We have known for a while that Jaguar is working on a new entry-level model. Or as Jaguar calls it, a new “premium sports sedan”.
Called the XE, it will compete against segment leaders such as Audi’s A4, BMW’s 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The XE will be the first Jaguar product to use company’s new aluminium monocoque, as well is its new range of 2,0-litre petrol and diesel engines, called “Ingenium”. Although not confirmed, all of these engines are likely to be turbocharged. Jaguar even claims the CO2 emissions will be as low as 100g per km.
The interesting bit is that Jaguar has also confirmed that some of the models will be able to crack a top speed of 300 km/h. This means that apart from the 2,0-litre engines, there should be a V6 engine, or even a V8 engine derivative in the line-up. Maybe an XE-RS?
More details will only be made available towards the end of the year though, but deliveries will start mid-2015.
We will leave the final word to design director Ian Callum: “”The new Jaguar XE is every bit a modern Jaguar; more compact in size but visually striking. Customers will expect a great deal from a mid-size Jaguar – it must be practical but premium. We never forget we are designing a Jaguar and that means it must be as exciting to look at and drive as it is brilliant to run and practical to own. We believe we’ve done just that with the Jaguar XE.”
