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The new Jaguar XE has finally been launched in Malaysia. Here to rival the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4, the premium compact sedan is available in three variants. As listed below, prices, ranging from RM341k to RM582k, are OTR without insurance and inclusive of GST.

  • Jaguar XE Prestige 2.0 – RM340,730
  • Jaguar XE R-Sport 2.0 – RM365,730
  • Jaguar XE S 3.0 – RM582,467

The compact XE’s arrival completes Jaguar Land Rover’s sedan range, joining the XF premium executive sedan and XJ limousine. It is also the first model to be underpinned by JLR’s new modular architecture, featuring an aluminium-intensive monocoque which allows the XE to shed weight whilst retaining a robust structure.

The car measures 4,672 mm long, 1,850 mm wide and 1,416 mm tall. Its wheelbase chimes in at 2,835 mm long. To help you put that in perspective, a F30 3 Series is 48 mm shorter, 39 mm narrower and 13 mm taller than the Jag, while giving away another 25 mm at its wheelbase.

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Each of the three XE variants offer different levels of power output. At its base, the XE Prestige gets a 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbocharged Ford EcoBoost engine that’s rated at 200 PS at 5,500 rpm and 280 Nm of torque between 1,750 to 4,000 rpm. The mill allows the XE to complete a zero to 100 km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds, and have a top speed of 237 km/h. All variants feature a ZF-sourced eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

The mid-range XE R-Sport gets the same 1,999 cc four-pot turbo, but has its output increased to 240 PS at 5,500 rpm and 340 Nm from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm. The added power equated to a quicker 6.8-second century sprint and a top speed of 250 km/h. Note that this variant has a “25t” badge at its rear which signifies the 2.0 litre engine’s higher state of tune.

At the top of the range sits Jaguar’s 3.0 litre V6 twin-vortex supercharged engine, residing in the top-shelf XE S. The engine is good for 340 PS at 6,500 rpm and 450 Nm at 4,500 rpm, giving the range-topping XE a zero to 100 km/h time of 5.1 seconds, and a top speed of 250 km/h. Interestingly, the engine is also featured in the base-spec variant of the brand’s F-Type sports car.

Outside, the base Prestige variant offers bi-function HID xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and high-intensity LED tail lamps which have been inspired by the F-Type. It gets 17-inch “Turbine” 10-spoke sparkle silver alloy wheels as standard, and has its front radiator grille in black with a chrome surround.

The R-Sport variant adds slightly sportier looks, courtesy of the R-Sport body kit – this adds an R-Sport front bumper, body-coloured side sills, satin chrome side power vents and a rear spoiler. The variant also gets 18-inch “Star” five-spoke alloy wheels as standard. Note that the R-Sport pictured here is equipped with the optional 19-inch “Venom” five, twin-spoke alloys in black.

The XE S is by far the most aggressive variant in the line-up. On the outside, it features enlarged air intakes on the front bumper, side sill extensions, a rear spoiler, a gloss black rear valance and brake calipers painted in red. As standard, the S gets 18-inch “Templar” five, twin-spoke alloy wheels, but optionally, buyers may specify a set of 20-inch “Propeller” alloy wheels.

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Inside, the three variants feature very similar equipment and features – only trim and upholstery options appear to be different between them. A three-spoke multi-function steering wheel is standard across the board, while the centre console features a rising gear selector dial.

The InControl Touch infotainment system introduces an eight-inch touchscreen display with a new graphical interface. Media options range from USB and auxiliary sockets to iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.

As standard, all XE variants get a basic 80-watt, four-channel, six-speaker sound system. Optionally, buyers may spec-up the audio to a 380-watt Meridian sound system, specifically designed for the XE – audio reproduction here is via a greater 12-channel, 11-speaker system.

Moving towards specifics of each variant’s interior, the base Prestige 2.0 starts things off by offering Taurus leather upholstery with contrasting stitching – based on your preferred colour theme. The signature Jaguar Riva Hoop that spans across the door trim and dashboard is in brushed aluminium, while the steering wheel is wrapped in soft grain leather.

The R Sport adds to the above a set of Sport Perforation seats with Taurus leather upholstery and mesh fabric inserts. The Riva Hoop and door finishers are in etched aluminium, with additional “R-Sport” badges on the steering wheel and tread plates to remind you of your RM365k purchase.

The S variant’s cabin is the sportiest of them all. With suede cloth inserts on the Taurus leather seats, this variant also gets a generous serving of gloss black trim. The steering wheel and tread plates get “S” badges, and the Riva Hoop and door trim here feature a dark mesh aluminium material.

There’s a decent amount of driver assistance systems in the XE. The JaguarDrive Control allows you to switch the vehicle’s performance characteristics on the fly, offering Normal, Eco, Dynamic and Winter driving modes that modify the XE’s throttle and steering characteristics.

The XE is also the first Jaguar model to be offered with an electric-powered steering. Officially known as the Speed Proportional Electric Power Steering, the system claims to accurately optimise steering feel to match your demands. A Torque Vectoring by Braking system is also on deck, designed to mitigate understeer situations. Notably, only the R-Sport variant appears to feature a Sports-tuned suspension.

Another world debut for the brand is its All Surface Progress Control, which gets its first application in the XE. The traction management system functions similarly to a low-speed cruise control and gives the rear-wheel driven XE better all-weather capabilities. Typically used to optimise grip in the snow, the system functions between 3.6 km/h and 30 km/h and provides maximum take-off grip in slippery conditions – not that we’ll ever be driving in snow, anytime soon.

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For safety, the all XE variants get on nicely with six airbags as standard. Active safety features include Hill Launch Assist, Emergency Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control.

To recap, the Jaguar XE is priced from RM340k to RM580k, with three variants available. The prices include a five-year or 150,000 km warranty and three years roadside assistance. The Prestige 2.0 and R-Sport 2.0 variants come with a five-year or 80,000 km free scheduled maintenance package, while the S 3.0 variant gets the same deal under five-year or 65,000 km terms.

Early buyers will also get the XE Launch Accessories kit worth RM10,000 for free. The package includes illuminated tread plates up front, aluminium red-painted paddle shifters, a specially-designed gear selector with a premium dark leather top and a rubber bezel with a soft-touch grip and unique tyre valve caps which are available in four designs.

On top of this, there are also several items for buyers to add on, including a chrome front splitter (RM1,538), aluminium gearshift paddles (RM3,559), an iPad Mini holder (RM1,504) and a headrest-mounted coat hanger (RM337). For the full list of available options, check out our gallery below. Also, don’t forget to read our review of the Jaguar XE, here.

GALLERY: Jaguar XE R-Sport 2.0


GALLERY: Jaguar XE Prestige 2.0

GALLERY: Jaguar XE Launch Accessories

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