For years Jaguar has been competing in the mid-size and full-size luxury sedan segments with the XF and the XJ respectively. However, we haven’t seen any signs of this popular British brand in the entry-level luxury sedan segment, that is until now.
At the ongoing Auto Expo, Jaguar marked its entry into this crucial luxury car space with the unveiling and launch of the all-new XE. Introduced with a base price of Rs 39.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the XE is now on sale and has crucially expanded Jaguar’s reach among premium car buyers in India.
Built around an aluminium-intensive monocoque chassis, the XE is instantly recognisable as a Jaguar with the help of a sleek pair of headlights that are outlined with J blade LEDs, a gaping grille and a muscular looking hood. Inspired by the F-Type R, the grille design gives the XE a sports car like appearance up front. At the sides, the XE has a rising waistline and chrome side vents add to the drama. The rear, though not as impressive looking as the front, does a good job of keeping things stylish overall.
The interior of the pre-facelift XF sold here in India is quite an old design and it feels that way. The XE, however, benefits from Jaguar’s all-new interior design and packaging and as a result, looks and feels thoroughly premium. Standard features on the higher-spec Portfolio trim include stop/start system, cruise control, dual zone climate control, 8-inch touch screen display, a 380w Meridian audio system, interior mood lighting, bi-function, HID xenon headlamps and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Weirdly, Jaguar is offering the XE with petrol-only engine options for now. The 2-litre turbocharged inline 4-cylinder is being offered in two states of tune – 197bhp/320Nm and 237bhp/340 Nm. Both these engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
The new Jaguar XE is being locally manufactured in JLR’s Pune facility and is priced at Rs 39.90 lakh for the base Petrol trim. The higher Portfolio trim comes in at Rs 46.50 lakh and comes with a lot more additional features as standard. The Mercedes C-Class petrol, on the other hand, costs Rs 38.90 lakh while BMW India currently doesn’t offer the 3 Series with a petrol engine. However, BMW has announced that it will launch a petrol-powered 3 Series later this year.
