2015 Jaguar XE

Background Information
The long awaited replacement for the Jaguar X-Type has finally arrived, being unveiled on the 8th September 2014.

The XE will be positioned in the highly competitive compact executive market with rivals including the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class just to name a few so the XE has to be rather good in this sense.

Whereas the X-Type was essentially a rebadged Ford Mondeo, there's not a Ford part in sight in the XE with Jaguar's new Modular Architecture platform being utilized with it being composed of 75% lightweight high strength 6000-series alloy aluminium and being the only vehicle in it's class to use aluminium- intensive monocoque.

Ian Callum, Jaguar Director Of Design stated, "Our mission was to create an exciting and dynamic design clearly reflecting the XE's positioning as a serious driver's car. The cab-rearward proportions and tight packaging achieve that and give the XE the appearance even when it's standing still. It bears a strong family resemblance to the F-Type and will stand apart in the crowd."

Full pricing details have yet to be released by Jaguar, but they state that the range will kick off at £27,000 with full pricing details to be released at the Paris Motor Show on the 2nd October 2014.

Engines (tbc)
Diesel
2.0D 163PS (161BHP) single turbo 4 cylinder
(More to be announced on 02/10/14)

Petrol
3.0 340PS (335BHP) twin supercharger V6
(More to be announced on 02/10/14)

Economy in UK MPG (combined cycle), CO2 emissions (g/km), torque (Nm).

2.0D 163PS (161BHP)    75mpg,       99g/km,     380Nm
3.0 340PS (335BHP)       33.9mpg,   194g/km,    450Nm




Size
Compared to Jaguar's previous vehicle in this segment, the X-Type, the XE is smaller overall with the exceptions being the wheelbase which at 2835mm is 125mm longer than in the X-Type which measured in at 2710mm.

The length has decreased from 4716mm to 4672mm, a decrease of 44mm.

Width has decreased by 150mm overall (excluding exterior mirrors) from 2000mm to 1850mm.

Height has also decreased from 1430mm to 1416mm, a decrease of 14mm.




Interior
Jaguar has used inspiration from the F-Type for the interior, most notably the dashboard and the instrument panel while a new 8-inch touchscreen is the centerpiece of the center console area.

The touchscreen allows users to connect their iOS or Android device branded "InControl" and control a range of vehicle functions including the climate controls, remote central locking or start the engine.

Wifi hotspot, USB connectivity, bluetooth and audio streaming will be features available on the XE.

Jaguar have not released any information regarding space in the XE whether that be in the cabin or in the boot.




Exterior
Jaguar has given the XE a sleek shape with more than a passing resemblance to it's bigger brother the XF in fact you would be forgiven for thinking it's a facelifted XF.

Short front overhang, longer rear overhang, dynamic cab-rearward stance, sculpted bonnet and a rising waistline create a sense of sportiness.

In fact, Jaguar has taken a lot of inspiration from the F-Type coupe and has the lowest drag coefficient of any Jaguar in history at just 0.26.

Slim head and tail-lights help complete the sleek look of the XE.



My Opinion
I find the exterior of the Jaguar XE rather aesthetically pleasing to the eye and am a fan of the F-Type inspired design.

The interior looks rather nice too although I prefer the look of the interior of the latest Mercedes C-Class but the "InControl" intrigues me the most as being able to control functions of the car from your phone is rather convenient and I see it to be the way of the future with further vehicles to have this ability in the near future.