The 2015 Jaguar XE gets its public debut at the 2014 Paris motor show this week, so Jaguar has finally seen fit to release full technical details and pricing for its new 3-series fighter. We’ve got the lot.
At launch there will be a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, and Jaguar is boldly claiming the XE will be ‘the driver’s car’ in its segment. You can have it with a manual or automatic gearbox and there are five trim levels.
The drag coefficient of 0.26 Cd makes the XE the most aerodynamic Jaguar ever, as well as the firm’s smallest, stiffest and lightest saloon thanks to its 70% aluminium structure – which uses a world-first high-strength recycled aluminium alloy. It also becomes the first Jag to feature electrically assisted power steering, bringing CO2 savings of up to 3%.
Click here to read more about the design and development of the new Jaguar XE.
2015 Jaguar XE: engines, performance, mpg
There are two sets of headline figures for the Jaguar XE’s engine line-up. At the sensible end, the entry-level 2.0-litre turbodiesel produces 161bhp yet emits just 99g/km CO2 with the six-speed manual gearbox, promising 75.0mpg on paper. This claims another first as it becomes the most efficient Jaguar ever. 0-62mph in 7.9sec is competitive; the eight-speed ZF auto option is slightly faster (7.1sec), but slightly less green (104g/km and 71.7mpg).
At the opposite end of the scale, the XE also gets the 335bhp supercharged 3.0-litre V6 from the F-Type, propelling the new baby saloon from 0-62mph in 5.1sec and on to 155mph. Available as an eight-speed auto only, this is somewhat less efficient but still claims 34.9mpg while emitting 194g/km. Which isn’t bad at all.
The 2.0-litre turbodiesel is the first fruit of Jaguar Land Rover’s new Ingenium engine family, and also appears in the XE in 178bhp guise. Regardless of transmission (both manual and auto are offered), this achieves 0-62mph in 7.4sec and 142mph flat out, with 67.3mpg and 109g/km CO2.
The remaining pair of petrol engines are the 2.0-litre turbo units already available in the XF and XJ. With 197 and 237bhp, these offer 0-62mph in 7.1 and 6.8sec, respectively, with top speeds of 147mph and 155mph. 37.7mpg with 179g/km is the claim for both, and they only come with the eight-speed automatic.
2015 Jaguar XE: trim levels and tech
The five Jaguar XE trim levels at launch are: SE, Prestige, Portfolio, R-Sport and S. SE is the only XE downgraded to cloth seats; a gloss black finish also features. Prestige brings ‘Taurus’ leather, ‘Phosphor Blue’ ambient lighting and brushed aluminium.
Portfolio is the lux leader, with ‘Windsor’ leather, split coloured dashboard with matching stitching; the aluminium is embossed. R-Sport gets ‘technical mesh’ inserts in Taurus leather seats, etched aluminium, a boot spoiler and sports suspension.
S is the performance choice at launch and unique to the V6 petrol. Taurus leather and suede seats, ‘dark hex aluminium’, gloss black and S badges pump up the interior; bigger bumpers, sill extensions, rear spoiler and red brake calipers define the exterior. 20-inch forged alloys are an option.
Technical highlights include the new Jaguar InControl infotainment system, which features iOS and Android app integration as well as voice control. A ‘Laser Head-Up Display’ promises high-contrast colours no matter how bright the sunshine while a stereo camera system takes care of autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
Jaguar Drive Control offers a choice of Eco, Normal, Winter and Dynamic driving modes, while the world debut (yes, again) of Jaguar All Surface Progress Control claims to deliver exceptional traction in low-grip situations – including snow. Whether this will be enough to convince customers to turn their backs on rivals’ four-wheel drive systems is another matter.
2015 Jaguar XE: pricing and on sale date
Pricing for the new 2015 Jaguar XE starts at £26,995 for the 197bhp petrol SE; the cheapest diesel is the 161bhp SE at £29,775 – with the automatic version costing £1,750 more.
Upgrading from SE to Prestige costs £1,000; Prestige to R-Sport £1,550. R-Sport to Portfolio is an extra £650. The range-topping V6 S is £44,870.
The XE is expected to reach showrooms in April 2015.
Click here for more Jaguar XE reviews, news, scoops, features and specs.