Latest compact executive Jaguar launched in Singapore

Jaguar launched the all-new XE in Singapore yesterday, together with local distributor Wearnes Automotive at the new Jaguar Land Rover showroom along Leng Kee Road.

The XE is set to be the game changer for Jaguar, which has not had a compact executive sedan in a number of years. Jaguar promises the new XE will be dynamic, efficient, lightweight and all-around premium, going head to head with traditional German powerhouses.

Priced from $199,999, the new cat on the block starts off on the right paw by being priced competitively amongst rivals in its class. Another first for the brand, customers will also be given an exchange policy option that allows them to trade the XE for any other model from Jaguar Land Rover within 7 days of purchase should they choose. Also included in the price is a 5-year or 80,000km complimentary service package. Four trim levels are available – Portfolio, Prestige, R-Sport and S.

The Jaguar XE is the first model designed using Jaguar’s all-new modular platform, which features aluminium intensive monocoque architecture that sees over 75% of the body made from the material. Jaguar claims this is the lightest and most rigid sedan ever built in their model range, and combines lightweight and strength with a dynamic suspension set up including double wishbone fronts and an integral link rear axle to ensure an exciting drive without comprising ride refinement. This new chassis and suspension set up is set to create the new benchmark for the most engaging car in the compact executive segment, and will be powered by several new engines to come.

From launch, the XE will be available with a direct-injection, 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot we’re familiar with from the existing XF and XJ model lines. Power comes in at 200PS and 280Nm of torque, which is sure to see an effortless getaway at the traffic lights in Singapore. The S model will be powered by Jaguar’s acclaimed supercharged 3.0-litre V6 found in the F-TYPE with 340PS and 450Nm of torque and will do the century sprint in just 5.1s.

Another first from Jaguar is the Ingenium range of engines, which will make its debut here in November this year. The new range of diesel engines is designed and manufactured in-house, and promises to deliver performance, efficiency and refinement. Power is rated at 180PS and 430Nm of torque, and the engine will deliver a claimed consumption of 4.2L per 100km and just 109g/km of carbon dioxide. The engine will power the XE to 100km/h in a respectable 7.8s.

Only the automatic transmission is available in Singapore, with the ever popular ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic gearbox found in many premium cars being adopted in the XE as well. This comes with the Jaguar Sequential Shift system which ensures that the car is always in the right gear for the situation. The system will also monitor and adapt to the driving style of the person behind the wheel, providing the shift pattern that suits that driving style. Obligatory shift paddles are of course, included.

Other cool new features to debut on the XE include the All Surface Progress Control (ASPC). This system is developed from know-how through Land Rover’s all-terrain vehicle technologies, and sees the cars traction control system deal with different surface traction levels in seconds. The XE also features a first-in-class stereo camera mounted behind the front windscreen which gives the car a 3D view of the road ahead, providing highly accurate data for systems like autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning.

External styling is smart, sporty and muscular with a hint of understatement that is elegant but not in-your-face. This is complemented by a well thought out interior that features high quality materials like leather, chrome and aluminium which gives the XE an exquisite and premium luxury feel. Also making its debut is Jaguar’s new infotainment system called InControl Touch, which is the new touchscreen system that will take care of all media and navigation needs.

Summed up by Jaguar Land Rover Singapore’s Managing Director Victor Kwan, “the XE is a new car, with a new chassis, with a new engine, with new technologies and built in a new factory; as far as new cars go, you can’t get any newer than this”. I couldn’t agree more.

Check out our picture gallery for an inside look at this new benchmark car.

Credits: Story and Photos by Alvan Sio