After a lengthy build-up we'll finally get to see the Jaguar XE on September 8 when the covers taken off at a "star-studded" event in London. That was the most significant piece of knowledge in another round of info that mostly told us in light detail about suspension parts and other underbits.
Opening salvoes from pre-launch hype machine
The car will deliver a combination of "supple ride and crisp handling that is unmatched in this segment" according to a statement by Mike Cross, the company's famed handling engineer. Jaguar tells us that's possible thanks to a combination of the light weight achieved via the aluminum-intensive chassis, a double wishbone front set-up and plenty stiff yet light forged aluminium suspension components.
Also key is the rear "integral link" suspension that Jaguar reckons improves on standard multi-link set-up. This introduces an isolated subframe meant to better cushion road shocks while still allowing for involved handling. It's a similar set-up as the new Ford Mondeo will get, which is ironic given that many pronounced the X-Type (the XE's forerunner) guilty by association with older Mondeos, especially now that Ford's connection to Jaguar is limited to engine supplier only. We shouldn't worry too much though – Ford has given the new Mondeo loads of premium Lincoln chassis elements, this being one of them.
Back to the XE. Inevitably it has electric power steering, but Jaguar reckons the latest generation system allows for greater steering feel and can piggyback the newest tech. Jaguar mentions active safety within this, so it'll probably come with assisted steering for within-the-lines, low-speed traffic jam autonomy.
Jaguar also mentions something called All Surface Progress Control which it reckons is "completely new" in its class. It's described as low-speed cruise control to deliver optimum traction in slippery conditions, and we'll bet it's probably a trick setting in the ESC to keep things in a straight line.
Four-cyl Ingenium engine family at XE's heart
What we know already about the rear-wheel drive saloon (an estate is almost certainly on the way too) is that it'll come with a new Jaguar-constructed 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel with either a single or twin turbos, the latter probably delivering around 230hp. One diesel will deliver sub 100g/km or 75mpg, at least in the official figures. See more from our previous story
here
Petrol turbos are a given, but we don't know what yet the figures are yet. The most the company has said is that one model will hit a top speed of 186mph. Hybrids are also likely, if not right away at the on-sale date of early next year. Jaguar Land Rover patents online show a lightweight hybrid system where the electric motor is integrated into the powertrain unit between the engine and the gearbox. It can also be used with a manual gearbox.
So far there hasn't been a disappointing piece of information about this car yet. With no other partner to stick their oar in, it seems as though the people who know what they're doing have been given free reign to create a car that'll properly take on most of the BMW 3 Series range (it'll leave the 318 market alone). Still though, many a slip twixt cup and lip, so let's hope the XE really is as a complete a package as it sounds.