Overview: 2016 Jaguar XE

Cars, Reviews I By Winding Road Staff I January 01, 2014

This is the overview page for the 2016 Jaguar XE. Rumors, news, reviews, road tests, specifications, videos, awards, and other relevant information will all be included here as they become available.

PREVIEW

Earlier this month at the Geneva Motor Show, many thought Jaguar would take the wraps off their X-Type successor. While the new car didn’t make an appearance in the flesh, Jaguar did bring a few interesting tidbits about its all-new mid-sized sports sedan, which they’ve dubbed the XE.

Set to take on the likes of the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes Benz C-Class, the XE will make extensive use of aluminum in its architecture, the XE will ride on the same platform used on the C-X17 crossover concept that debuted in Frankfurt last year.

The XE will also bring with it a new generation of engine lines, the first of which will be a 2.0-liter four cylinder unit called Ingenium. Designed for modularity and flexibility, the motor can be used in both transverse and in-line configurations. Additionally, the Ingenium can also route the power to either the rear wheels or all four, and can be configured for use with either gasoline or diesel fuel.

In terms of engine options, Jaguar states that "power will be provided by a variety of engines with a wide range of capacities and output, all delivering inspirational performance and offering the latest innovations in fuel-efficient technologies." We anticipate high-output variants of the XE not long after the standard model hits the showrooms.

Expected to debut sometime later this year, the projected timeline for the XE puts it in European showrooms next year and finding its way into the U.S. in early 2016. We’ll have to wait until the XE gets its proper unveiling in production or near-production form to get a better sense of how the XE will stack up against the competition, but if new model lines like the F-Type are any indication of Jaguar’s current trajectory, the XE shows a lot of promise.

VIDEO

UPDATE – Jaguar Unveils the Face of the XE Sports Sedan

Jaguar is in the midst of a bit of a renaissance, and one of the most important products in the works is the upcoming 3-Series fighter, the XE. We’ve seen teaser images and renderings of the chassis, motor and front exterior in the past, but as part of today’s FEEL XE announcement, which will be an "audio-visual spectacle" that’s set to start on September 8th to mark the arrival of the new model, we’re now getting a look at the front of the sports sedan in production form.

Badging indicates this will be an S model of the XE, and it’s safe to assume that, at least initially, this will probably be the top specification of the car. Whether this particular model will carry the new Ingenium family of 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines or a flavor of the 3.0-liter V6 found in the F-Type remains to be seen, but it’s a safe bet that either way, if the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 found its way into the XE, it would likely be under an R, R-S or SVR badge.

UPDATE: Jaguar Officially Unveils the XE

After a succession of teaser images and rumors, the British automaker has finally taken the wraps off their newest creation, the XE, the brand’s BMW 3-Series fighting mid-sized sport sedan. During today’s unveiling, Jaguar pointed out that this sports sedan would be the “backbone of the business”, and accordingly, the XE is not simply a reboot of the X-Type, but rather a clean slate, aluminum-intensive design that utilizes the latest and greatest in Jaguar’s constantly evolving bag of tricks.

With a strong family resemblance to both the F-Type and the XJ, the new XE sports a decidedly curvaceous and dramatic figure when compared among its segment competitors, highlighted by aggressive air intakes, bold character lines, and a sleek silhouette that helps achieve its impressive 0.26 drag coefficient.

The interior of the new XE utilizes design elements of both the XF and XJ sedans and is highlighted by the center stack, one which will now offer Jaguar’s new InControl infotainment system. The system will offer common features like Bluetooth audio streaming and SD card-based navigation software, as well as some Tesla-like extras like Wi-Fi connectivity and the ability to control certain vehicle features remotely, like locking and unlocking the door locks and changing climate control settings through an iOS or Android app.

In terms of drivetrain specifications, Jaguar is only being candid about the current top-spec XE S model. This particular model will feature Jaguar’s 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and generate 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, which will be sent exclusively to the rear wheels. Paired up with a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatically transmission, it’s enough to get the new XE S to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds on the way to its electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Although it has not been officially announced, all-wheel-drive variants of the XE modular architecture would definitely be feasible, and a hot-blooded V8 version of the XE is almost certainly in the cards as well.

The XE will be first car in Jaguar’s lineup to arrive with electronically assisted power steering, which will work alongside a double wishbone front suspension and mostly-aluminum chassis to take care of the handling demands.

