Jaguar XE sedan confirmed

Jaguar has just confirmed that they will be making a new entry-level sedan, the Jaguar XE to take on the likes of the BMW 3 Series, the Mercedes C-Class and the Audi A4. The Jaguar XE will be spiritual successor to the Jaguar X-Type that was produced between 2001 and 2009. The Jaguar XE will come into production by early-2015 and will be launched in India soon after that.

The new Jaguar XE will be the first car in its segment to feature an all-aluminium monocoque construction. Jaguar also claims that the XE will be the most advanced sports saloon in its class. The new Jaguar XE will be based on the same base as that of the C-X17 SUV concept that is slated to go into production by the end of 2014.

The Jaguar XE will be equipped with JLR’s new family of 4-cylinder, high output, turbocharged engines. The new engine range, called Ingenium will be built at JLR’s brand new engine plant in Wolverhampton. Jaguar claims that these engines will be flexible enough to return CO2 emissions below 100gm per kilometre as well as be tuned to give a power output capable of propelling the XE to about 300kmph. 

The Jaguar XE will come in a range of engine options, from a basic sub 2-litre petrol and diesel engine in the base model to a high powered ‘R’ specification engine powering the sportier versions. The new engines combined with Jaguar’s new suspension should make the Jaguar XE a highly capable automobile. Jaguar is banking on the success of this cheaper sedan and the C-X17 to boost its sales in countries like China, Russia and India along with traditional markets like the United States and England.

The Jaguar XE is not only expected to be a good car to drive, but from first pictures also a great looking car. With its steeply raked windscreen and its coupe like silhouette as seen in recent spy pictures, the Jaguar XE looks like an ideal candidate for the first time luxury car buyer who also wants a touch of sportiness.

Not only will the Jaguar XE do great in a country like India, but we can also expect JLR to start CKD operations for the XE soon so as to price it at a competitive edge as compared to the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.