The XEL, which is equivalent to the all-aluminum body of the 3-series British yuppie 2.0T rear-drive vehicle, is 80,000 yuan, and its sales volume is bleak.

There are many factors for us to start with luxury brand medium-sized cars, and face is definitely the first to bear the brunt. The sexy and elegant appearance exudes the symbol of the light of the British nobility. Even if you just stand there and look at XEL quietly, your mouth can be filled with a happy smile. Unlike the 3 Series, comfort will not be compromised under the still dynamic appearance. Unlike Grade C, it's obviously 1.5T, and you have to put on a leisurely look. It won't be as tough and violent as CT5, and the head space in the back row can be saved.

We are all trying to find a luxury car that is very balanced in all aspects. Starting point is 2.0T, front and rear drive layout, comfortable rear row space, clear road feeling/tight suspension. Finally, it seems that only BMW 3 Series and Jaguar XEL are left. Perhaps because of XEL's youth, it was put on the market as a new product on 20 17, and it has not been well known by many people. As a result, this XEL, whose face value, power, space and driving quality are not worse than 34C, can't get a fraction of BBA sales even if the discount is 80,000 yuan.

Although Jaguar brand is not ideal in marketing, it does not affect that XEL is a good car. Like A4L and 3 series long and short axes, XEL also adopts a double appearance design. We got the elegant series and a set of sports series models that are more in line with the aesthetics of young people. The most obvious difference between the two cars lies in the color of the front air intake grille and the design of the position of the fog lamp group.

Black grid active air intake grille, R-DYNAMIC logo, sports kit for fog lamp air intake position. Such a perfect sports style appearance has been standard since the entry of the youth sports version of 289,800 yuan. And our elegant series only occupies two positions in the five models of the whole department. The silver grid-like active air intake grille can automatically adjust the opening angle according to the driving situation, so as to achieve the effects of heat preservation, accelerated heat dissipation and reduced wind resistance when driving at high speed in cold state. The fog lamps on the left and right sides are also equipped with chrome-plated horizontal fangs, which vividly shows the force of another British nobleman, XEL. But even so, it still can't stop the athletic temperament in XEL's bones.

XEL's headlights have a foreign name called J-Blade Leopard Eye. Not only the eyes are sharper than before, but also the internal light source adopts LED structure. The outer side of the two lenses is low beam and the inner side is high beam, and the turn signal is also running water scanning type. Don't just look at the LED headlights on the configuration table. The headlights of this style in the picture have to be equipped from the enterprising elegant/enterprising sports version of RMB 3,654,380+0,980. The entry-level youth sports version of LED headlights is shown below. The daytime running light is in the corner of the eye, and the turn signal is also in the corner of the eye, and it is a halogen lamp.

What is the concept of wheelbase 2935mm? The wheelbase of the modified Audi A4L is 2908mm, and the wheelbase of the current mercedes benz c-class long axle and the previous generation BMW 3 Series long axle version is 2920 mm If the new generation BMW 3 Series long axle does not reach 296 1mm, this level of space will really be monopolized by Jaguar XEL. Slender body lines and slip-back design, the leopard-print body sexy as a sports car style shows a different kind of dynamics and elegance.

19-inch multi-spoke two-color wheel rim, like a turbine engine blade of an airplane, is full of power ready to go. Matched with 225/40 R 19 MC6 tire, this tire tends to be sporty and performs well in dry handling and wet braking.

The full LED taillights, which are crimson to a little black, decorate the whole rear of the car more exquisitely and fully. A total of two exhaust ports on both sides are standard, the chrome trim on the upper half is exclusive to the elegant version, and the sports version is designed in the same color as the body. The tail mark of P200 represents the engine horsepower of 200 HP, which is much more intuitive than Audi's 40TFSI and Cadillac's 28T.

Surrounding cockpit, three large LCD screens, center console and instrument panel are beautiful, with exquisite double stitching and advanced leather touch. Jaguar's interior is elegant and exquisite, so people can't find anything wrong. As the youngest and youngest family of Jaguar cars, XEL is as close to young people's preferences as possible in details.

Standard 10.2 inch multimedia touch screen. Although there is no car networking, there are still many functions that this car can present. 360 panoramic image, automatic parking, Bluetooth phone and other functions can all appear in the main menu in the lower row. I like XEL's screen very much, not only the resolution is high, but also the smoothness of screen switching is good. You can change the screen background and theme page by yourself, slide the screen, and you can also find the setting functions about driving such as low friction start and dynamic-I. It is better to add a little vibration feedback when the contact reacts.