Set to go on sale in the UK next year as a 2016 model, the XE won’t make it to American shores until the year after, as a 2017 model. Check out the press release below for additional details.

WORLD PREMIER OF JAGUAR XE AT LONDON’S EARLS COURT

First showing of the performance-orientated Jaguar XE S

The Jaguar XE S features a 340hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph1

Front engine, longitudinal rear wheel drive layout, with capability of accepting all-wheel drive

Highly aerodynamic with a drag coefficient of 0.26 Cd

Intuitive new InControl™ infotainment system will be available

Intelligent Active Driver Assistance technologies to support the driver

The XE will launch in the UK in 2015 and U.S. in 2016

(MAHWAH, N.J.) – September 8, 2014 – The Jaguar XE has been revealed to the world at an event held at Earl’s Court, London.

A true driver’s car, the Jaguar XE redefines the concept of the sports sedan thanks to its advanced lightweight construction, streamlined styling, luxurious interior, and outstanding ride and handling. The XE goes on sale in 2015 in the UK and in 2016 in the U.S. The high-performance S model will be at the top of the line-up.

The Jaguar XE S provides responsiveness and refinement from a supercharged 3.0-liter V6. Generating 340hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, this engine is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift controls. Accelerating to 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, the XE S has an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph1.

The aluminum-intensive Jaguar XE is the first model developed from the new JLR modular vehicle architecture. The long wheelbase and low seating position enable perfect proportions and a streamlined, coupe-like profile. The S model’s large front air intakes, chrome side vents, discreet rear spoiler and optional 20-inch forged alloy wheels reinforce its’ performance potential.

The cabin offers outstanding levels of comfort and spaciousness. Exquisite materials and finishes, combined with traditional Jaguar craftsmanship make this an interior without compare.

The Jaguar XE will be the first Jaguar to be equipped with electric power steering. This system is tuned to provide responsiveness and excellent feel, and offers improved efficiency over hydraulic systems.

The aluminum-intensive Jaguar XE is manufactured at an all-new facility at the Jaguar Land Rover Solihull plant. Part of a $2.5 billion USD (£1.5bn GBP) investment, this highly flexible, manufacturing site will create 1,700 jobs.

The XE completes the Jaguar sedan range sitting below the XF and XJ models.

Compelling design

The Jaguar XE was developed in parallel with the new modular architecture. The architecture unlocks design possibilities that did not exist before because the core dimensions were determined by design and engineering working together from the very beginning, under a philosophy of ‘anything we can imagine, we can create.

This makes it possible to realize perfect proportions: short front overhang, longer rear overhang and dynamic, cab-rearward stance. The architecture also enables the XE to feature both a low, sporty driving position and a sleek, coupe-like profile.

The strongly-sculpted hood creates a taut, muscular appearance. The rising waistline adds to the sense of movement, while the form of the rear quarters takes inspiration from the F-TYPE Coupe. The signature J-Blade running lights are a recognizable Jaguar design element. In the rear lights, a horizontal line intersecting a circle is a powerful styling feature inherited from the iconic E-Type.

Jaguar has a rich history of producing stunning, aerodynamically-efficient cars. The new Jaguar XE continues the tradition of uncompromised form and function: its streamlined shape has a low drag coefficient of 0.26. This achievement is the result of 1,200 computational fluid dynamics simulations and million hours of processor time.

"Our mission was to create an exciting and dynamic design clearly reflecting the XE positioning as a serious driver’s car. The cab-rearward proportions and tight packaging achieve that and give the XE the appearance of movement even when it’s standing still. It bears a strong family resemblance to the F-TYPE and will stand apart in the crowd."

– Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design

The spacious cabin cocoons front seat passengers with a deep center console which creates a cockpit-like feel. The F-TYPE-style dials and the cluster needle sweep on start-up further emphasize the sports sedan attributes of the Jaguar XE.

Front and rear seat occupants enjoy generous amounts of head and legroom – the XE proves that sleek, streamlined styling and interior space need not be mutually exclusive; fine-grain leathers and details such as contrasting twin-needle stitching give the cabin a bespoke quality. The choice of gloss black, textured aluminum, and contemporary wood veneers enhance the luxurious, hand-crafted feel. Available ambient lighting in a range of up to 10 colors adds to the sense of occasion.

