It seems as though Jaguar is trying to make the
restyled XE feel more like a traditional sports sedan. In this case, it means
giving it a sharper headlight design, revised front bumper with larger air
intakes, new taillight graphics and… a new (or old, depends on your point of
view) gear shifter.
While the rotary dial used in the original XE, as
well as other Jaguar models, had a very ergonomic design and was easy to use,
replacing it with something you can actually grab and hold might make the
driver feel as though he’s in a sportier vehicle.
Jaguar is sure to offer future XE buyers more
on-board tech in order to feel left behind by the 2019 BMW 3-Series. After all,
the XE has always made its money as a genuine 3-Series fighter, so now there’s
a brand new Bimmer out, it must up its game.
Aside from its new shifter design, this prototype’s
dual-tone leather interior also sports JLR’s latest infotainment system and
center console setup, with the touchscreen climate control display being
visible right underneath the main infotainment screen in a Velar / all-new
Evoque way. Moreover, it seems as though the gauge cluster will go fully
digital, like in the I-PACE.
We expect the updated XE to be among the automaker’s
first models to boast a mild-hybrid powertrain. Word has it that this system will
feature a 48-volt architecture, with a belt alternator starter and a small
lithium-ion battery working alongside the company’s Ingenium engines.
Jaguar should unveil the 2019 XE in the early part
of the year, possibly at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Once on sale, the
updated XE will resume its battle with the Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class, Alfa
Romeo Giulia and, of course, the all-new 3-Series.
