Setting its sights on cars like the BMW 3-Series, Jaguar recently launched their new XE Sports Saloon which will go on sale in the first half of 2015. The new Jag made its debut in Earls Court, London on Monday night, ahead of its world premiere which is set to take place at the 2014 Paris Auto Show in October.
The styling of the new XE could not run far from resembling the larger XF, especially with the coupe-ish roofline and a short rear end. Jaguar sure did throw in some work to at least differentiate it from the XF like the front grille, sleeker headlights and new taillights.
“Our mission was to create an exciting and dynamic design clearly reflecting the XE’s positioning as a serious driver’s car,” said Jaguar’s design chief Ian Cullum. “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 from the crowd”.
Being the lightest, stiffest and most aerodynamic saloon (Cd 0.26) Jaguar has ever made, the XE will come with either a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with 161bhp and 258 lb-ft of torque which delivers up to 75mpg (3.14L/100km), or a more powerful 3.0-liter V6 engine. Lifted from the F-Type, the supercharged V6 pushes out 335bhp and is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that gives the S variant a zerotohundred time of 4.9 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.
Aside from the usual rear-wheel drive versions, Jaguar is also expected to release all-wheel drive variants as well. The eight-speed auto is not the only transmission available as a six-speed manual is also available to choose from. But as for the time being, Jaguar has yet to confirm with which engine it will be offered with.
