Jaguar swiftly upgrades its high-class XE and XF models

JUST a few weeks after Jaguar gave its F-PACE large SUV significant tech upgrades and a new model, the XE and XF executive cars are getting the same treatment.

So the premium British brand is adding new top-spec 300 SPORT models, as well as introducing Alexa voice control and what3words navigation integration across the range.

Offered exclusively with the firm’s 300PS 2.0-litre fourcylinder petrol engine and intelligent all-wheel drive, the 300 SPORT models are distinguished by black exterior detailing, gloss black contrast roof and privacy glass.

Customers can also specify a sliding panoramic roof on the XE and XF 300 SPORT saloons, while the XF Sportbrake 300 SPORT estate is available with a fixed panoramic roof.

Both models sit on special 20in alloy wheels, while XE customers can enjoy Monogram Aluminium veneers inside and XF owners will appreciate the Satin Charcoal Ash finishing.

The performance and handling are also as you would expect, with a sophisticated steering, suspension and powertrain settings package and some impressive stats.

The XE 300 SPORT hits 60mph in only 5.6 seconds, while the XF Saloon, pictured above, and Sportbrake take 5.8 and 5.9 seconds respectively. All have a maximum speed of 155mph.

Available to order now, the XE 300 SPORT is priced from £42,345, with the XF Saloon and

Sportbrake 300 SPORT variants costing from £47,730 and £49,005.

More broadly, the XE and XF ranges also offer the efficient 204PS 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel mild hybrid engine, with a choice of rear or all-wheel drive.

This enables the rear-wheel drive XE to deliver fuel economy of up to 58.9mpg and CO2 emissions from only 127g/km. In the rear-wheel-drive XF Saloon, it delivers corresponding figures of 57.6mpg and 129g/km.

The domestic Amazon Alexa has also been seamlessly integrated for natural voice interaction with the infotainment system’s features, including navigation, music, podcasts and audiobooks, calls and compatible smart devices.

The Alexa experience is intuitive to use, making it easy for customers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road while controlling compatible smart home features such as heating and lighting from the comfort of the car on their journeys.

Owners in the UK will also be able to control and check on their car from anywhere using the Jaguar Remote Skill on any Alexa-enabled device.

So “Alexa, ask Jaguar if my doors are locked” or “Alexa, ask Jaguar if my windows are open” are just some of the features clients can use.

The final crowning glory is the introduction of the incredibly precise what3words navigation tool to the infotainment system. And Jaguar Land Rover know all about it, having trialled the system with doctors on Mull in the summer of 2018.