Aluminum-intensive unibody

Jaguar is highly experienced in the use of aluminum construction. The expertise in working with this lightweight material has culminated in the revolutionary body structure of the new Jaguar XE. It is the first model designed around an all-new modular architecture.

Much of the aluminum is high-strength, 6000-series alloy. The body sides are a perfect example: these complex pressings are formed in one piece, and what would once have been 1.5mm gauge sheet has been reduced to just 1.1mm.

Sustainability is a big part of the Jaguar aluminum story. Recycling this highly valuable material delivers impressive savings in overall CO2 emissions and the new XE uses RC 5754 – an aluminum alloy made predominantly from recycled material. Future models will also use RC 5754 and this breakthrough will help Jaguar towards its goal of using 75 percent recycled material by 2020. The use of recycled aluminum reduces demand for primary aluminum, saving energy.

Riveting and bonding the lightweight body structure of the Jaguar XE consumes less energy than traditional spot welding. The XE also contains 101lbs. of recycled plastics and renewable materials, further reducing its environmental impact.

"The XE is as strong and light as it could possibly be thanks to exhaustive analysis and by bringing the latest engineering techniques to bear on its design. It has been challenging to accomplish but the XE structure is absolutely at the cutting edge of what is achievable today."

– Dr. Mark White, Chief Technical Specialist, Jaguar; Body Complete

Chassis

The new Jaguar XE features a sophisticated double wishbone front suspension. The aluminum front spindles are light and stiff – forged from cast blanks using a patented production process while the rear suspension features an integral link system. This system delivers lateral and longitudinal stiffness for precise handling and a supple ride. Aluminum has been used extensively in the suspension, minimizing weight.

Offering incredible tuning possibilities and greater efficiency than traditional hydraulic systems, electric power steering (EPAS) will be standard on the XE.

Powertrain

For customers demanding ultimate performance and an exhilarating engine note from idle right up to the redline there’s the Jaguar XE S, which shares its supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with the acclaimed F-TYPE.

Direct injection and fully variable valve timing optimize power and torque throughout the rev range. The 90 degree cylinder bank angle provides space for the twin-vortex Roots-type supercharger, a balancer shaft ensures the engine runs smoothly.

Developing 340hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, the V6 provides the Jaguar XE S with exceptional performance: 0-60 mph takes just 4.9 seconds, and top speed is electronically-limited to 155 mph1.

The Jaguar XE will receive the new family of Ingenium engines. This advanced in-house modular design began from a clean sheet and will be manufactured at the new JLR Engine Manufacturing Center in the UK.

Proven over 2 million miles of real-world testing, Ingenium is the future of the low-CO2 powertrain strategy at Jaguar and is engineered to deliver fuel efficiency, refinement and performance.

The Jaguar XE will be offered with a lighter version of the ZF 8-speed automatic used in the rest of the Jaguar range: this benchmark eight-speed transmission is controlled using the Jaguar rotary shifter.

Active Safety and Driver Assistance features

The new light and stiff body structure of the Jaguar XE has been engineered to meet demanding legislative and consumer crash test requirements. Complementing the outstanding levels of protection it offers is a suite of advanced driver assistance systems designed to help and support the driver.

The Jaguar XE will be equipped with All Surface Progress Control (ASPC)2. This all-new system, developed with the input of decades of Jaguar Land Rover experience in off-road traction systems, works like a low-speed cruise control. Functioning between 2 mph and 19 mph, ASPC is designed to precisely control the brake system and powertrain to deliver optimum traction in slippery conditions.

Projecting high-contrast color images onto the windshield, the optional laser heads-up display (HUD) technology provides the driver with information such as speed and navigation instructions.

Jaguar is one of the first manufacturers in the segment to use stereo camera technology. When fitted, this sensor is the ‘eyes’ of the optional autonomous emergency braking system for the Jaguar XE, providing measurements of speed and distance of objects ahead, and can initiate full braking to avoid or mitigate a collision. The stereo camera also performs traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning functions as part of the autonomous emergency braking system package2.

The XE also offers systems such as adaptive cruise control, closing vehicle sensing, blind spot monitoring, semi-automated parallel and perpendicular parking, and reverse traffic detection2.

