After a teaser campaign that was longer than most celebrity marriages, Jaguar has finally unveiled its important 3-Series/C-Class/A4-fighter, the new XE — albeit only in the supercharged S trim.
Featuring an aluminium body and mini-XF looks, the XE has plenty of sophisticated, understated sex appeal, but is it enough to get people into Jaguar showrooms and opening their wallets?
For the gala launch of the XE, Jaguar had plenty of range-topping XE S models on show, but none of the volume sellers featuring 4-cylinder petrol and diesel motors.
The Jaguar XE S features a supercharged 3-litre V6 petrol motor with 250kW (340PS) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. Hooked up to the standard 8-speed ZF automatic, the XE S should be good for a 0-100km/h time of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h (155mph). The company estimates fuel consumption of 8.3L/100km (33.9mpg) and CO2 emissions of 194g/km.
Like other S models, the XE S features large air intakes and lowered suspension. There’s also 20-inch alloy wheels, subtle lip spoiler
Other XE models
Okay, just like other manufacturers, Jaguar hid a tease behind the big, flashy reveal. Everyone will have to wait until the Paris motor show in October to find out the details and the looks of the rest of the XE range.
We do know that the XE will feature 2-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel motors from the company’s new Ingenium range. These will be matched to 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic transmission. The most efficient model (a manual diesel, of course) will have a fuel economy rating of 3.1L/100km (75mpg) and emit just 99g/km. All XE models feature electric power steering.
Available features include a laser head-up display, stereo cameras to monitor the situation in front of the car, adaptive cruise control, reverse traffic detection, blind spot monitoring, automated parking assistance, and the company’s new InControl entertainment and nav system.
Dimensions
Length: 4,672mm
Width: 1,850mm
Height: 1,46mm
Wheelbase: 2,835mm
Weight: from 1,474kg
Coefficient of drag (Cd): 0.26
XE S engine, performance, fuel economy
Engine: 3-litre supercharged V6 with direct injection
Transmission: 8-speed automatic (ZF)
Power: 250kW (340PS)
Torque: 450Nm (332 lb-ft)
Fuel economy (EU): 8.3L/100km (33.9mpg)
CO2 emissions: 194g/km
0-100km/h: 5.1s
0-60mph: 4.9s
Top speed: 250km/h (155mph) – electronically limited
