The Jaguar XE Sedan: A Brief History
No conversation about Jaguar automobiles goes on for too long without a reference to the company’s rich history. Even today, with the exception of the SUVs, which first rolled off the assembly line in 2015, every Jaguar sedan and sports car can trace its model history back at least 50 years.
Except one. The Jaguar XE sedan.
As Jaguar entered the 2000s, the company needed an entry-level compact luxury sedan to compete against the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes Benz C Class. That competition gave younger drivers a taste of the driving experience of higher-end cars, and, hopefully, instilled a sense of loyalty to the brand when it was time to move up to more expensive models.
Enter the 2001 Jaguar X-Type sedan. With it’s retro styling paired with Jaguar’s first front-wheel drive and diesel engine options, it was hoped that the X-Type would double the company’s worldwide sales. But it didn’t. While annual sales were projected to be 100,000, the X-Type managed only 350,000 sales in its eight-year run.
The X-Type sales were so disappointing, Jaguar failed to replace the X-Type for five years after ceasing production in 2009.
The Jaguar XE Sedan Joins the Line-Up
Launched at the Paris Motor Show in the fall of 2014, the Jaguar XE was a hit from the start. Moving away from the retro appeal of the X-Type, the XE models ushered in a host of firsts, both for Jaguar and the compact sports sedan segment that it competes in.
The first in it’s segment to use an aluminum monocoque structure, which reduced weight, simplified repairs and increased gas mileage.
The first Jaguar to use the company’s 2.0 L turbocharged Ingenium 4 cylinder engine.
First Jaguar to be exempt from annual Vehicle Excise Duty due to its low carbon emissions.
The new XE was also noted for a number of appointments that are usually reserved for more expensive rides, including a laser colour head-up display, 8 speed automatic transmission, and exterior air vents that open and close to reduce drag and improve performance.
The 2020 – New and Improved
This year’s model continues to be faithful to the reputation the XE has built in a relatively short time. Noted automobile reviewers, from Consumer Reports to Car & Driver, generally agree that the ride quality and nimble performance is the best-in-class.
In addition to the distinctive design of the LED headlight housing, the exterior continues to reflect signature Jaguar styling. Inside you’ll enjoy climate control upgrades and the Touch Pro infotainment system. The model’s famous fusion of class-beating fuel economy and spirited performance is enhanced with dynamic stability control and the Torque Vectoring by Braking feature.
If you are an XE driver and are looking for dealer-equivalent Jaguar parts and service in GTA without dealer-equivalent process, call us here at Westminster Motors.
If you want to learn more about Jaguar sports cars, check out our article “Why ‘More Sports Cars’ May Be Just What Jaguar Needs”.