Jaguar has launched the XE in India at a starting price of Rs 39.9 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. This is JLR’s most affordable offering yet and is the first car in the segment to use a lightweight aluminium-intensive monocoque chassis. The XE will compete against the Mercedes-Benz C-Class BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.
The XE is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine in two states of tune. The lower output model develops 197bhp of power and 280Nm of torque. If you are seeking a bit more performance from the XE then the pick would be the 237bhp/340Nm unit. This variant can do the 0-100kmph sprint in a claimed 6.8 seconds. The XE comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox only. The sedan is equipped with torque vectoring by braking and all surface progress control (ASPC).
Two variants are on offer – Pure and portfolio. The Pure variant is offered only on the 197bhp car and gets all the set of safety features that you get on the Portfolio trim. These include torque vectoring, brake assist, hill launch assist and cruise control with automatic speed limiter. What the Portfolio gets over the Pure trim is the Meridian sound system, electrically adjustable front seats, leather upholstery Bi-Xenon headlamps and mood lighting.
Jaguar also has a new range of ingenium diesel engines that will find their way into all JLR products. The four cylinder units are 2000cc engines that can’t be sold in the capital due to the ban on diesel cars with engine capacities of 2.0-litre and above. Jaguar is playing the waiting game to see how the ban pans out. We expect the diesel to be introduced in other regions in a few months though.
Full prices:
XE 197bhp Pure: Rs 39.9 lakh ex-showroom Delhi
XE 237bhp Portfolio: Rs 46.5 lakh ex-showroom Delhi