By Khulekani Dumisa

Jaguar is giving its XE model enhanced exterior design, tweaked interior and advanced technologies. It now sits lower while appears to be wider than the model it replaces with larger front apertures, bold graphics and muscular forms.

The front comes with LED headlights with a striking ‘J’ blade daytime running light whereas the rear boasts a redesigned bumper and all-LED tail-lights with updated signature graphics. R-Dynamic models add an aircraft winglet-inspired sculpted surfaces, dark mesh detailing to the rear valance and alternative wheel styles.

All XE models are available with the enhanced Black Exterior Pack with bespoke elements finished in Gloss Black. These include the grille mesh, grille surround, lower air intake surrounds, side vents, window surround and new for 21MY, black exterior badging.

Local customers can choose from S, R-DYNAMIC SE and R-DYNAMIC HSE specification packs.

Interior

Jump into the cabin, there are sport-seats with contrast stitching, Satin Chrome gearshift paddles and R-Dynamic treadplates. Shared with the F-TYPE are SportShift gear selector and the JaguarDrive Control switch.

There is also a new steering wheel and for the first time in an XE, a Touch Pro Duo infotainment system borrowed from the new fully-electric I-PACE is adopted. Wireless device charging and clever Smart Settings technology also make their first appearance in the XE.

Engine

The new XE will be available in South Africa with the next generation Ingenium 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine and Jaguar’s eight-speed automatic transmission. This 184kW/365Nm petrol engine delivers a claimed fuel economy of 7.9 l/100km.

The updated Jaguar XE will be available in South Africa in the first half of 2021 with pricing to be announced closer to that time.