Jaguar XE India launch at Auto Expo 2016

Jaguar’s much-awaited XE sedan will be launched in India at the next Auto Expo, scheduled to take place in February 2016. The car will take on the Audi A4, BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C-class and Volvo S60. However, a company insider hinted that the XE could be priced slightly higher than rivals, owing to the fact that the XE for India is likely to be sold only in fully loaded form. Jaguar India wants to underscore the luxury aspect of its cars and company officials believe ‘base versions’ with few features work against that end.

While the final feature spec for India-bound XEs is not known as yet, what we do know is that a 161bhp, 2.0-litre diesel engine from Jaguar-Land Rover’s (JLR) latest Ingenium engine family will be the main motor for India. Eventually, a similar capacity petrol engine is also expected to join the line-up. Power will be transferred to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, though internationally, a six-speed manual will also be offered.

Jaguar has not yet confirmed if the XE sedan will be an import or locally assembled at JLR’s facility in Pune. Chances are, the first lot of cars will be imported with assembly operations commencing in the months to follow. Either way, Jaguar will have to ensure pricing is not at too much of a premium over rivals. The XE is Jaguar’s ticket to big sales and the carmaker simply cannot afford to price it out of contention in a segment as competitive as that for mid-size luxury sedans.

Read our detailed first look on the XE here 

NIKHIL BHATIA