MANILA, Philippines – I first laid eyes on the all-new Jaguar XE in last year’s Paris Motor Show. It was a brave new predator in the compact luxury sedan class, aiming its sharp teeth and claws at its Mercedes C-class and BMW 3-series rivals.
And now that small but sleek new four-wheeled feline is in the Philippines.
Jaguar Philippines launched last week the all-new Jaguar XE in a glittering event held at the Palace Pool Club in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.
The event was kicked off with a revealing and personal message from its Chair and President Wellington Soong, who narrated the 20-year Jaguar saga that started in the Philippines in 1995—and culminating in a commemoration of two decades of cooperative partnership with the British company as it embarks on its third decade.
“Power of agility in the urban jungle, the ownership of a Jaguar purrs with passion and excitement from the roots of its heritage when Sir William Lyons started in 1922 and still alive today with so much benefits from the advances of technology from aluminum and magnesium metallurgy, suspension and advanced electronics. This is the foundation of what a Jaguar is,” Soong said at the launch.
The Jaguar XE, which has a retail price ranging from P3 to 4 million, is a revolution of advanced engineering design and technology. It is the most aerodynamic Jaguar saloon car ever produced. It is the first Jaguar to be developed through Jaguar Land Rover’s new modular vehicular structure, with a long 2.835mm wheelbase and low seating position that altogether delivers a streamlined profile.
Its aluminum density is at 75 percent, delivered through a monocoque or single-shell architecture—the first in the compact executive car segment to be built in this manner. The Jaguar XE boasts sophisticated body engineering features including the use of aerospace-inspired joining technology which puts out an outstanding combination of strength, stiffness and durability of the chassis.
The Jaguar XE boasts refined exhaust gas recirculation system—Jaguar’s powertrain engineers have integrated the most advanced exhaust gas aftertreatment technology.
The Jaguar XE’s petrol engine range begins with the turbocharged, direct-injection, 2.0-litre four cylinder unit, which made its debut in the Jaguar XF and XJ saloons and now available in the Philippines. This refined, lightweight powerplant is available in two ratings: 200ps/280 Nm and 240ps/ 340Nm.
Inside the cabin, the Jaguar XE matches the outstanding craftsmanship of its exterior. The dashboard features an 8-inch touchscreen instrument panel to access exciting features and functions. Front seat passengers are treated to deep center console and a cockpit-like, sports-like riding comfort.
All occupants enjoy spacious head and legroom, as well as the luxurious treatment of bespoke cabin furniture complete with technical fabrics, fine-grain leathers and contrasting twin-needle stitching. The handcrafted design also extends to gloss black, textured aluminum, contemporary wood veneer and carbon-fiber trim.
The Jaguar XE also has some of the most advanced driver assistance systems available. It is the first Jaguar to use electric power steering (EPAS) which enhances tuning potential and energy efficiency. The system hardware has also been optimized to reduce backlash and friction, allowing for immediate response and the “connected feel” of the driver to the car.
“Jaguars have always been renowned for a balance of precise handling and a high-quality ride. The XE is the culmination of everything the company has learned over the years, providing a combination of supple ride and crisp handling that is unmatched in this segment,” said Mike Cross, Jaguar Chief Engineer of Vehicle Integrity.