Jaguar XE will compete with the BMW 3 Series

JaguarJaguarUnited Kingdom, 1922 > present53 models
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finally revealed, at a ceremony in London, the model the brand expects to become the biggest rival of the Series 3BMW 3 SeriesGermany, 1975 > present6 series
953 versions
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: the Jaguar XEJaguar XE S 3.0 V6 Superc...United Kingdom, 2015 > present. The British brand chose to first reveal the sportier version XE S. The new model hits the market in 2015.

With a rear wheel drive platform, the XE was designed to provide a sporty driving, but in an attempt to redefine the concept of sports saloon through advanced lightweight construction, aerodynamic lines, luxurious interior and high levels of refinement and performance.

The new Jaguar XE, with its structure of high aluminum content, is the first model developed by Jaguar Land RoverLand RoverUnited Kingdom, 1978 > present15 models
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with the new modular architecture and want to set the standards of driving dynamics in the medium sedan segment.

"The leadership position of Jaguar as car manufacturer in high performance aluminum allowed us to develop a lightweight and rigid structure, which is completely revolutionary in its segment. Thus, the advanced chassis technology of the XE allowed a combination of agility and unprecedented levels of refinement," explains Kevin Stride, Director of Product Line of Jaguar XE.

Design

One of the innovations in creating the design of the Jaguar XE was the fact that it was developed in conjunction with the modular platform. This allowed an increase of solutions as the design and engineering teams worked side by side.

The XE inherits some design details of the XF, which gave rise to modern Jaguar design language. They include the sculpted bonnet, narrow headlamps and "J-Blade" running lights, a long and upward waistline and coupé curvature of the roof.

The new XE follows the tradition of shape and function without compromise and has the lowest drag coefficient ever on a Jaguar, with a Cd of just 0.26.

Yet it is difficult not to make comparisons between the XE and the Series 3 and in terms of silhouette, we found some clear similarities, especially in the roof area.

"Our goal was to create a dynamic and attractive design that clearly reflects the position of the XE as ideal for lovers of driving vehicle. The proportions shifted to the rear to provide a compact platform XE a sense of motion even when standing still," says Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director.

The interior offers high levels of comfort and space. The elegant materials and finishes are combined with Jaguar's traditional quality handcrafted finishes to provide unparalleled in its inner segment.

One new feature in the XE is the new infotainment system InControl that offers the latest technology to connect the vehicle to the driver and, simultaneously, to the outside world. The central element of this system is composed of an eight-inch touch screen with an intuitive and clear graphical interface with faster response times.

Chassis and Suspension

The aluminum structure is one of the secret weapons of the new Jaguar XE. Most of the aluminum alloy is high strength from the 6000 series.

The new Jaguar XE is designed to meet the highest international standards of crash tests with the goal of achieving the maximum rating in Euro and US NCAP. Its bonnet with airbag for pedestrians ensures high levels of protection in case of a possible hit.

The Jaguar also notes that sustainability is betting that the alloy being used, RC 5754, is obtained mainly from recycled material. The brand stresses that it wants to use 75% of recycled material on its vehicles by 2020.

According to Jaguar the XE has the most sophisticated suspension in its class with the goal of trying to set new class standards when it comes to driving and control.

While the majority of its competitors uses MacPherson strut front suspension, those responsible for the dynamic behavior at Jaguar insisted on the superiority of setting double wishbones. The front axle sleeves of aluminum are as light as and were fabricated using a patented production process.

On the rear suspension Jaguar opted for a less conventional solution using an Integral Link design, a system usually installed in vehicles of higher segments, offering the ideal lateral and longitudinal stiffness values ​​required for accurate and smooth behavior of the XE. The massive use of aluminum allowed to minimize weight.

Engines

Jaguar introduced the new XE with the sportier version XE S. This version uses a 3.0 V6 Supercharged engine. This engine develops 340hp and 450Nm of torque and sends its power to the wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission equipped with shift paddles on the steering wheel to give the driver instant access to their amazing benefits. With an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, the XE S reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

The new model will also receive the new engines Ingenium family. The first of these engines will be a 2.0 diesel four-cylinder. This engine has been specially designed to be a reference in terms of consumption, refinement and performance. In addition it meets the most stringent emissions standards internationally.

The new Jaguar XE will be available to order from next October, with a base price of €43,005, and will reach the markets in June 2015. Full details of the XE range will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show.