Even though this car belongs to the X sedan lineup (XF, XJ), one can say that the XE model has been actually created from scratch — it embodies a great number of innovations and new possibilities. Jaguar XE is the first vehicle to be produced at the factory in Solihull, built thanks to a £1.5billion investment. Apart from having production lines and assembly halls, the factory also deals with in-house engine manufacturing, making it easier to monitor the entire process.
Production price and speed are reduced due to modular architecture, which is not going to affect the car’s design, complexity, and quality.
Its body is 20 per cent stiffer than the XF thanks to the use of new reinforced 6,000 series aluminium alloys.
The cars are fitted with the new engine lineup. Four-cylinder engines with the performance of six-cylinder ones, are available in the following configurations:
2.0L diesel delivering 163 hp;
2.0L diesel delivering 180 hp;
2.0L turbocharged petrol delivering 240 hp (it will weigh just 138 kg).
There is also one six-cylinder engine available: 3.0L turbocharged petrol-powered V6 that produces 340 hp. This version will come with an S badge.
A fact worth mentioning is that diesel-powered versions fitted with a manual six-speed transmission will also be available on the market; however, based on the current information, they will not be supplied to Russia. The cars supplied to the Russian market will come with an eight-speed automatic transmission specially adapted for these cars. They will feature steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The XE also boasts of a new suspension with lighter springs and dampers and extra protection against lateral impact.
The new sedan will be fitted with a special smart electric power steering, which adjusts to individual driving style and conditions.
A great deal of attention was paid to safety. Apart from laser-projected Head-Up Display, which displays speed and navigation information on the windshield, there is new technology introduced — the All Surface Progress Control (ASPC), which is designed to stop rear-wheel drive cars scrabbling for traction on low-grip surfaces, such as snow and ice; autonomous emergency braking system; reverse traffic detection; traffic sign recognition (including both permanent and temporary sings). The latter option is meant not only for detecting road signs, but also for their adaptation to current driving conditions, e.g. if a car is fitted with a trailer, the system will interpret the signs based on this condition.
Another outstanding feature is the InControl Remote app, which allows controlling some of the car’s functions with the help of both iOS and Android smartphones: climate control, remote door locking-unlocking, unauthorized entry warning, etc. Apart from that, the multimedia system can inherit all smartphone functions. The system can be operated using voice control.
In Europe, pricing for the new Jaguar XE starts at €34,000. The price of the car in Russia has not been announced yet. The Jaguar XE will go on sale in spring 2015.
