Jaguar Releases Details on the U.S.-Spec 2017 XE Sedan

2017 Jaguar XE (Credit: © Jaguar)

After a limited release in 2015, Jaguar has finally unveiled the U.S.-spec 2017 XE Sedan. Sure, it looks identical to the European-spec model that was available this year, but there is one big difference with this new model year.

The massive difference I am speaking of is the addition of optional all-wheel drive. When Jaguar first released the XE, it mentioned that it developed the model to accept all-wheel drive, but made no promises about its addition to the range.

The 2017 Jaguar XE will be available in four trims: base, Premium, Prestige, and R-Sport. The base model will be available with either the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (25t) good for 240 horsepower or the 2.0-liter diesel four-pot (20d) that produces 180 horsepower. The Premium and Prestige models add in the option of the 340-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 engine (35t), while the R-Sport model is only available with either the diesel four-pot or the V-6.

2017 Jaguar XE (Credit: © Jaguar)

All three engines mate to eight-speed automatic transmissions, but the specifics vary between models. The V-6 model with optional all-wheel drive gets the more robust 8HP70 transmission, while the other V-6 with rear-wheel drive, and the two four-cylinder engines use the lighter 8HP45 transmission. Speaking of all-wheel drive, the 35t and 20d engines are both available with power going to all four wheels, while the 25t engine is limited to rear-wheel drive only.

Performance is pretty respectable across the board. With the 25t engine, the XE hits 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds and tops out at 155 mph, while the 20d engine slows things down to 7.5 seconds to 60 mph and a top speed of 140 mph. Jumping into to 35t engine gets you a 5.1-second sprint to 60 mph and to a top speed of 155 mph.

2017 Jaguar XE (Credit: © Jaguar)

The Jaguar XE also comes very well equipped, even in its base format. The base model comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, stop/start technology, Jaguar InControl Protect & Remote, a sunroof, 18-way power seats, dual-zone climate control, an 8-inh touchscreen, and more.

Pricing for the 2017 Jaguar XE starts from $34,900. The better-equipped XE Premium starts at $37,500, the XE Prestige comes in at a starting price of $41,400, and the R-Sport starts from $46,500. Jaguar expects to have the 2017 XE in U.S. showrooms in the spring of 2016.