Jaguar’s XE Launch Exceeds All Expectations

AT a glittering launch event in London Jaguar treated the assembled media to a succession of theatrical and musical acts ahead of the main event – the long-awaited unveiling of its new XE compact executive saloon.

The new car is a big deal for Jaguar, as it allows the Brit car maker to go head-to-head with the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes in the fiercely competitive compact executive market.

Jaguar’s XE is tasked with showcasing a range of new technology that’s expected to be rolled out to other models in the coming years. First up is a new in-house developed range of 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines dubbed ‘Ingenium’ boasting ultra-low CO2 and fuel consumption.

Inside the XE, owners will benefit from an all-new infotainment system, which will include more advanced ways to interact with occupants and their mobile devices.

Initial models will be rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive and high performance variants expected to follow later.

Despite the extravagant publicity drive surrounding the car prospective buyers will need to be patient, as Jaguar has penciled the car in for a 2015 launch. As a result only a ballpark starting price of £27,000 has been released.

By Press Association reporters