Jaguar unveils the XE facelift

ABU DHABI: The British automaker, Jaguar, has updated its entry-level XE offering with a host of changes to keep it competitive against the German rivals.

The exterior changes are subdued with a new front bumper and redesigned intakes. This is accentuated by a wide wing on the lower apron. Wrapped around the bumper are sleeker headlights featuring the prominent J-shaped DRLs. The higher end R-Dynamic package will feature a sportier bumper and a ‘U’ shaped wing to add a more aggressive look.

Moving to the rear, the bumper gets dual integrated exhausts for all models along with sleeker LED taillights. A differentiator on the R-Dynamic model is the choice of alternative alloy wheel designs and mesh detailing on the rear valence.

On the inside, significant changes are made starting with Jaguar’s Touch Pro Duo infotainment system found in the I-Pace. This features a dual screen setup with the top screen used for navigation and media. The lower 5.5-inch display is flanked by dials that are used to access the climate control system and car dynamic settings. For the driver, there is a 12.3-inch instrument screen and ClearSight (a rearview mirror that uses a wide angle camera to provide a view of the rear). A few other notable changes on the inside include a new SportShift gear selector, color heads-up display, wireless charging, and a new JaguarDrive Control switch. The I-Pace steering wheel has also made it to the list of changes.

The heart of the new XE will be available in petrol or diesel engine options. These Ingenium engines will be 2.0-litre in displacement, be turbocharged and have 4-cylinders. Power will be delivered to rear/all wheels via a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. Onto the performance, the D180 diesel makes 180 PS and 430 Nm. The 0-100 kmph feat is achieved in 7.6 seconds for the RWD, and the AWD is slower by 0.2 seconds. The petrol variants include the P250 (250 PS and 365 Nm) and P300 (300 PS and 400 Nm). Both RWD and AWD versions of the P250 can do 0-100 kmph in 6.5 seconds while the AWD P300 does it in 5.7 seconds (RWD is 0.2 seconds slower).

With these array of changes, Jaguar aims to remain competitive with the likes of the German trio in the premium entry-level sedan segment. The XE has been highly acclaimed for its dynamics, and the facelift is like the cherry on the cake.