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2018 Jaguar XEL: Made in China and Predictably Elongated

Initially manufactured in Solihull, then moved to Castle Bromwich, the XE as we know it is a thoroughly British car. But over in China, the XE is the first-ever Jaguar produced locally. Beyond the XE, the People’s Republic prepares to welcome the XEL, whose wheelbase is extended by 10 centimeters (3.9 in).
2018 Jaguar XEL (long wheelbase; China model) 14 photos
Photo: Jaguar
2018 Jaguar XEL (long wheelbase; China model)2018 Jaguar XEL (long wheelbase; China model)2018 Jaguar XEL (long wheelbase; China model)2018 Jaguar XEL (long wheelbase; China model)2018 Jaguar XEL (long wheelbase; China model)2018 Jaguar XEL (long wheelbase; China model)2018 Jaguar XEL (long wheelbase; China model)2018 Jaguar XEL (long wheelbase; China model)2018 Jaguar XEL (long wheelbase; China model)2018 Jaguar XEL (long wheelbase; China model)2018 Jaguar XEL (long wheelbase; China model)2018 Jaguar XEL (long wheelbase; China model)2018 Jaguar XEL (long wheelbase; China model)
In terms of dimensions, you’re looking at 2.93 meters (115.3 in) worth of wheelbase, which is a welcomed upgrade considering the XE feels cramped in the rear. Only recently, Consumer Reports shot down the entry-level Jaguar, calling its rear seats suitable forkids and short-legged pets.”

Aimed squarely at the likes of the Audi A4L, BMW 3Li, Mercedes C-Class L, and Volvo S60L, the XEL will be shown in the flesh at the 2017 Guangzhou Motor Show in November. Powered exclusively by the 2.0-liter Ingenium, the XEL will be offered in two iterations: 200 PS (197 bhp) and 250 PS (247 bhp).

The turbocharged inline-4 will be made by Chery Jaguar Land Rover in China in Changshu. The world-class engine plant opened in July 2017 and measures more than 50,000 square meters. The machining hall features 97 machines across three production lines, aided by no less than 28 robots. Each 2.0-liter Ingenium powerplant comprises of approximately 245 individual components.

In regard to pricing, Chery Jaguar Land Rover didn’t say a word on the subject. Be that as it may, it’s only natural to expect the all-new XEL to surpass the starting price of the XE (398,000 yuan). The Jaguar XE S, meanwhile, kicks off at 610,000 yuan.

The 2018 Jaguar XEL will start production in the coming months in Changshu, China. Jaguar Land Rover is present in the Middle Kingdom with the help of state-owned automaker Chery. Founded in 2012, the joint venture currently manufactures the Jaguar XFL, Land Rover Discovery Sport, and Range Rover Evoque. Come 2018, the Jaguar E-Pace will go into production at the Changshu plant.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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