Jaguar Might Get SVAutobiography, SVX Models

Speaking at an event ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show, Jaguar design boss Ian Callum suggested we could see a broader range of Jaguar models tuned by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) in the future.

“I don’t see any reason why not,” Callum said when asked if Jaguar models could receive SVAutobiography ultra-luxury or SVX hardcore off-road special editions.

Callum’s answer was accompanied with a sly grin that suggested such models might already be under development.

To date, SVO has only applied its SVR high-performance touch to Jaguar cars such as the F-Type SVR and the XJ 575. The latter, Callum believes, should have been badged SVR but wasn’t quite edgy enough to get the full SVO stamp. He also believes a full XJ SVR could be viable and would compete with the Mercedes-AMG S63.

Expanding SVO’s work on the Jaguar range would likely start with its most luxurious and most capable vehicles. Although SVO has already done a high-performance XJ, an even more exclusive XJ L SVAutobiography with a palatial rear seat is a logical choice because the SVAutobiography treatment has been limited to the flagship Range Rover on the Land Rover side.

Similarly, the SVX off-road philosophy would likely be applied to Jaguar’s most capable SUV, the F-Pace. The F-Pace’s all-wheel-drive system was already designed in conjunction with Land Rover experts, making it the logical choice for off-road enhancements.

There will be more Jaguar SVRs, as well. When pressed on philosophy, Callum said that unlike BMW, which restricts which cars can have M editions, any Jaguar vehicle can potentially be an SVR. With the advancing popularity of high-performance SUVs, we can reasonably expect to see a high-performance F-Pace in the future along with hopped-up sedans.

SVO isn’t done with Land Rover, either. While it’s been busy rolling out the latest Ranger Rover SVAutobiography, Range Rover Sport SVR models, and a Discovery SVX concept, SVO boss John Edwards said “there’s room” to get closer to exotic SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus.

SVO has a wide degree of latitude to design and build what CEO Ralph Speth refers to as “future classics.” The team of 400-odd engineers and designers is constantly pitching ideas for future vehicles, Edwards said.

“My job is to say ‘no, I’m sorry, we can’t do that,’” Edwards said of the majority of proposals while green-lighting the best ideas.