carsoholic

Jaguar is basically on its lifeline, looking to come back strong with what I think is it's final attempt at the entry-level luxury market. They did a huge ridiculous event with the reveal for the 2016 Jaguar XE which led to one of the most disappointing new cars I've seen in a while, especially when there was all that hype.

Do you guys agree that the car doesn't seem special enough to really capture the market and make a difference?

Here's the ridiculous XE reveal if you missed it.

carsoholic

Here are some pictures, forgot to attach.





front view





top view





interior

TangoRed

I'm sure the dynamics will be on point, but honestly the exterior is pushing the same design language that the XF had back in 2009 and the interior is uninspired at best. I expect it to sell as well as the Cadillac ATS.

carsoholic

The only difference is that Jaguar is bragging about this "aluminum frame" that is supposed to be amazing. Also, the engines offered are pretty ambitious for the segment.

The ATS seems to be selling pretty well and did well for Cadillac. I think the Jaguar has more expectations and potentially more upside, but you are probably right.

LexBob2

It does seem like this new Jag would compete with the ATS, among others. but I wonder if the ATS might have the advantage of more dealerships, bigger ad budgets and better name recognition at least here in the U.S.

Sales of the ATS seem to be cooling off. YTD thru October sales were 25k (-19%).

carsoholic

ATS-V should be enough of a marketing tool to boost sales significantly in US. If the ATS-V is good enough, the segment is ready for a contender... it's been snoozeville for a while now.

RXSF

In regards to the exterior, everything is great from the front bumper to the front door. After that, the side profile is uninteresting to look at. I think the biggest omission is the missing chrome trim around the windows.

Interior, center dash is okay. I think the biggest problem there is the door panels. There is another XE thread which has a lot of bad opinions too

UDel

I not all that impressed with it inside or out, does not do much for me, it just looks nice to me. I think it will have decent sales if reviews are good, better then the more expensive Jag models but I don't think it will be a hit or be much of a factor in the segment. People associate Jaguar with poor reliability and poor durability, even worse then German brands, and for less affluent buyers who will be in the market for a less expensive entry level Jag that will likely be a very big factor on whether to risk buying it. It could result in people skipping it or waiting until they hear what is going on with ones that sold if they are reliable or not.

carsoholic

I think you are right, but the XF seems to have changed peoples opinions of reliability. I think if the XE gets good reviews from the big media companies, they have a real chance.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

I personally love the car inside and out. Is it perfect? No, but it adds another choice for the consumer and gives Jaguar more volume which they can use.

carsoholic

I wish I agreed, I was looking forward to this car for a few years now. I am not yet giving up, I will have to wait to see it at the LA auto show and then hopefully give it a spin before i fully judge.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

The way I see it. At least it's here now. Two things can happen 1. it fails like the X-Type and is discontinued or 2. they build on any weaknesses and expand the line, continuing to be committed to an entry level model. Hopefully this rumored R-S version with a supercharged V8 comes to fruition

carsoholic

Yes, the R-S would be unbelievable. The car is handsome enough to get attention though, just isnt special enough in my opinion to be a leader

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Agreed it'll get thrown into the mix of an ever expanding entry level line-up. I see it being similar to the Mazda3 in that it'll be rewarding to own and drive, but it may be eclipsed by more prominent names in the segment like Civic, Corolla and Elantra, or in this case 3-Series, C-Class, A4, IS.

RNM GS3

Overall styling is OK but not unique or gorgeous like the XJ or Ftype.

The Multimedia technology on the Jags is dated....Germans are much more advanced with BMW's iDrive being the best imo.