The time has come for the compact Jaguar XE to
receive a mid-life update, with Carscoops spies spotting two camouflaged prototypes
during hot-weather testing in Death Valley. Jaguar’s 3-Series rival isn’t expected to change that much; exterior revisions
will include redesigned lights front and rear along with new bumpers and that’s
about it. The cabin will be similarly updated with new trim options and colors,
along with a range of updated infotainment and active safety systems.
The biggest changes however are expected to take
place under the bonnet of the facelifted Jaguar XE. The British car maker has already
announced its electrification plans and the updated XE is expected to offer new
mild-hybrid powertrains for better fuel economy and lower emissions.
The mild-hybrid tech will most likely be paired with
the existing Ingenium engines, meaning Jaguar will add a belt alternator
starter and a small lithium-ion battery that require a 48-volt electrical architecture. The electrified powertrains will
improve fuel efficiency by introducing features like a coasting function and a
modern start-stop system, in addition to the obvious combination of petrol and
electric power.
With Jaguar having already dropped the V6 versions
of the XE in Europe, the days of the supercharged 3.0-liter version of the
compact Jaguar are probably numbered in North America as well. Another
potential casualty the facelift might bring is the option for a manual
transmission in entry-level European models. The facelifted Jaguar XE is
expected for a reveal in 2019, perhaps at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with
sales set to launch a few months later.
