The Jaguar Land Rover Solihull Manufacturing Plant marked a significant milestone in its 70-year history as it welcomed the Jaguar brand for the very first time, tasked with the production of the all-new Jaguar XE. The new Jaguar XE is set to challenge the likes of the BMW 3-series and the ilk, in the compact executive sedan category.
Apart from the new Jaguar XE, the upcoming Jaguar F-Pace SUV is also slated to begin production at the Solihull plant next year. A total of £4 billion worth of contracts have been award to 55 vendors, that will provide 55% of the hardware to the new XE.
Ian Harnett, Jaguar Land Rover Purchasing Director said, “Jaguar Land Rover is one of the UK’s success stories, not simply because it has seen an upsurge in demand thanks to sustained investment, but because it has been able to support a burgeoning, high-tech, highly skilled supply base here in the UK. With each successive new or upgraded model, we are seeing the positive impact felt amongst the entire automotive sector which is great news for everyone committed to ensuring the UK remains truly competitive on a global stage.”
The Jaguar XE will employ the use of aluminium (a total of 75%) in its construction and sits on Jaguar Land Rover’s new modular vehicle platform. Under the hood, Jaguar offers a range of engine and transmission options for the XE, which includes a 2.0-litre diesel engine with 161 bhp and 380 Nm of torque, a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 197 bhp and 279 Nm of torque and a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with 335 bhp and 450 Nm of torque. Transmission choices for the diesel engines include an 8-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual, while the petrol engine powered Jaguars will be mated only to the 8-speed automatic.
Contemplating a Jaguar XE? Fret not, as the Jaguar XE is slated to arrive here in Malaysia some time next year, with up to 4 possible variants. Stay tuned!
