Jaguar Brings New Engine to 2018 XE, XF, F-Pace

CARS.COM — Jaguar will offer a new gasoline base engine for 2018 — a 247-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder — in its XE and XF sedans, as well as in the F-Pace SUV.

The new aluminum motor with a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve timing was developed in-house and puts out 269 pounds-feet of torque. Jaguar says it will haul the big F-Pace from zero-to-60 mph in 6.4 seconds. The automaker did not provide mileage estimates for models with the new four-cylinder.

Related: 2017 Jaguar F-Pace Review: First Drive

The new engine is the major change announced for 2018 Jaguars going on sale in May, along with some technology upgrades and new pricing. It’s the first time a gasoline four-cylinder will be offered for the F-Pace and latest-generation XF. And the XE will offer the base model with all-wheel drive, which is not available on the current gasoline four-cylinder base trim.

The new four-cylinder joins the current base 180-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel and 340-hp and 380-hp versions of Jaguar’s supercharged 3.0-liter V-6. All are offered with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive in the sedans. All-wheel drive is standard on the F-Pace.

The XE’s 2018 base price rises about $800 from the base 2017 XE four-cylinder. The entry F-Pace base model with the new four-cylinder, called 25t, is priced about the same as the 2017 F-Pace base 20d diesel; the XF entry price drops about $500 from the base 2017 XF. You’ll have to pay more for the diesel in 2018.

Other 2018 updates for the three models include:

• Two additions to the safety-tech suite with the optional 360-degree camera and sensor system: forward cross-traffic detection and forward steering alignment, and distance-to-object guidance for parking
• A new top-performance S model for the 2018 XE that gets the 380-hp version of the supercharged V-6. That brings it in line with the 2018 XF and F-Pace in offering base, Premium, Prestige, R-Sport, Portfolio and S trims.
• A new Portfolio limited-edition luxury trim with more standard and optional features, and exclusive colors for all three. It is priced between the R-Sport and top-level S performance trims.
• A configurable digital instrument cluster option and upgraded navigation system for the XE
• A kick-to-open power trunk lid, optional for both sedans
• A new Shell app that lets you pay for gasoline with PayPal or Apple Pay (Android Pay to come) on the dashboard screen

Moreover, luxury makers’ battle to claim more seat adjustments (the new Lincoln Continental boasts a 30-way power seat continues in Jaguar’s Portfolio models with a 22-way seat in the F-Pace and 20-way seat in the XF. They also boast powered head restraint height adjustment with manual side-support adjustment.

Pricing for the base 2018 XE 25t with the new engine is $36,720 ($39,220 with all-wheel drive), including a destination charge — up from the 2017 25t’s $35,895 with the four-cylinder gas engine; no all-wheel-drive version is currently offered. The 20d diesel models start at $38,220 ($40,720 with all-wheel drive) and 35t V-6 models start at $43,520 ($46,020). The S performance trim starts at $53,270 ($55,770); all prices include destination.

Pricing for the base 2018 XF 25t with the new engine is $48,770 with destination ($51,770 with all-wheel drive), down from the entry price of $49,245 for the base 2017 20d diesel. The 2018 20d diesel models start at $50,270 ($53,270); 35t V-6 models start at $54,960 ($57,960) and the S trim starts at $64,860 ($67,860).

Pricing for the base 2018 F-Pace 25t with the new engine and the standard all-wheel drive is $43,060, about the same as the entry price of $42,985 for the base 2017 20d diesel. The 2018 20d diesel models start at $47,270; 35t V-6 models start at $49,970 and the S trim starts at $60,770.