Jaguar aims to enter premium compact segment with XE

The 2013 Geneva Motor Show saw Jaguar introduce the XE — a “mid-size premium sports sedan” to be sold by the year 2015. And very recently, a sneak preview of the car’s construction was showcased by Jaguar on social networking sites ahead of its unveiling at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. So what is it and what makes it special?

For starters, the XE will be Jaguar’s first car to feature their advanced aluminium architecture which will also be the base for all future Jags. This is the first car in the segment to feature an alloy monocoque structure. This means that newer cars will not only be lighter but will also provide benefits like increased performance and fuel efficiency. To go with the new space frame design, Jaguar has lined-up a new family of engines dubbed ‘Ingenium’. The first of these engines will be in a turbocharged 2.0-litre trim offered in petrol and diesel fuel options. But the more interesting bit is Jaguar’s claim of offering 300kmph performance to highly fuel efficient and low emission engines that customers would be able to choose from. These engines can be mounted either transversely or longitudinally depending upon rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive applications.

The design of the XE closely resembles the C-X17, a crossover concept that too made its first appearance at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Though the bodyshells might be completely different, the front fascia remains the same with the now familiar Jaguar family look but the huge air dams and bumper design highlight sporty intent. Flexibility in design seems to be Jaguar’s mantra to substantially reduce manufacturing costs. The company’s advanced aluminium architecture provides a base to create cars without compromising on their character and design as well as dynamics and performance.

The XE will mark Jaguar’s entry into the premium compact segment with established rivals like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes Benz C-Class. Considering the amount of new tech that the XE brings along, Jaguar’s competitor in the segment looks more than promising to set a new benchmark.

Director of Design at Jaguar, Ian Callum describes the XE saying, “We never forget we are designing a Jaguar, and that means it must be as exciting to look at and drive, as it is brilliant to run and practical to own. We believe we’ve done just that with the Jaguar XE.”