Jaguar debuts three new models for 2018
By Vince Bodiford
Jaguar came to Michigan to debut three new models, which now includes a wagon. From left – the new XJR saloon, E-Pace crossover SUV, and the XF Sportbrake (wagon). Inside the E-Pace (shown), the lines are clean and understated luxury.
Photos by Jaguar
Lineup now includes a wagon and a small SUV
Jaguar chose Novi, Michigan to introduce three new models to the expanded 2018 lineup, including the all-new E-PACE SUV, XF Sportbrake and XJR575 sedan. The new Jaguar vehicles were showcased last week for the first time in North America in Novi at The Art of Performance Tour, an award-winning immersive consumer test drive and engagement experience.
To celebrate the North American launch of Jaguar’s new compact performance SUV, the Jaguar E-PACE is featured in urban locations in a series of ‘warped reality’ pictures by digital artist Chris Labrooy that were on display throughout the event. Jaguar has also released a short film describing some of the inspiration and detail behind the design of the new Jaguar E-PACE.
In 2015, the brand announced a new approach in the U.S. market with updated pricing and customer care strategies aimed at transforming its presence in the market ahead of launching the Jaguar XE and F-PACE. Since then, Jaguar was the fastest growing automotive brand in 2016 and the F-PACE, as well as the new XE, led to doubling of the Jaguar brand’s annual sales.
Jaguar is now expanding its 2018MY lineup to offer customers an even greater selection of vehicles, including a family of SUV vehicles, sedans and the iconic F-TYPE sports car – all backed with Jaguar EliteCare, an ownership package with five years or 60,000-mile limited warranty, complimentary scheduled maintenance, roadside assistance and Jaguar InControl Protect & Remote.
“Starting with the 2016 Model Year we set out to transform the Jaguar brand in the U.S. which has resulted in steady growth and improving brand health,” said Joe Eberhardt, President & CEO, Jaguar Land Rover North America. “Today, with the addition of three new models, led by the E-PACE SUV, we are writing the next chapter in the modern Jaguar history.”
The new 2018 Jaguar E-PACE is a five-seat compact performance SUV that packs the design and performance of a Jaguar sports car into a practical and connected all-wheel drive vehicle. With sporty design cues and trademark Jaguar driving dynamics, the E-PACE joins the growing Jaguar SUV family alongside the all-electric I-PACE Concept and the F-PACE performance SUV. Pricing for the E-PACE starts from $38,600.
“The Jaguar E-PACE offers the perfect balance between performance, luxury and playfulness, bringing a unique sense of expression to the compact SUV market,” said Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar. “As we continue to expand our Jaguar vehicle portfolio, consumers can expect to have access to new levels of design, performance and engineering across our SUVs, sedans and sports cars.”
The Jaguar XF Sportbrake marks the Jaguar brand’s return to the premium station wagon in the U.S. On sale in late 2017, the XF Sportbrake offers generous interior space and delivers a near perfect 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution. At launch, it comes powered with the V6 380hp and available in the S trim only. Pricing for the XF Sportbrake S starts from $70,450.
The Jaguar XJR575, the brand’s latest full-size super sedan, continues a heritage of luxurious refinement and interior comfort for Jaguar sedans featuring upgraded performance and unique design touches. With speeds up to 186mph, it has more power than any previous XJ and features a specially tuned 5.0L supercharged V8 engine. Pricing for the 2018 XJR575 starts from $122,400.
The Art of Performance Tour is an award-winning test drive and digital engagement experience that enables consumers to get up close and personal with the latest Jaguar models and star in a sharable short action film, The Audition. At the event, I also got behind the wheel of the Jaguar XF, XE, F-TYPE and F-PACE in a series of driving exercises, all of which were a hoot.
For more information, see a Jaguar dealer or visit JaguarUSA.com.
Test Drive by Vince Bodiford