Jaguar previews all-new XE’s technologies – debuts 8th September

Jaguar will unveil its BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class rival, the Jaguar XE, at a star-studded event in London on September 8th.

Touted as a ‘true driver’s car’, Jaguar will bring levels of innovation never seen before in this segment – with its lightweight construction expertise and sophisticated chassis technology in addition to the new family of Ingenium engines – all designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK.

Built around an all-new, aluminium-intensive architecture, the XE is said to combine thrilling performance, agile handling and precise, responsive steering, with outstanding levels of refinement.

Mike Cross, Chief Engineer of Vehicle Integrity, said: “Jaguar’s have always been renowned for a balance of precise handling and a high-quality ride. The XE is the culmination of everything the company has learned over the years. The Integral Link rear suspension provides a combination of supple ride and crisp handling that is unmatched in this segment. We are on target to deliver a vehicle that dynamically outperforms our rivals.”

Integral Link rear suspension
Unique to this segment, the integral link suspension is claimed to deliver major benefits over conventional multi-link designs. By providing lateral and longitudinal stiffness, the integral link is said to deliver sharp response and handling while retaining a refined, luxurious ride.

Many components of the Integral Link suspension have been forged or hollow-cast in aluminium. These are the optimum production techniques to produce a strong, lightweight solution.

Front suspension based on F-TYPE sportscar
Mounted to a subframe with cast aluminium suspension towers, the XE’s double wishbone front suspension is based on Jaguar’s flagship F-TYPE sportscar and includes some key components designed to deliver Jaguar XFR-levels of stiffness. Jaguar said these ensure the XE enjoys a similar level of agility and ‘connected’ steering feel. Like the rear suspension, many components are made from cast and forged aluminium and some are produced using a patented process.

Class-leading steering feel
Jaguar is renowned for its steering feel and this will now move to the next level as the XE becomes the first Jaguar to be equipped with the latest generation Electric Power Assisted Steering.

The latest software algorithms now allow much greater scope for tuning than hydraulic-based systems and deliver better quality steering feel. Other benefits include variable steering damping, ease of low-speed manoeuvring and the ability to adapt to Jaguar Drive Control settings. EPAS also enables a range of Active Safety and Driver Aid features.

All Surface Progress Control
Even with the best traction control, rear-wheel drive cars can struggle to pull away from rest on very slippery surfaces. For that reason, Jaguar has developed All Surface Progress Control, a completely new feature in its class.

Developed with the input of decades of Jaguar Land Rover experience in off-road traction systems, ASPC can electronically gain traction with far less drama than a human driver can achieve. The system works like a low-speed cruise control to deliver optimum traction in the most slippery conditions without skidding and without the driver using the pedals.