The designers sought their inspiration from famous Jaguar automobiles of the past when designing the car, with the E-Type being the main inspiration as the grille of the ALC paid homage to the car. The hatchback design, 2+2 seating layout and the bonnet harkened back to its predecessor, the XK8. Other design elements are shared with the R-Coupe concept of 2001 and the R-D6 concept of 2003. The aluminium chassis shared with the XJ saloon and all-aluminium construction were a first for a Jaguar grand tourer.
The interior is a mixed of simplistic and modern design elements. It is upholstered in tan leather and had aluminium inserts. The pedals are adjustable and the car features gear shift paddles on the steering column for easier gear changes by the driver. An Alpine telematics system is present on the centre console which controls most of the car's functions.[3][1]
The car is powered by a supercharged 4.2-litre V8 engine similar to the unit fitted to the outgoing XKR and is equipped with computer active technology suspension and active restraint technology system. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.[4] The car utilises 21-inch wheels with Pirelli tyres. Jaguar claims the concept can accelerate from a standstill to 97 km/h (60 mph) in 5 seconds, and that it has a top speed of 290 km/h (180 mph).[5][3]