The release of the first virtually undisguised picture of Jaguar's new XE adds to the anticipation for this new model.
You may or may not be interested about the imminent arrival of the British company’s rival to the likes of the BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-class, but it’s a huge deal for Jaguar: an all-new car on an all-new platform, using all-new engines and one that’s likely to double its global sales. This same set of components will also spawn an SUV, taking sales forward even further.
But while we expect the XE to be good looking, have first-class tech and, as promised by insiders, come with best-in-class handling, this car will only be a hit on rational rather than emotional responses.
The XE will have to impress the UK’s gimlet-eyed contract-hire companies for a start. We know that there will be a 99g/km CO2 version but every cost has to be spot on for it to work as a company car.
Likewise, it’s got to convince a fiercely patriotic audience in Germany and it won’t do that just on the way it drives. And when it goes on sale in the US (after its European debut), if it isn’t mentioned in all of those super-cheap leasing ads that American car dealers specialise in, then it won’t work in that crucial market, either.
There's no doubt, though, that Jaguar has a right to compete in this world, and the small posh saloon market is poorer because there is currently only a German flavour to it. But Audi, BMW and Merc do brilliantly in the UK because the numbers are as attractive as the cars and their image. Let’s hope that Jag can get those right too.
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XE
The Xtype was ill fated from the start, why make something look like a scaled down Xj then another nail in the coffin was a lousy engine range that used as much fuel as an XJ with a v8 engine .The S type was slightly more economical with it's v6 petrol than some models,when they eventually brought out the smaller v6 pertrol fwd 2.2 litre. I think , it also was lousy on fuel.The diesel came out manual fwd only, eventually followed by estate and then auto very late on.
The Xe costs will include full range coupe,estate saloon suv but also spawn the new XF range along with New mid size Range rover , beneath the Sport and the new rugged land Rover Discovery member as some are based on Range Rover Sport and Evoque platforms the Xe will provide mid range vehicles.I would not be surprised in the least if a new defender was based on the XE as well.
So they are wisely playing the field with many vehicles, and probably will spawn at least 600000 extra sales per annum.
Sorry everyone, but I stand
Oh, and to those who complain about the Germans, the new C-Class estate looks absolutely fabulous - another indication of the mountain JLR has to climb. They should have focused on the SUV first.
@ manicm
Have to say I am glad you aren't the decision maker at JLR!
@Rich Boy Spanners
JLR needs to ensure that the range is as comprehensive and competitive as possible if it is to crack the compact exec market this time round.