Jaguar XE Sedan’s Long Wheelbase Variant Unveiled

Jaguar XEL has 100 mm longer wheelbase than the standard XE sedan; gets increased legroom and panoramic sunroof as standard

Jaguar has revealed a new long wheelbase variant of its highly-popular XE sedan for the Chinese market. It is common that automakers introduce extended wheelbase versions of their existing models exclusively for China as the owners like to have more space in the rear. The latest generation E-Class recently launched in India was the first with LWB right-hand-drive configuration but it had already been on sale in China as E-Class L.

The reconfigured Jaguar XEL is based on the standard XE sedan and sits below the XF in terms of proportion. In comparison to the regular XE, the XEL has 100 mm longer wheelbase which meant the total length stands at a generous 2.935 mm. An apparent advantage is the increased legroom provided by the elongated wheelbase.

Also Read: 2017 Mercedes E-Class Long Wheelbase Launched in India at Rs. 56.15 Lakh

It does allow the Jaguar XEL to compete against the likes of Audi A4L, BMW 3-Series Li and Mercedes-Benz C-Class L in the Chinese market. It follows the lines of the long wheelbase XF, christened the XFL, introduced there last year.

It will be manufactured through the Chery Jaguar Land Rover joint venture and comes with panoramic sunroof as standard fitment – an absolute necessity for an extended wheelbase vehicle perhaps. The Jaguar XEL derives power from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine in two state of tunes. It is good enough to generate a maximum power output of 200 PS and 320 Nm in the base variant and 250 PS/365 Nm in the high-end model.

Also Read: BMW X2 Shows Off Its Stylish Exterior In Latest Spy Shots

The former can do 0-100 kmph in 8.3 seconds and has top speed of 230 kmph while the latter is one second quicker and 10 kmph faster comparatively thanks to the additional power. The interior and feature list largely remain the same as the standard XE sedan. The LWB version has come to light at the ongoing 2017 Guangzhou Motor Show.

The entry-level XEL Elite Edition gets panoramic glass sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control and eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The top-end versions feature ambient interior lighting, illuminated door sill plates and Meridian audio system. Perforated leather upholstery, digital instrument cluster and wood trim can be optioned out.

As for the Indian market, we currently have the XE in six variants with 2.0-litre petrol or diesel engine option ranging between Rs. 35.85 lakh and Rs. 44.71 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Probability of the XEL reaching India are low we would reckon.

Jaguar XEL Images