The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 have a stranglehold on the compact executive sedan market. These brands easily see off the competition – but now there is a new challenger to their domination. The all-new Jaguar XE makes its debut in South Africa this week.
Technical highlights
The new baby Jag completes the brand’s sedan/saloon family. It sits below the XF and XJ and comes equipped with technologies that were honed on those larger models. Among the highlights of the XE is a first-in-class aluminium-intensive monocoque construction. What’s more, the XE is the most aerodynamic Jaguar to date with a drag coefficient of 0,26.
Smooth ride and spirited performance
With a suspension configuration of double wishbones up front and an multi-link arrangement at the rear, the XE is said to offer a good balance between a sporty drive and passenger comfort.
Among the powertrain options buyers can choose from are a 2,0-litre turbodiesel (132 kW/430 N.m) and a supercharged 3,0-litre V6 (250 kW and 450 N.m). The latter model is claimed to sprint from zero to 100km/h in 5,1 seconds. There is also the choice of six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions.
Lush interior
The well-appointed cabin is said to offer outstanding levels of comfort and spaciousness. An eight-inch touchscreen that offers drivers easy access to media and navigation features, as well information displays, takes centre stage on the facia.
Laser projection technology enables the XE’s head-up display (HUD) to generate sharp, high-contrast colour graphics that retain clarity even bathed in direct sunlight. A stereo camera is mounted behind the front windscreen to give the XE a 3D view of the road ahead: this highly accurate data is used for functions including the lane departure warning system.
We will publish a full driving impression on the XE later this week.
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