Jaguar XE and XF could be replaced by single model
Facing slow sales of XE and XF, Jaguar Land Rover bosses are considering slashing development costs with one modelJaguar Land Rover (JLR) bosses are reportedly considering culling both the Jaguar XE and XF sedans and replacing them with a single model.
According to
, a radical rethink is being considered by the Indian-owned British car-maker after a 2018 that saw, in some markets, both the underperforming XE and XF outsold by the new pure-electric Jaguar I-PACE SUV.Speaking to an insider close to JLR, the Brit mag says that despite a facelift for both the XE and XF being 'only months away', both sedans face an uncertain future once they've been phased out around 2023.
One option being taken seriously is killing off both models and replacing them with a new vehicle that features a full pure-electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain.
This approach has already been green-lit for the all-new replacement for the Jaguar XJ limousine that's set to be introduced in 2020.
Until now, Jaguar has said it will remain committed to making sedans -- even those that sold in relatively small numbers -- but now it's thought that JLR is under pressure from its owners to begin delivering stronger sales and profits following a significant investment in the brand.
What is guaranteed is that any future XE and XF replacements would be based on JLR's all-new MLA aluminium architecture that has been developed for combustion, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full pure-electric powertrains.
Worryingly for JLR, if it does commit to a battery-powered replacement for the XE and XF, the decision could constrain the new model to niche-status -- unless governments around the globe decide on incentives to offset their higher cost.
In the short-term, it's hoped the thoroughly facelifted XE and XF will improve in popularity -- thanks in part to the arrival of far more efficient 48V mild-hybrid powertrains lifted from the forthcoming Range Rover Evoque and new plug-in hybrids using a small 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine.
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