RE: Jag XE: 75 per cent aluminium and over 75mpg
Tuesday 29th July 2014
'It will be the true driver's car in the segment'. More than anything else, that's the kind of statement we want to hear most from Jaguar about the upcoming XE. A 'supple ride' and 'precise handling' are promised as well. And following the XF and XJ saloons, both renowned for their superb dynamics, the signs are encouraging.
September 8 is getting closer...Jaguar is claiming the XE's monocoque, with 75 per cent of the car' structure formed from aluminium, is a 'milestone in body engineering'. A new alloy is being used for the car with a particularly catchy name: RC5754. Emotive. A highly recycled aluminium, it dramatically reduces energy consumption and lifecycle CO2.
Jag XE: 75 per cent aluminium and 75mpg
The pre-launch tech bragging has only just begun!
September 8 is getting closer...
When Jaguar's Chief Technical Specialist; Body Complete (Dr Mark White) says the XE will have a "body structure with unrivalled low weight", you would like to think this will stand true. Having been disappointed by a slightly chubby kerbweight for the aluminium F-Type, we're hoping the XE can fulfil the promises of an aluminium intensive structure.
With just over a month until the XE's London reveal, expect more teasers on the car's technical detail over the coming weeks. It has to be good, doesn't it?
Discussion
Just as the F-Type is up against the weakest 911 in a long time, so the XE will be up against the weakest 3-series in a long time (based on 2 years and 46k in an F30, not the gushing reviews)
If it's even half the car it promises to be, it will do well. I'm genuinely excited by this car.
If it's even half the car it promises to be, it will do well. I'm genuinely excited by this car.
The X-type had a few issues, but one of the primary ones was that the engines compared badly to equivalent BMWs, as did the leasing costs (where most of the sales come from). If they can address the engines and make people want to buy one privately (or address the leasing costs, but that's harder) then they'll have a winner.
A friend really wanted an X-type when they came out, but the equivalent 3-series had 30bhp more, did 10mpg more and was quite a bit cheaper to lease on the company scheme. Hard to overcome that really.
A friend really wanted an X-type when they came out, but the equivalent 3-series had 30bhp more, did 10mpg more and was quite a bit cheaper to lease on the company scheme. Hard to overcome that really.
nicfaz said:
A friend really wanted an X-type when they came out, but the equivalent 3-series had 30bhp more, did 10mpg more and was quite a bit cheaper to lease on the company scheme. Hard to overcome that really.
Factor in BIK as well, and that is basically why I drive a 3-series, and probably why 50% of the other guys who drive them do too. They are so attractive to company users that they are basically a no brainer unless you REALLY want a diesel A4, Passat, C-class etc...nicfaz said:
The X-type had a few issues, but one of the primary ones was that the engines compared badly to equivalent BMWs, as did the leasing costs (where most of the sales come from). If they can address the engines and make people want to buy one privately (or address the leasing costs, but that's harder) then they'll have a winner.
A friend really wanted an X-type when they came out, but the equivalent 3-series had 30bhp more, did 10mpg more and was quite a bit cheaper to lease on the company scheme. Hard to overcome that really.
Not sure which one he was after. The 2.5 was 194bhp and the 3.0 was 231bhp, BMW at the time (iirc) 325i - 192bhp and 330i - 230bhp?A friend really wanted an X-type when they came out, but the equivalent 3-series had 30bhp more, did 10mpg more and was quite a bit cheaper to lease on the company scheme. Hard to overcome that really.
Admittedly the AWD system blunts the performance a little, as you would expect.
09dfearon said:
I'm dubious about this one. It has the grounds to be a great car but I cant imagine it being a great drivers car. Jags are comfortable motors but they don't yet have the driving dynamics of their German opposition. Looks great though
There speaks a man who has clearly not driven an XF and compared it to the current E class or 5 series. If you were questioning the depth of quality of the product I'd agree, but the ride/handling balance is really top notch.Dan_1981 said:
loudlashadjuster said:
Frimley111R said:
Guesses on real world mpg? 50 - 55?
Diesel 4-pot: 43 MPGPetrol 4-pot: 37 MPG
Same as every other car in the sector, basically. NEDC be damned
My SAAB 1.9tdi regularly returns 55mpg at 75mph.
09dfearon said:
I'm dubious about this one. It has the grounds to be a great car but I cant imagine it being a great drivers car. Jags are comfortable motors but they don't yet have the driving dynamics of their German opposition. Looks great though
You clearly haven't driven any of the current range. If you're including Audi in the German opposition I think you need a quiet word with yourself. 
V88Dicky said:
You mean they don't have run flats? 
Seriously, have you driven an XFR, or better still, XFR-S? They're fantastic.
Yes I have actually and also the new f-type s which was also a great car and kindly lent to me for a full weekend by jaguar. However these aren't the pumped up steroid filled nutter motors these are the day to day family cars and brands like BMW do this better. I've owned a jaguar XF s and also a 330d m sport auto and the dynamics of the BMW where much better. Saying that through the ride of the xf was better on the bumpy stuff and had less road noise however the lack of control through the auto (changes when it wants) and the terrible navigation system and the lag of the xf annoyed me so both have good and badSeriously, have you driven an XFR, or better still, XFR-S? They're fantastic.
09dfearon said:
Yes I have actually and also the new f-type s which was also a great car and kindly lent to me for a full weekend by jaguar. However these aren't the pumped up steroid filled nutter motors these are the day to day family cars and brands like BMW do this better. I've owned a jaguar XF s and also a 330d m sport auto and the dynamics of the BMW where much better. Saying that through the ride of the xf was better on the bumpy stuff and had less road noise however the lack of control through the auto (changes when it wants) and the terrible navigation system and the lag of the xf annoyed me so both have good and bad
You're comparing a 5 series rival to a 3 series for a start.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff