Jaguar plots XE family

Jaguar will build both wagon and SUV variants of the new XE.

That's the inside word from a senior Jaguar executive motoring.com.au spoke with at length at this week's global unveiling of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class fighting mid-size luxury sedan.

Already shown in concept form as the C-X17 and spotted in pre-production prototype guise, Jaguar's first SUV will vie with the next-generation XF large sedan to be the next new car off the company's new “aluminium intensive” platform that debuted under the XE.

Initially, it was expected that the SUV would fill the role of an XE wagon, but demand — especially from continental European markets — has justified the introduction of a true wagon variant, the insider stated.

The wagon will take the confirmed number of XE body derivatives to four, joining the sedan, SUV and coupe, with a four-seat cabriolet and long-wheelbase Chinese-market sedan still to be signed off.

The key to the XE range expansion is the flexibility of the new platform. Using aluminium for the front three-quarters of its structure as well as all major suspension components, the chassis is designed to ‘slip' (be extended and or modified) just ahead of the rear seat cushion (in the sedan).

The chassis is designed to accommodate all- and rear-wheel drive powertrains and, yes, a V8 will fit. A version of the same platform will also be used for the next-generation XF.

While markets like the UK will get both wagon and SUV variants, the USA and China are expected to be SUV-only.

What we will get is the $59,990 question…

Australia may follow the UK, but to date Australian Design Rule (ADR) requirements have stopped Jaguar Australia from importing the XF Sportbrake, the company's sole wagon.

According to Jaguar Australia spokesperson Mark Eedle, child seat anchorages remain the XF Sportbrake's issue. Although uniquely Australian top tether anchor points are provided, the position of them does not satisfy current ADRs.

The success of the XE line-up is critical for the brand's growth Down Under. Unofficial targets have Jaguar Australia aiming to reach 25-30 per cent of arch-rival Mercedes-Benz's segment volume once the appropriate variants are on sale.

Part of Jaguar Land Rover's local strategy as volumes build will be to establish service and parts operations in its existing Land Rover dealerships. Currently, JLR has around 40 Land Rover sales outlets in Australia -- around twice the number of Jaguar shopfronts.