After all the teaser images and videos, Jaguar has finally revealed its new XE sedan. The unveiling, made up of helicopters, the River Thames, boats and even Tower Bridge, clearly shows how important this new sedan family is for Jaguar.
These images and technical specification illustrate the sportiest Jaguar XE – for now anyway. Called the XE S, it is equipped with the 3,0-litre, V6 supercharged engine delivering 250 kW/450 N.m. Enough according to Jaguar to propel the car from standstill to 97 km/h in 4,9 seconds via the eight-speed automatic transmission. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. In essence this is the same unit as used in F-Type, XJ and the XF.
The “aluminium-intensive” XE – featuring an aluminium monocoque – is the first model based on Jaguar Land Rover’s new “modular vehicle architecture”. As with other automotive companies, expect upcoming Jaguar models to be based on this platform, such as the new XF. According to Jaguar, the XE is the company’s lightest, stiffest and most aerodynamic (0,26 Cd) sedan to date.
The shape of the XE is immediately recognisable as a Jaguar. The front section fits right in with the rest of the range while the short rear overhang clearly signals to the compact dimensions of the car compared to other Jaguar models.
The front air intakes, chrome side vents and small rear spoiler (as well as the optional 20-inch forged alloy wheels) are elements that are unique to the XE S though.
This is also the case with these interior pictures. As can be seen the cabin is drenched in optional black Alcantara and red leather. The XE also features the pop-up gear selector while a new infotainment system (called InControl) is implemented which will offer access to a host of new technologies offered by Jaguar (watch the video here for a in-depth explanation).
The XE will also be the first Jaguar to be fitted with electric steering. The saving on energy consumption we are all aware of, but it will be interesting to see how the XE SVR’s (if that is what it will be called) steering feel will stack up against the upcoming Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and BMW’s M3/M4.
Following the launch, the XE-range will be offered with 2,0-litre, four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. These engines will be connected to six-speed manual gearboxes, or eight-speed automatic transmissions. The “Ingenium” diesel engines will only need a service every two years or 34 000 km.
The car will be shown to the public at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. At the show full details of the range will be made available, followed by the local introduction early next year.
Technical details of the Jaguar XE S:
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION | |
Engine capacity (cc) | 2,995 |
Cylinders | 6 |
Valves per cylinder | 4 |
Bore/ stroke (mm) | 84.5/ 89.0 |
Cylinder block | Aluminium alloy |
Cylinder heads | Aluminium alloy |
Fuel injection equipment | 150bar spray-guided direct injection |
Boosting system | Twin-Vortex supercharger |
Transmission | ZF 8HP45 8-speed automatic |
PERFORMANCE | |
0-60mph (sec) | 4.9 |
0-100km/h (sec) | 5.1 |
Top speed mph (km/h) | 155 (250) |
Power PS (kW) | 340 (250) @ 6,500rpm |
Torque Nm (lb ft) | 450 (332) @ 4,500rpm |
Fuel consumption mpg (litres/100km) EU combined cycle |
33.9 (8.3) |
CO2 emissions (g/km) EU combined cycle |
194 |
DIMENSIONS | |
Length (mm) | 4,672 |
Width excl. mirrors (mm) | 1,850 |
Height (mm) | 1,416 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 2,835 |
Kerbweight (kg) | From 1,474 |