Jaguar has launched its long-awaited compact executive sedan at the Paris Motor Show and the full powertrain specifications of the XE range have finally been released.
It will be powered by either a new 2,0-litre turbodiesel (called the Ingenium range), 2,0-litre turbopetrol engine or the range topping 3,0-litre supercharged V6 borrowed from the F-type.
In Europe the XE will be offered with two power ratings for each of the 2,0-litre diesel and petrol engines respectively with the most frugal diesel engine only consuming 3,8-litres/100 km and emitting 99 g/km of CO2 on the New European Drive Cycle. Locally we will only get the 132 kW turbodiesel and 177 kW turbopetrol 2,0-litre derivatives. We will also get the 250 kW 3,0-litre supercharged V6 which is capable of reaching 100 km/h from a standstill in 5,1 seconds and go on to a limited top speed of 250 km/h. Eight-speed automatic transmissions are available for the whole range with a six-speed manual an option on the diesel versions.
The XE is an all-new vehicle featuring an aluminium-intensive monocoque structure with wind-cheating aerodynamics which results in a class-leading drag coefficient figure of 0,26. Electric power steering is now fitted for the first time to a Jaguar. Suspension wise the XE features a double-wishbone front and an independent multi-link rear set-up. Inside a new 8-inch infotainment system that features smartphone touch functionality is standard and a laser head-up display ensures clear driver information, in colour, on the windscreen.
On the safety front, apart from the expected systems, the XE range features a stereo camera enabling autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warnings and high-beam assist. An external pedestrian airbag that deploys from under the bonnet is also a first in this segment.
Pricing has not been confirmed for our market but the XE range will start at £27 000 (around R486 000) in the United Kingdom. Expect the XE to arrive on local soil in September 2015.
FAST FACTS*
Model: Jaguar XE 2.0 diesel
Price: TBC
Engine: 2,0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel
Power: 132 kW at 4 000 r/min
Torque: 430 N.m, 1 750-2 500 r/min
Transmission: 8-speed automatic or six-speed manual
0-100 km/h: 7,8 seconds
Top speed: 230 km/h
Fuel consumption: 4,2 L/100 km
CO2: 109 g/km
Model: Jaguar XE 2.0 diesel
Price: TBC
Engine: 2,0-litre, 4-cylinder turbopetrol
Power: 177 kW at 5 500 r/min
Torque: 340 N.m, 1 750-4 000 r/min
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
0-100 km/h: 6,9 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h
Fuel consumption: 7,5 L/100 km
CO2: 179 g/km
Model: Jaguar XE 3.0 petrol
Price: TBC
Engine: 3,0-litre, V6 supercharged
Power: 250 kW at 6 500 r/min
Torque: 450 N.m, 4 500 r/min
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
0-100 km/h: 5,1 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h
Fuel consumption: 8,1 L/100 km
CO2: 194 g/km
*Manufacturer claimed figures