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Jaguar XE Sportbrake Isn’t Going To Happen

Fresh from revealing the race-ready I-Pace and E-Type Zero at the IAA 2017, Jaguar is on a bit of a roll. But when it comes to turning the XE compact executive sedan into a station wagon, the answer is no. Such a model doesn't make sense, unfortunately.
Jaguar XE 11 photos
Photo: Jaguar
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The XE, which was launched in 2014, is currently the cheapest Jaguar money can buy. Developed to compete in the same segment as the BMW 3 Series, the X-Type's successor was rumored to get the Sportbrake station wagon treatment, but design head Ian Callum said it isn’t going to happen.

As per Callum, “the Sportbrake [station wagon] market is fairly static. From a business point of view, an XE Sportbrake is not an easy car to make happen. And it would be very challenging pricing for an XE.” Sensible stuff from Mr. Callum, although the fans expected otherwise considering the X-Type was available as a longroof. These being said, the mid-size XF Sportbrake will have to make do, although the bigger Jag is pretty pricey for what it wants to be.

“That market is vicious,” added Jaguar’s design director, which makes it pretty clear why the F-Pace found a little brother in the form of the E-Pace. Crossovers and SUVs reign supreme in both the U.S. and Europe. As important markets in Asia (i.e., China) continue to nurture their love for utility vehicles, this trend will keep on ballooning, and that’s that. Thought it was a coincidence that the all-electric I-Pace is a crossover? I’m afraid it isn’t.

Speaking of high-riding Chelsea tractors, Ian Callum told Autocar that there’s no plan to add a third SUV in the Jaguar lineup. But if such a model were to make the cut and enter production, “it would have its own style, referencing the differences between the F-Pace and E-Pace.” For that matter, I would certainly love to see Jaguar adapt the Range Rover Velar in its own way.

Callum’s decision to say no to the XE Sportbrake may seem as a business-minded answer, but the truth of the matter is, it’s the right answer. You and I may be one of the few longroof enthusiasts out there, but there’s overwhelming evidence few people share the feeling. If there’s no incentive for commercial success, then Jaguar shouldn’t be blamed for saying no.
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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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