Jaguar has unveiled its new XE compact saloon, the British brand's rival to the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class.
Las night's London launch included musical performances from the Kaiser Chiefs and Emeli Sande.
♦ View more images of the Jaguar XE in our gallery
The Jaguar XE is the first model developed from Jaguar Land Rover’s new modular vehicle architecture, which the company claims will set the standard for driving dynamics in the midsize segment. It says the long wheelbase and low seating position enable perfect proportions and a streamlined, coupe-like profile.
Kevin Stride, vehicle line director, Jaguar XE, said: “Jaguar’s position as the leading premium manufacturer of aluminium vehicles allowed us to develop a light, stiff body structure that is ground-breaking in its class.
"It enables the XE’s advanced chassis technologies to deliver an unprecedented balance of agility and levels of refinement previously found only in vehicles from the segments above.”
As well as a 3.0-litre V6, models will be powered by efficient 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines matched to smooth-shifting six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions.
The diesels – part of Jaguar’s all-new Ingenium engine family – provide exemplary fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from 75mpg and 99g/km.
Infotainment systems are also improved, with the XE’s all-new InControl infotainment system offers the latest technologies to connect car, driver and the outside world. An eight-inch touchscreen features a clear, intuitive graphical interface and fast response times.
The launch event
As editor, Tim is responsible for the media content, planning and production of AM's multiple channels (AM print and digital magazines, website, social media and contributing to our events planning). He interviews and writes about as many franchised dealer groups and UK divisions of motor manufacturers as possible, to explore the issues facing UK motor retail and understand what solutions dealers and suppliers are using to overcome these.
Automan. - 09/09/2014 14:25
goodness , could they have made the interior any duller???? The central infotainment already looks dated ,it will nibble at the germans but not enough to loose sleep over YAWNNNN.