JOIN USGet ready for a thrilling, prowling drive with Jaguar XE
When British super-luxury automobile manufacturer Jaguar began its India plans a few years ago, the market was already awed by established fellow European giants Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, whose machines threw style, luxury, and many more goodies much to the frenzy of young, successful Indian buyers.
But the legend that Jaguar is, has managed to effortlessly serenade its fans and the newbies alike, with its uber cool machines. One of its latest offerings, the smart sedan XE is a fascinating blend of features and performance, and is magically weaves that blend into an urbane, chic car.
When Tata Motors acquired Jaguar in 2008, it was a perfect match of two trend-setting brands, both boasting a heritage and tradition steeped in customer trust, and getting the nice things done the best way possible.
You’ve got the look...
When one lays a glance on the Jaguar XE, the brilliantly-sculpted bonnet sweeping back from distinctive ‘J’ blade headlights, is a welcome sight in design. Designers have built the bonnet in a thoughtful way that it channels air over and around the body, and minimises air resistance, while gliding through the road. As its namesake, the stealthy, intelligent predator beautiful crafted by nature, the Jaguar XE is crouching, and ready to pounce.
The lines from the headlights smoothly make their way all the way to the back of the car, which sports an overall muscular, yet youthfully elegant persona, well-supported by the chrome-framed, Jaguar embossed, mesh-side vents, emphasising the XE’s sporting character. On the whole, the car has a lovely gait, embellished by its well-placed set of wheels.
The loveliness and style of the Jaguar XE continues from the exterior stance, right into the illustrious cabin. Step in, and the cabin seems to’ve already begun to pamper you with all its grace and feature feel.
To being with, the seats form an integral part of car, since travel in a car without any other thought otherwise, happens with occupants sitting on them. Unfortunately, not many carmakers understand that and pay little or no heed to ergonomics or passenger comfort.
Well, that’s exactly what Jaguar has rubbished, as the soft leather seats within the XE cabin are not just luxurious, but heavenly to say the least. Driving long hours within the cabin on these seats is a joy and one cannot much know the time spent on the road itself.
Also, the carmaker has endowed its cabin with many technological improvements. The car allows for you to get 10-way electrically adjustable front seat with four memory settings for the driver’s seat, which enables one to store his/her favourite seat positions. The leather-wrapped instrument panel with elements of a piano finish on the console exudes elegance.
It is refreshing, yet quite nostalgic to see the gear-selector knob popping out from the dashboard. This little move to place the gear knob on the dash again reflects the company’s resolve to provide customers with driving comfort and convenience, apart from adding to the stylish appeal of the interior space.
The incontrol infotainment system works off a new eight-inch touchscreen display with many features such as Google Maps. Also, a 380-watt meridian sound system presents a great acoustic experience.
On the rear, however, it must stated here that the AC vents which are located between the front two seats might hinder the space for a third occupant. Yet, there is enough leg-room and knee-room for all passengers. Also, The boot space is ample at 455 litres with room for enough storage for water bottles.
One great drive
The moment you start the engine, you hardly feel the noise. The engine is quite silent, and one which is very refined. When you put your foot on the accelerator pedal, ensure that the road is wide open, because the punchy and strong engine darts the car forward with gusto! Such its power and acceleration. The four-cylinder 1,999 cc turbo petrol engine shoots out peak power of 237 bhp@5,500 rpm, with a torque of 34.6 kgm@2,000-4,000 rpm.
Moreover, once you flattened the throttle, you will be served by a giant wave of torque. With sports mode set, one will simply start flying. Not only it is quick, but goes on well around the corners too. The 8-speed automatic transmission is brilliant to say the least, and the car easily hits 0-100 kmph in 6.8 seconds, lapping up a top speed of 250 kmph, yet offering a juicy fuel economy of 13.06 kmpl.
Full marks to the power steering which gives you an incredible sense of confidence while driving this car.
A well-reserved night drive experience to the temple town of Tirupathi on the Jaguar XE will remain ever-memorable. A good mix of twisty mountain roads and straight-line highways lay ahead on our test route, and a dash of rain here and there, and one couldn’t have asked for more interesting and scintillating test conditions.
With no street lights on the road, the bi-function HID Xenon headlamps comes into play. To your surprise, the high-beam focus in the night reaches the top of the trees lining the sides of the highway. The focus of the light is so strong that one can see the roads far ahead very clearly.
Suspension speaks
The Jaguar XE’s sophisticated front and rear suspension systems complete a chassis that achieves a superb combination of sportiness and refinement. The suspension’s control, agility and feedback give the XE a spirit of a sports car.
While coming back from Tirupathi, we witnessed barricades interrupting our drive. Thanks to the XE’s Torque Vectoring by Braking, which maximises control through even the tightest corners, the technology provided controlled braking. Safety features galore on the XE — which are much essential for such a powerful beast — namely pedestrian contact sensing system, six airbags, and hazard lights under heavy braking; the list is endless. If you are new to drive such a lengthy sedan which sits on the road, you might feel it a little difficult to get into the driver seat, or at the back, and one has to really struggle if the person is quite heavy.
Thanks to its length 4,672 mm, it is difficult to navigate tight corners in older quarters of the big cities, requiring good amount of experience and judgement to drive such lengthy cars.
The Jaguar XE comes in three variants — with the Pure priced at Rs 40,60,933, the Prestige, which is also powered by a 2-litre petrol engine, and equipped with advanced driving technologies like all-surface progress control (ASPC), which is a low-speed cruise control that helps cope with low traction situations, priced at Rs 44,46,671, and the top-end Portfolio that we got to drive, is tagged at Rs 48,84,316 (all ex-showroom prices).
The Jaguar XE, which is the epitome of grace, is also a revelation of the advancements in automobile technology. Above all, it is reflection of an emerging Indian car market, an eager buyer population with taste for the high-life, and style to carry it well.
JAGUAR xE
Verdict : If you are ready to throw money and looking for great driving experience, go for it.
Engine Four cylinder, 1999-cc turbo petrol
Power 237 bhp@5,500 rpm
Torque 34.6 kgm@2,000-4,000 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Fuel economy 13.06 kmpl
PRICE 48,84,316 (ex-showroom Mumbai)