MOTOR RIVALS

Jaguar North America introduced the 2017 Jaguar XE with key model year updates and new specifications ahead of its arrival in North American showrooms this Spring.

With pricing starting from $34,900, the XE rounds out the modern Jaguar sedan line-up as the new point of entry to Jaguar ownership; joining the new 2016 Jaguar XF mid-size sedan and refreshed 2016 Jaguar XJ full-size luxury sedan. Based on the brand’s new aluminum-intensive architecture, the introduction of the XE also gives Jaguar a foothold in the highly competitive North American compact sports sedan segment, significantly expanding potential market reach for the brand in 2016 and beyond.

Chassis

The new Jaguar XE features a sophisticated double wishbone front suspension. The aluminum front spindles are light and stiff – forged from cast blanks using a patented production process while the rear suspension features an integral link system like that used in the Jaguar XF. This system delivers lateral and longitudinal stiffness for precise handling and a supple ride.

Offering incredible tuning possibilities and greater efficiency than traditional hydraulic systems, electric power assisted steering (EPAS) like that found in the F-TYPE sports car is standard on the XE and further helps save weight while delivering consistent on-road driving feel through the steering wheel.2

Powertrain

For customers demanding ultimate performance and an exhilarating engine note from idle right up to the redline, there’s the Jaguar XE 35t model, which shares its supercharged 340hp 3.0-liter V6 with the acclaimed F-TYPE. Direct injection and fully variable valve timing optimize power and torque throughout the rev range. The 90-degree cylinder bank angle provides space for the twin-vortex Roots-type supercharger, a balancer shaft ensures the engine runs smoothly. Developing 332 lb-ft of torque, the V6 provides the Jaguar XE 35t with exceptional performance: 0-60 mph takes just 5.1 seconds and top speed is electronically-limited to 120 mph.1

The XE 25t will feature the proven 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 GTDI engine found in other Jaguar Land Rover products. This powertrain produces 240hp and 251lb-ft of torque in a compact footprint.

The introduction of the XE to North American showrooms also brings with it the introduction of a new engine family for the Jaguar brand and the brand’s first diesel in North America. Developed from the very beginning to meet stringent US emissions standards, this clean, powerful and refined Jaguar Ingenium “20d” 180hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel delivers an impressive 318-lb. ft. of torque for strong acceleration whenever the driver demands it, and is available with rear- or all-wheel drive.

All-Wheel Drive
All-wheel drive (AWD) was engineered into the XE from day one and debuts in 2017 worldwide. In North American markets AWD will be available exclusively with the 180hp Ingenium diesel and the 340hp supercharged V6 gas engines.

Automatic Transmissions
A ZF® eight-speed automatic transmission routes power to the wheels across the entire range of engines available in the XE in North America, from the 2.0-liter petrol and diesel engine to the range topping 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Two specifically-optimized versions of this highly efficient and smooth-shifting transmission are available in the XE: the supercharged V6 AWD is matched to the 8HP70, while the supercharged V6 RWD, Ingenium diesel and GTDI four-cylinder petrol engines are paired with the lighter, more compact 8HP45.

Safety

The 2017 XE also features an available Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system.2 Sensors in this system provide measurements of speed and distance of objects ahead and can initiate full braking to avoid or mitigate a collision.

Acting as the ‘eyes’ of the optional AEB, the XE features stereo camera technology that also supports Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems which provide data for the new Adaptive Speed Limiter (ASL) feature.2 ASL uses TSR data to adjust the set point, and can automatically increase or decrease the vehicle’s speed while the accelerator pedal is pressed.1,2 If a higher speed limit is detected, the ASL system notifies the driver and can smoothly accelerate the vehicle up to the new limit. If the new speed limit is lower, the vehicle can be slowed down accordingly.

The XE also offers systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Closing Vehicle Sensing, Blind Spot Monitoring, semi-automated parallel and perpendicular Park Assist, and Reverse Traffic Detection.2

Technology

For 2017, customers can now choose between two great infotainment systems when buying their XE – the Jaguar InControl® Touch™ system and the next-generation InControl Touch Pro™ system. InControl Touch relies on an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen which features a clear, intuitive interface with fast response times, while InControl Touch Pro is designed around a tablet-style 10.2-inch touchscreen and is as intuitive to use as it is powerful, making every journey a more enjoyable, rewarding experience.

