The all new Jaguar XE sedan will make its international debut in London this September 8th ready to take on the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and the all new Mercedes C-Class. The Indian owned British manufacturer describes its crucial new rear/all-wheel-drive sedan as “a true driver’s car”, promising “thrilling performance, agile handling and precise, responsive steering, with outstanding levels of refinement”.
Insiders say that the XE’s double wishbone front suspension is based on the design of the F-Type sports car and includes components designed to deliver “Jaguar XFR-levels of stiffness” and “a similar level of agility and ‘connected’ steering feel”.
Jaguar also claims its integral link rear suspension will be unique to the premium mid-size segment and will deliver “sharp response and handling while retaining a refined, luxurious ride”.
The suspension, as with the XE’s chassis, comprises many components made from cast and forged aluminium. The Jaguar XE will become the first model equipped with the latest-generation of the brand’s electric power assisted steering system, which allows for “much greater scope for tuning” and “better quality steering feel”.
Jaguar says the electric power steering system also incorporates variable steering damping and the ability to adapt to Jaguar Drive Control settings, as well as enabling a range of active safety and driver assist features.
The brand claims its new All Surface Progress Control system will also be unique in the XE’s class. The system, designed to help drivers pull away from rest on very slippery surfaces, is said to work like a low-speed cruise control to “deliver optimum traction without skidding and without the driver using the pedals”.
Jaguar chief engineer of vehicle integrity Mike Cross said his team was “on target to deliver a vehicle that dynamically outperforms our rivals”.
“Jaguars have always been renowned for a balance of precise handling and a high-quality ride,” Cross said. “The XE is the culmination of everything the company has learned over the years.”
The Jaguar XE will be the first model powered by the all new Ingenium engines to be shared across the Jaguar Land Rover family of vehicles. The layout shows a rolling chassis wearing large five-to-ten spoke alloy rims and low profile rubber, although other options are likely to be offered.
