The new Jaguar XE makes its London debut.
Luxury automakers are fond of staging lavish debuts, complete with A-list celebrities, for their latest offerings. Jaguar clearly underscored the importance it’s placing on the debut of its new XE sedan with a series of previews staged all over the city of London last night.
The XE could prove to be one of the most important products ever for Jaguar, targeting one of the largest segments of the global luxury market – but also going up against some of the toughest competition possible, including the likes of the BMW 3-Series, the Audi A4 and an all-new version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Officially set for a public debut at the Paris Motor Show next month, the new Jaguar sports sedan is the maker’s first model developed entirely under the ownership of India’s Tata Motors. It relies on an “aluminum-intensive” that’s intended to improve performance while also maximizing fuel economy.
“Our mission was to create an exciting and dynamic design clearly reflecting the XE positioning as a serious driver’s car,” explained Ian Callum, Jaguar director of design. “The cab-rearward proportions and tight packaging achieve that and give the XE the appearance of movement even when it’s standing still.”
(Luxury makers stretch out with new long-wheelbase models. Click Here for more.)
The XE S will feature a 340-hp supercharged V-6.
The all-new platform that Jaguar developed for the XE is eventually expected to be used for a number of different new models – likely including the brand’s first crossover, a concept version of which was unveiled earlier this year. And there will almost certainly be several different powertrain packages for the XE sports sedan itself.
For the moment, Jaguar is offering a look at the XE S package, which features a 340-horsepower supercharged 3.0-liter V-6. Paired with an eight-speed transmission, the British maker claims a 0 to 60 launch in 5.1 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Few would be surprised to see an even more powerful version to challenge the likes of the BMW M3 and Audi RS4 models. An all-wheel-drive option, and a diesel for the European market, are also expected to follow.
(Infiniti inspired. Click Here for more on the flagship Infiniti Q80 Inspiration concept.)
Expect other engine packages, including a diesel for Europe, and an all-wheel-drive option.
The basic design of the XE picks up on the long and sinuous styling that the maker has been featuring on other recent entries, such as the XJ sedan, the model used for the display featuring a large, blacked-out version of the signature Jaguar grille framed with cats-eye headlamps. The overall look is more sporty and coupe-like than the typical compact sedan, with the driver sitting low to the ground.
Large air intakes under the bumper enhance the aggressiveness of the design, as do the 20-inch forged alloy wheels.
The new Jaguar XE is promised to feature a much more upscale interior – with details such as textured aluminum finishes and twin-stitched leather – than the typical compact luxury model.
(Lexus fills in some blanks on the new RC Coupe. Click Here to find out more.)
Jaguar is going for a decidedly upscale interior look.
The British maker will need to load up the new offering to gain some attention in the crowded market segment – and also to overcome any leftover perceptions of its old, and largely unloved X-Type sedan, a fiasco for the brand that was developed under the ownership of former parent Ford Motor Co. and sharing many of its parts with the decidedly less luxurious European Ford Mondeo.
Jaguar officials are likely to offer more details at the Paris Motor Show next month, including pricing, though Phil Popham, the group marketing chief for both Jaguar and sibling brand Land Rover, offered a hint by suggesting the XE will carry a “very attainable” price tag.
The XE got a sterling send-off with celebrities ranging from Stella McCartney to British singer Emeli Sande offering performances and art displays. Whether that will give the new sports sedan the market momentum it needs remains to be seen.