Jaguar comes back to the entry-level sports luxury sedan segment with the 2016 Jaguar XE. This will not be easy as competition is fierce and the price of entry is high. The BMW 3-series is still considered the segment benchmark, but you cannot discount the newly introduced 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-class, recently redesigned Lexus IS, Volvo S60, Audi A4, Cadillac ATS, and others. Jaguar is bringing its A-game with all aluminum construction, using a newly created RC 5754 alloy that is big on recycled aluminum.
The new XE is also set to introduce a new family of 2.0L four-cylinder “Ingenium” engines. Not a lot is know about the new family of motors, but they can be fitted in transverse or in-line orientations and be used for rear-wheel or all-wheel drive setups. The teaser image shows a small “S” performance model badge in the grille. Obviously, Jaguar is planning high performance variants of the XE sedan. It’s not clear whether the S model will use the excellent 3.0L supercharged V6 from the F-Type and other Jaguars. However, it may be a safe bet considering that the main competitors use turbocharged six-cylinder motors with well over 300 horsepower.
Our spy photographer caught an XE test prototype undergoing high altitude testing, and can confirm that the car took off like a scolded cat at near two miles above sea-level. The supercharged 3.0L V6 probably had something to do with this.
Check out this fun and informative TFLcar mashup video review featuring the Jaguar XF.
And here is the Jaguar XE teaser video.
