Jaguar’s game-changing Jaguar XE has, since its launch at the end of 2014 picked up more than 60 major global awards affirming it as the most advanced, efficient and refined sports saloon that Jaguar has ever produced. Dluxe delves beneath the bonnet to see what makes this big car purr.
The Jaguar XE has redefined the concept of the sports saloon and is regarded as the driver’s car in its class thanks to its intuitive responsiveness and ease of control. The whole experience of driving, whether it’s a leisurely drive to the office or a spirited shepherding through winding country lanes, is a pleasurable one thanks, in no small part to the XE’s rear wheel drive layout and lightweight contruction. It’s a testament to company founder Sir William Lyons’ vision: ‘The car is the closest thing we will ever create to something that is alive’.
The rear-drive XE is the only vehicle in its class to use an aluminium-intensive monocoque; an extremely robust yet light structure which combined with double wishbone front suspension and an Integral Link rear axle, is fundamental to the XE’s innovative benchmark vehicle dynamics.
The XE’s aluminium skin is formed around the fundamental principles of perfect proportions and aerodynamic efficiency and is the first model developed from Jaguar Land Rover’s new modular vehicle architecture. It’s the stiffest, most aerodynamic Jaguar saloon car ever built and it’s 2,835mm wheelbase and low seating position enable a streamlined profile- The XE has the lowest drag coefficient of any Jaguar yet – Cd 0.26.
From the strongly-sculpted bonnet to the streamlined, coupé-like profile, the XE has a taut, muscular appearance. The very steeply raked windscreen and the rising waistline accentuate the sense of movement with Jaguar’s signature ‘J-Blade’ running lights ensuring that the XE is another instantly recognisable Jaguar design. In the rear lights, a horizontal line intersecting a roundel is an iconic styling feature inherited from the iconic Jaguar E-type, and now present also on the F-TYPE sports car.
Under the bonnets buyers can choose from a range of powerplants including the efficient yet powerful new 300PS Ingenium petrol engine. This 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged powerplant produces 400Nm of torque for effortless acceleration powering the XE from 0-0-60mph in just 5.2 seconds. It also offers CO2 emissions as low as 157g/km and fuel economy up to 41.5mpg
Inside there are leaps forward in quality compared to Jaguar’s of old with excellent quality materials and finishes. The spacious cabin cocoons front seat passengers with a deep centre console, creating a cockpit-like feel. The 8-inch touchscreen for the new InControl infotainment system takes centre stage in the sweeping curves of the instrument panel. On models equipped with automatic transmissions, Jaguar’s unique rotary drive selector rises up from the centre console – the XE feels alive.
The contour-hugging front seats are mounted low, creating a sports-car like driving position with heating and cooling options and 14-way power adjustment. The rear seats may also be heated and can offer a 40:20:40 split-fold – a first for Jaguar – and a through-loading feature making it incredibly practical.
Jaguar’s new InControl infotainment system takes centre stage: its innovative 8-inch touchscreen brings fast, intuitive access to all features and functions including ome of the most advanced driver assistance systems available such as All Surface Progress Control (ASPC), developed through decades of Jaguar Land Rover experience in off-road traction systems, which can electronically gain traction in seconds and is ideal for use on low-grip surfaces, such as snow-covered roads.
There’s also laser projection technology to enables the XE’s optional head-up display (HUD) to generate sharp, high-contrast colour graphics on to the windscreen directly ahead of the driver, even in direct sunlight.
The XE range starts at £28,295 for the entry level SE model which features standard equipment such as Satellite Navigation, cruise control, 17” alloy wheels, DAB digital radio and multi-function softgrain leather steering wheel, to the XE S, £48,045, the most performance-orientated XE model that features a race-inspired interior; heated, perforated Taurus leather seats; tread plates; and leather sports steering wheel carry the S logo. Dark hex aluminium graces the door finishers while the centre console is gloss black. The front bumper’s enlarged air intakes hint at the performance potential of the supercharged V6 engine. Side sill extensions, rear spoiler, gloss black rear valance, red brake calipers, Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED signature DRLs, and 19” alloy wheels complete the exterior.
To find out more visit Sturgess Jaguar, 445 Narborough Rd, Leicester LE3 2RE. www.sturgessgroup.co.uk