By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Jaguar Land Rover North America
For 2017, the Jaguar XE redefines the concept of the sports sedan thanks to its advanced lightweight construction, streamlined styling, luxurious interior, and outstanding ride and handling, a true driver’s car.
DESIGN
The Jaguar XE was developed in parallel with, and uses, an all-new modular architecture shared with both the XF mid-size sports sedan and the first-ever Jaguar SUV, the F-PACE. The architecture unlocks design possibilities that could not previously be delivered. The new architecture also enables the XE to feature both a low, sporty driving position and a sleek, coupe-like profile.
The strongly-sculpted hood creates a taut, muscular appearance. The rising waistline adds to the sense of movement, while the form of the rear quarters takes inspiration from the F-TYPE Coupe. The signature J-Blade daytime running lights are a recognizable Jaguar design element, while the rear lights feature a horizontal line intersecting a circle; a powerful styling feature inherited from the iconic E-Type.
A spacious cabin cocoons front seat passengers with a deep center console which creates a cockpit-like feel. The instrument panel dials and the cluster needle sweep on start-up further emphasize the sports sedan attributes of the XE.
Front and rear seat occupants enjoy generous amounts of head and legroom, while fine-grain leathers and details such as contrasting twin-needle stitching give the cabin a bespoke quality. The choice of gloss black, textured aluminum, and contemporary wood veneers enhance the luxurious, hand-crafted feel, while the available ambient lighting in a range of up to 10 colors adds to the sense of occasion.
POWERTRAIN
For customers demanding ultimate performance and an exhilarating engine note from idle right up to the redline, there’s the Jaguar XE 35t model, which shares its supercharged 340hp 3.0-liter V6 with the acclaimed F-TYPE.
Direct injection and fully variable valve timing optimize power and torque throughout the rev range. The 90-degree cylinder bank angle provides space for the twin-vortex Roots-type supercharger, a balancer shaft ensures the engine runs smoothly.
Developing 340hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, the V6 provides the Jaguar XE 35t with exceptional performance: 0-60 mph takes just 5.1 seconds.
The XE 25t features the proven 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 GTDI engine. This powertrain produces 240hp and 251lb-ft of torque in a compact footprint reducing overall weight.
Jaguar has also launched the XE in the United States and Canada with the new Ingenium engine family. The first Ingenium engine offered in the Jaguar XE for North America is the 180hp 2.0-liter diesel in-line-four which returns fuel economy figures of 32 city, 42 highway and 36 combined miles per gallon.
The Ingenium diesel engine is characterized by the rapid build-up of torque from very low engine speeds, enabled by highly efficient variable geometry turbochargers. Maximum torque is maintained over a wide rev range, ensuring instantaneous response and strong acceleration whenever the driver demands it. Weighing only 304lbs, this all-aluminum engine features twin counter-rotating balancer shafts to cancel-out second order forces, offering the smoothness and power of a naturally aspirated six-cylinder but in a smaller, more efficient package.
ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE FEATURES
The Jaguar XE is equipped with All Surface Progress Control. This new system, developed with the input of decades of Jaguar Land Rover experience in off-road traction systems, works like a low-speed cruise control. Functioning between 2 mph and 19 mph, ASPC is designed to precisely control brake and powertrain systems delivering optimum traction in a variety of road conditions.
An optional laser head-up display technology provides the driver with information such as speed and navigation instructions by projecting high-contrast color images onto the windshield, keeping the driver’s eyes on the road while providing excellent visibility in a variety of conditions from day to night.
Acting as the eyes of the optional autonomous emergency braking system, the Jaguar XE features stereo camera technology. Sensors in this system provide measurements of speed and distance of objects ahead and can initiate full braking to avoid or mitigate a collision.
ALL-NEW INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
The all-new Jaguar InControl infotainment system offered on the XE features the latest technologies to connect the car, driver and the outside world together. At its heart is an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen which features a clear, intuitive interface with fast response times.
InControl Touch supports Bluetooth, audio streaming and USB connectivity. The Jaguar XE can also be fitted with an SD card-based navigation system which allows easy upgrades of map data. Voice control using plain speech gives access to any level of the system, without the need for drivers to take their eyes off the road or navigate through menus. For drivers wanting a traditional infotainment interface, Jaguar XE systems feature a user-friendly map which can be operated by touch using simple pinch-to-zoom commands like many smart-phones.
The new Jaguar XE is available with two Meridian audio systems. These superb systems are the result of the long-standing partnership between Jaguar and British audio experts Meridian. Unique algorithms guarantee the best possible sound reproduction and tailor the experience to the interior acoustics of the vehicle. Available systems range from 380 watts, 11-speaker systems stereo to 825 watts, 14-speaker systems equipped with surround sound processors.
Summary
The aluminum-intensive Jaguar XE is the first model developed from the new JLR modular vehicle architecture. The long wheelbase and low seating position enable perfect proportions and a streamlined, coupe-like profile. The cabin offers outstanding levels of comfort and spaciousness. Exquisite materials and finishes combined, with traditional Jaguar craftsmanship make this an interior without compare.
The all-new XE range consists of the XE 20d, powered by a 180hp 2.0-liter turbocharged Ingenium diesel engine; the XE 25t, powered by a 240hp 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine; and the XE 35t, which is powered by a 340hp 3.0-liter V6 gas engine. The 20d, 25t and 35t are selectively available in XE, XE Premium, XE Prestige and XE R-Sport trim levels and are priced from $34,900.00 $36,400.00 and $41,700.00 respectively.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
