2020 Jaguar XE Preview

Jaguar recently released a completely rebuilt, super-sport version of their Jaguar XE, replacing almost every single part on the vehicle to create the SVR Project 8; a vehicle that set a time of 7 minutes, 21.2 seconds around the Nürburgring, an incredibly fast time and a record when it was run for saloon vehicles. Yet, the XE currently has waited on a redesign long coming since its original release in late 2015; that is, until now.

Arriving later this summer, the 2020 Jaguar XE has seen a few changes to available packages, a myriad of touch-ups to the exterior, and a complete renovation of the interior cabin to create an affordable luxury sedan from Jaguar that can still excite around corners. Utilizing the same 8-speed automatic transmission from the Jaguar F-TYPE, the XE will be available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive formats, with either a 247-horsepower or 297-horsepower turbo-4 engine. Gone is the V6 option, with Jaguar opting to create a saloon that feels dynamic, agile, and most notably, lightweight.

Meanwhile, the exterior still holds true to the Jaguar form, with the sleek body and large, intimidating grille; however, minor changes all across the XE keep to the idea of the sleeker, more agile feline. Up front, a wider grille allows the XE to truly show its teeth while giving the illusion that the overall height of the vehicle has been lowered by making the grille look wider and therefore thinner. Meanwhile, framing this wider grille are leaner, meaner headlights, with the accenting LEDs creating a sensation of the XE ready to prowl. This same logic has been applied to the air intakes up front, ensuring the XE is easily spotted on the road.

However, the most notable and dynamic changes are a completely redesigned interior with some influence from the new Jaguar I-PACE, their all-electric. The reason behind this interior rebuild, says Jaguar Design Chief Ian Callum, “The last car, frankly, we left a bit short.” But the 2020 definitely has not been left short; a shifter taken directly from the Jaguar F-TYPE shows Jaguar’s dedication to creating a sporty feeling saloon, while the fully digital center console and infotainment center ensure an ease of access for all your interior comforts. But to keep your eyes on the road, the (also) fully digital instrument panel, controllable through the modernized steering wheel, allows access to phone calls, full music control, and more. All of this has been designed with high-quality plastics, while comfortable leather or cloth has been stitches throughout the chairs and doors (depending on your comfort choices).

The 2020 Jaguar XE has taken what was an entry level vehicle and turned it into a truly incredible, agile, and comfortable Jaguar vehicle that holds true both to the luxury and sportiness of the brand. Make sure to check out this vehicle later this year at Jaguar Wichita, with prices expect to start in the low $47,000s.