What's the news?
Amidst much fanfare Jaguar has officially revealed its new compact executive saloon - the XE. Set to take on the likes of BMW's 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz's C-Class and the Audi A4, the XE utilises the latest in aluminium construction to be as light as possible in a bid to improve emissions and boost performance.
Exterior
The face of the new XE is unmistakably Jaguar, blending the feline headlights that we have seen on the likes of the XF and F-Type with the bold grille of the flagship XJ, while the subtle bulge running the length of the bonnet gives it a more visual impact when viewed front-on. Side on it has a flowing saloon design with rear doors that appear generously proportioned. The design of the rear lamps subtly echo some of the lighting signatures of the F-Type. The sportier XE S model seen here in the first official images shows off the rear diffuser and twin tailpipes that Jaguar says go from a 'mellow growl' to an 'edgy snarl'. The XE is also the most aerodynamic production Jaguar yet, with a coefficient of drag (Cd) of just 0.26.
Interior
The centre console features an all-new infotainment system that incorporates an eight-inch touchscreen unit flanked on either side by four actual buttons that offer various shortcuts. This new system will feature full connectivity for both Apple iOS and Android smartphones, while in-car apps can also be downloaded from the respective online stores. One other neat feature is the XE's new SD-card-based satellite navigation system that can now receive updates remotely, negating the need for owners to return to their Jaguar dealership as was the case previously.
Below the new touchscreen is a nicely designed bank of additional buttons controlling the heated seats, ventilation and other climate controls, as well as the engine start button. For automatic transmission models, the gnarled metal rotary gear selector, familiar on other Jaguars models, has been retained.
Mechanicals
Not only does Jaguar claim the XE to be its most affordable car ever, technically it is one of the most advanced it has ever produced. Extensive use of aluminium has helped to keep the weight down in the new saloon, accounting for 75 per cent of the overall body weight. This extensive use of lighter materials has also had a positive effect on the overall performance of the car. Jaguar claims it to have a perfect 50:50 weight distribution.
The XE will first be launched with the new 2.0-litre 'Ingenium' diesel engine that delivers a quoted economy figure of up to 75mpg with emissions of just 99g/km, which should make the XE very appealing to business and private buyers alike. For the first time in more than five years Jaguar will also offer a manual gearbox option, in the form of a six-speed unit supplied by ZF. That firm will also supply the eight-speed automatic gearbox.
For those seeking greater performance, the 3.0-litre petrol V6 engine from the F-Type will also be placed under the bonnet of the XE, delivering 340hp and ensuring a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.9 seconds. It was also hinted that the glorious howl from the F-Type's exhaust has also been largely replicated in the XE S model.
Anything else?
As well as an all-new infotainment system Jaguar will be rolling out its new smartphone link up app called InControl. This will allow owners to remotely lock or unlock their cars, and operate the car's climate control remotely, so if you need to warm up the car on a frosty morning you can do so from the comfort of the breakfast table before venturing out. Official pricing for the new Jaguar XE has yet to be confirmed for Ireland, but it is expected to start just over €35,000 for the 2.0-litre diesel - and the first cars are expected to reach showrooms in around February.