range Rover, the J-Pace will most likely come standard with rear-wheel drive.

The J-Pace seems to have evolved from the idea of Jaguar growing the lineup of its XJ->ke1206 sedan.->ke142 A coupe,->ke141 convertible->ke144 and shooting brake were all said to have been considered, but it sounds like a J-Pace makes more sense financially following the launch of the F-Pace->ke5038 and the redesign of the XJ in 2018.

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Why it matters

Although the idea of an expanded XJ lineup would have been pretty cool, luxury crossovers and SUVs are where the money is these days. The market for big luxury SUVs is gaining in popularity with the updated and renamed Mercedes GLS-Class->ke3886 being joined by the Audi Q8->ke4363 and BMW X7,->ke3218 so the addition of a larger Jaguar crossover definitely makes sense… despite the denials coming from Jaguar.

Jaguar F-Pace

Read our speculative review of the F-Pace here.