BMW announces the latest enhancement to its brand shaping 3 Series with the introduction of the new BMW 3 Series. For the 2016 model year, the new 3 Series receives a range of enhancements highlighting dynamics, supporting the vehicle’s true emotional commitment to the brand and its customers. The introduction of the BMW 340i, marks the world premier of an all new inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine, producing 320 hp with 330 lb-ft of torque. This new modular BMW EfficientDynamics engine features BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, combining unbeatable performance with outstanding efficiency.

Powertrain

The BMW 3 Series has represented the core of the Ultimate Driving Machine for the past 40 years. The engine range is comprised of gasoline engines with output from 180-320 hp and a diesel engine with 180 hp and an impressive 280 lb-ft. The new modular BMW EfficientDynamics inline 6-cylinder engine in the 340i is equipped with the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which combines exceptional performance with excellent fuel efficiency.

The new BMW 340i Sedan inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine.
The BMW 340i is the first model in the BMW line-up to be powered by the all-new inline 6-cylinder engine (B58) from the new modular BMW EfficientDynamics engine family. This new 3.0 liter engine powering the 340i replaces the N55 powered 335i and tops the 3 Series gasoline line-up. It produced a maximum power of 320 hp between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm, a 20 hp improvement over the previous model. Peak torque is an impressive 330 lb-ft, which is available from 1,380 rpm. The new BMW 340i Sedan equipped with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds while the BMW 340i xDrive model takes just 4.6 seconds. All 340i models are governed to a top speed of 155 mph (130 mph if equipped with All-season tires).

Improved manual and automatic transmissions.
The new BMW 3 Series Sedan comes standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 6-speed manual transmission is available as a no-cost option on 320i, 328i, 340i and 340i xDrive models. The crisp-shifting 6-speed manual transmission on 340i models is equipped with a dual-mass flywheel with centrifugal pendulum absorbers. The 6-speed manual transmission is also offered with a rev matching function, which means the engine automatically blips the throttle on downshifting, resulting in improved smoothness.

BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system.
The new BMW 3 Series Sedan can optionally be specified with xDrive, the BMW intelligent all-wheel drive system. BMW xDrive efficiently reduces understeer and oversteer when cornering by sending as necessary power front or rear, improving driving dynamics, for example when steering into a corner or accelerating out of even the tightest bends.

The new BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid.
Looking further ahead, the BMW 3 Series will celebrate a very special milestone in 2016 with the launch of the BMW 330e. The BMW 330e will be powered by a plug-in hybrid drive system with a combined output of around 250 hp and 310 lb-ft (preliminary), giving the BMW 330e a 0–60 mph acceleration time of approximately 6.1 (preliminary) and a top speed of 140 mph (preliminary). The new BMW 330e is also capable of travelling up to 22 miles in all-electric mode and therefore with zero local emissions.

Chassis

The BMW 3 Series has been the benchmark in driving dynamics for generations. The further developed damper technology and optimized suspension of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon team up with a more finely honed steering set-up to deliver significantly enhanced dynamic capabilities without any compromise on comfort. Some of the specific changes include: new geometry of the chassis with new front struts with five bolt upper anchors points (versus 3 previously), redesigned electric power steering, new rear damper technology, and updated Dynamic Stability Control. All these updates translate to increased handling capabilities as well as feedback to the driver.

Track Handling Package now available.
The Track Handling Package, designed for the driving enthusiasts and available on the gasoline engine models only, consists of Variable Sport Steering, Adaptive M Suspension and M Sport Brakes with high temperature Euro brake pads mounted to blue calipers that highlight the new 3 Series sportiness while sharpening handling.

Technology

Fastest mobile technology on board.
The optional latest-generation Navigation System boasts quicker start-up, even faster route calculation along with more realistic 3D visualization in cities.

ConnectedDrive Services form part of the standard specification of the BMW 3 Series.
A SIM card built into the vehicle enables the customer to enjoy optimum connectivity and access to the unrivalled range of services from BMW ConnectedDrive without the need for a smartphone.

Head-Up Display: information in the driver’s immediate field of view.
A full-color, high-resolution Head-Up Display is available as an option for the new BMW 3 Series.

Parking Assistant for parallel and now perpendicular parking.
The Parking Assistant in the new BMW 3 Series now helps the driver to park in spaces
that are perpendicular to the road as well as parallel spots.