All-new infotainment system

The all-new Jaguar InControl® infotainment system offered on the XE provides the latest technologies to connect the car, driver and the outside world. At its heart is an eight-inch touchscreen featuring a clear, intuitive interface and fast response times3.

InControl Touch® supports Bluetooth®, audio streaming and USB connectivity. The Jaguar XE can be fitted with an SD card-based navigation system which allows easy upgrades of map data and voice control using plain speech gives access to any level of the system, without navigating through menus, so drivers can keep their eyes on the road3.

Smartphones are changing the way people interact with the world around them so the new Jaguar XE ensures that drivers can stay connected. With a subscribed data plan, the Jaguar XE functions as a Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling multiple devices to connect to the internet.

Jaguar InControl Remote® functionality allows users of iOS® and Android™ smartphones to connect to the car remotely to control car functions. These include seven-day timed pre-setting of the vehicle’s climate control system, locking or unlocking the doors, or starting the engine. Jaguar InControl Apps® allows users to seamlessly access smartphone apps through the vehicle’s touchscreen3.

The new Jaguar XE will be available with Meridian™ audio systems. These superb systems are the latest product of the long-standing partnership between Jaguar and British audio experts Meridian. Unique algorithms guarantee the best possible sound reproduction and tailor the experience to the interior’s acoustics.

Detail of the Jaguar XE U.S. model line will be announced when the car is launched in 2016.

PRESS RELEASE

JAGUAR XE CONFIRMED AS NAME FOR COMPACT SPORTS SEDAN WITH All-NEW ‘INGENIUM’ ENGINE FAMILY AND ADVANCED ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

– The Jaguar XE will be an all-new compact premium sports sedan that will arrive in the United States in 2016

– This sedan will expand the Jaguar lineup to reach a new generation of automotive enthusiasts and luxury buyers
– The Jaguar XE will be an advanced, efficient and refined design featuring an aluminum intensive unibody
– This will be the first Jaguar product built on the company’s new advanced aluminum architecture
– The Jaguar XE will be the first vehicle powered by the new Ingenium high-output, fuel-efficient two-liter four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines delivering exceptional performance and low emissions
– The Ingenium family of engines will be built at a new Jaguar Land Rover Engine Manufacturing Facility in the United Kingdom

(MAHWAH, N.J.) – March 4, 2014 – Today, Jaguar confirmed details of the brand’s all-new compact sport sedan, the Jaguar XE which will launch globally in 2015 and comes to the United States in 2016. The Jaguar XE will be the first product built on the new advanced aluminum architecture which was showcased in the C-X17 concept car in 2013. This aluminum intensive structure provides the benefits of lightness and strength for exceptional handling, performance, refinement and efficiency.

Power will be provided by a variety of engines with a wide range of capacities and output, all delivering inspirational performance and offering the latest innovations in fuel-efficient technologies. The new Ingenium engine line will also offer a flexible engine architecture that can be configured to suit in-line and transverse installations and can be used in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

Speaking at the Geneva Auto Show, Dr. Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land Rover, confirmed: "We announced just a few weeks ago that our new Engine Manufacturing Center would produce a new family of premium, lightweight, low-friction, low emission four-cylinder gasoline and diesel units. The first of our Ingenium engine range will be used in our all-new compact Jaguar sports sedan. That car will be called the Jaguar XE, and it will be unveiled in production form later this year."

Ian Callum, Director of Design, said: "The new Jaguar XE is every bit a modern Jaguar car; more compact in size but visually striking. Customers will expect a great deal from a compact Jaguar car – it must be practical but premium. We never forget we are designing a Jaguar car 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."

"The all-new Jaguar XE compact sport sedan will bring Jaguar into the largest segment of the luxury car market with a dynamic new entry that will challenge the status quo of luxury car brands," said Jeff Curry, Brand Vice President of Jaguar North America. "Jaguar is charting an exciting new path with the recent launch of the Jaguar F-TYPE and the introduction of the Jaguar XE, which completes our sedan line-up. We offer a more exclusive, distinct choice in the luxury car marketplace combining progressive British design, a high performance character and advanced aluminum technology."

The name of the Jaguar XE follows the brand’s sedan progression, positioned alongside the XF and XJ sedans in the range.

For the full year 2013, Jaguar delivered its strongest full year global sales performance since 2005 retailing 76,668 vehicles, up 42%

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