Jaguar Unveils The 2016 XE

Jaguar is currently holding a launch party for its XE midsize luxury sedan, which will be a direct competitor to the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, among others.

While information is somewhat limited so far, we know that Jaguar has high hopes for this car. The chassis will be made of aluminium, making the XE lighter than the competition (the Jag should weigh in around 1474 kg).

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The new Jaguar will be launched in S guise, meaning it will be equipped with the supercharged 3 litre six-cylinder engine already found in the F-Type. Expect around 340 horsepower, and an eight-speed automatic gearbox sourced from ZF.

It will also be the first Jaguar fitted with electrically-assisted power-steering. We know that this technology received some flak when it appeared in the Infiniti Q50, but it will be interesting to see Jaguar Land Rover’s take on the subject.

Eventually, we will see new engines in the XE, like a 2 litre turbocharged four-cylinder, and even a diesel capable of impressive fuel economy: 3.4L/100 km, to be exact.

We will learn the exact specifications, as well as engine choices and pricing for this new Jaguar at the Paris Auto Show, which opens its doors on October 4th.