Jaguar XE, XF, and F-PACE Models Get Important Updates for 2018

New Gas Engine, Trim Lines, and Technology Added to Sedan and SUV Lineups

Big changes are coming to the Jaguar XE and XF sedans, and F-PACE SUV for the 2018 model year.

The biggest of those is a new gas 2.0-liter I4. Depending on model, it’s available in RWD and/or AWD applications. Thanks to a twin-scroll turbo, Continuously Variable Valve Lift technology, a repositioned exhaust manifold, and a new direct injection system, the Ingenium engine produces 247 horsepower. It’ll serve as the new base gas-powered motor in the XF and F-PACE. Currently, both of those models have a 340-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 as their entry-level gas power plants. The new, slightly more powerful 2.0 will also replace the 240-horsepower four-cylinder in the XE. All models with the new in-house 2.0-liter I4 will wear a 25t badge.

The 380-horsepower version of Jaguar’s supercharged 3.0-liter gas V6 may not be new, but it’s new to the XE for 2018. It’ll be under the hood of the new XE S, a step up of 40 horsepower compared to the current top-of-the-line XE engine. Jaguar’s smallest sedan also gets a new Portfolio trim line. It’s based on the XE Prestige, so it gets the Prestige features plus standard features such as “the Comfort & Convenience Package which includes, Climate front seats, Heated rear seats, Electric rear window sunblind and Powered Gesture Trunk Lid (open & close); and the Technology Package which includes InControl Touch Pro infotainment and navigation with 825-Watt 17-speaker Meridian surround sound and 10-inch touchscreen with 12.3-inch full digital instrument panel,” according to Jaguar.

Jaguar has added the Portfolio package to the F-PACE lineup, too. It’s positioned between the Prestige and R-Sport V6 variants. Like the XE Portfolio, the F-PACE portfolio features a 340-horsepower supercharged V6. It’s also fitted with 22-way power front seats with power, winged headrests.

The XF wasn’t left out; Jaguar will offer an XF Portfolio for 2018. It comes equipped with Sienna Tan Windsor 20-way leather front seats with the same headrests found in the F-PACE Portfolio. Using the XF Prestige as a starting point, the XF Portfolio adds features that include InControl Touch Pro, the 825-Watt Meridian surround sound system, a 10-inch touchscreen with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and adaptive LED headlamps.

The 2018 XE, XF, and F-PACE will be available with two new technologies. Forward Traffic Detection uses a camera in the grille and corner radar sensors to detect if something is crossing in front of the vehicle in limited forward-visibility situations. If there is, a warning pops up on the center screen. A Jaguar press release states that Forward Vehicle Guidance helps drivers with low speed movements by providing “a visual representation of the vehicle overlaid with wheel projections showing the alignment of the steering. Drivers can see the parking distance reading on the central screen, taking the stress out of tight maneuvers.” The convenience of the Powered Gesture Trunk Lid is an option on the XF and XE sedans.

Prices start at $42,065 for the 2018 F-PACE, $47,775 for the 2018 XF, and $35,725 for the 2018 XE. Look for the revised models in Jaguar dealerships starting in May.

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Derek Shiekhi

Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.

After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.

While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.

Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.

In addition to writing for a variety of Internet Brands sites, including JK Forum, H-D Forums, The Mustang Source, Mustang Forums, LS1Tech, HondaTech, Jaguar Forums, YotaTech, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts. Derek also started There Will Be Cars on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

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