Jaguar has launched its most affordable offering, the XE luxury sedan, at the Auto Expo with prices starting at Rs 39.9 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Jaguar XE is the first car in its segment, which includes cars like the Mercedes-Benz C-class, BMW 3-series, Volvo S60 and the Audi A4, to feature an aluminium monocoque construction.
Available in two trim levels – Pure and Portfolio – standard features include dual-zone climate control, an 8-inch Jaguar InControl Touch infotainment system, power adjusted front seats, cruise control, a torque vectoring by braking system and Jaguar's All Surface Progress Control traction control system. The top-spec Portfolio trim (priced at Rs 46.50 lakh) over and above this, gets a 380W Meridian surround sound system and Windsor leather upholstery, among other features.
Jaguar has decided to launch the XE with a petrol engine, which is available in two states of tune - 197bhp and 237bhp - the former available only in Pure trim and the latter only in Portfolio. Both will be mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox with power sent to the rear wheels. Perhaps in the light of the recent crackdown on diesel cars in New Delhi, there won't be a diesel variant of the XE available at launch. However, diesel versions will likely come later, using JLR's new 2.0-litre, four-cylinder unit from the Ingenium family.
The XE is currently being showcased at the JLR pavilion at the 2016 Auto Expo alongside the all-new F-Pace luxury crossover, the Range Rover SV Autobiography, and the rest of the Jaguar Land Rover model range.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
