Jaguar XE makes North American debut

(January 15, 2015) The all-new Jaguar XE compact entry-level luxury sedan made its first North American appearance earlier this week at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. What Jaguar calls a true driver's car, "the 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 global markets and in 2016 in North America. The high-performance S model will be at the top of the global line-up at launch in 2015.

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



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 £1.5 billion 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.

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 and rear overhangs 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 daytime 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,"
said  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 instrument panel 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.