The air conditioning operation panel is also installed on the screen, which is also the black technology after the change. This dual-screen entertainment system called InControl has an upper screen 10.2 inch and a lower screen of 5.5 inches. In addition to air conditioning operation, the lower screen can also operate multimedia, and the linkage is very intelligent. The rotation of the knob of the left and right circular air conditioner is to adjust the temperature, the pressing is to heat the third gear seat, and the pulling is to adjust the air volume, which is quite convenient to operate.

12.3-inch full LCD instrument only comes standard with a scientific and elegant version of 347,600 yuan and a luxurious sports version of 380,600 yuan, with five themes, including single ring, double ring, panoramic map and vehicle driving assistance. However, the LCD instrument area of the low and medium models is only 7 inches, that is, two-thirds of the tachometer and speedometer are mechanical pointers.

The multi-function button areas of the three-spoke multi-function steering wheel are all designed in black, and the corresponding button areas will automatically light up after the car is started. Remember that it's a physical button, not a touch, but the damping of the wheel is a little loose, and it would be perfect if it were tighter.

The flow rearview mirror is also a new thing in the top model. The lens is hidden behind the shark fin antenna on the roof. With a 50-degree wide-angle field of vision, the picture resolution is quite clear under strong light both at day and night, just like two drivers and passengers in the front row of the rear car can see clearly what they are doing. The switch operation is carried out through a paddle that can move back and forth under the rearview mirror.

1 1 channel meridian Yingbao audio is one of the proud configurations of Jaguar Land Rover. XEL only comes standard with this feature in the top luxury sports edition, and all other models need to pay an extra 6,400 yuan for optional installation.

In fact, in terms of configuration, 28.98 yuan and 365,438 yuan+0.98 million yuan are really worth recommending. For example, sectional panoramic sunroof, 10.2 inch central control panel supporting CarPlay and CarLife, constant speed cruise, front and rear radar+reversing image, body dynamic stability system, lane departure, lane keeping, active braking, automatic air conditioning, rear air conditioning outlet, boss key, etc. It's standard. The price difference is only reflected in the fact that the LED headlights have no lens, the 10.2 inch central control panel does not support mobile phone projection, there is no automatic parking, and there is no electric folding of the exterior rearview mirror and car air purifier. Therefore, the 30,000 yuan saved is actually quite worthwhile, so there are quite a few opportunities to see the XEL version of the Youth Sports Edition on the road.

XEL's seat is the kind that feels difficult to sit at first, but it can give you good support after a long time. The surface of the seat is covered with luxurious Windsor leather. For people with bad waist, the design of this package support is much more comfortable than the big sofa-style seat. In fact, the sports version of the seat is better than the elegant version in terms of fit and wrapping.

The rear leg space brought by the wheelbase of 2935mm is quite spacious, and the rear seat cushion is also very long, which has excellent support for the thighs. It's just that there are only two USB charging ports in the front row of XEL, and there is no design under the air outlet of the rear air conditioner. Although the space is satisfactory, there is still room for improvement in details.

XEL is equipped with the Engili 2.0T turbocharged engine independently developed by Jaguar Land Rover, and has integrated new technologies such as high-pressure direct injection/variable timing valve/integrated exhaust manifold, and won numerous awards in foreign selection. This engine is divided into two adjustable versions: 250PS and 200PS high and low power. The low-power version of 200PS is a roadster, with maximum power 147kW/5500rpm and peak torque of 320Nm/ 1200-4000rpm. With ZF 8-speed automatic manual transmission, the acceleration time of 0- 100km/h of 8.3s and the comprehensive fuel consumption of 6.7L/ 100km are brought.

Do you still miss the circular lifting gear lever before changing trains? Today's "drumstick-shaped" electronic gear shift lever has been vomited by many riders on XEL's forum. However, this is a drop in the bucket compared with a company's aluminum exchange. Speaking of all-aluminum body, Jaguar XEL uses aviation grade aluminum alloy up to 75% to reduce the weight of the body and ensure the firmness of the body.

Let's talk about the shortcomings of XEL in driving experience. If it is acceptable, it is really the most cost-effective car in this class. The first is the rush at the beginning. There are some slight setbacks between Li Yingjie 2.0T and ZF 8AT in the range of 0-20km/h, but the frustration disappears after speeding up. In other words, if you use XEL, Series 3 and CT5 to get started, ZF 8AT will be the chief culprit of slow shooting.

I'm not saying that this powertrain is boring, but the all-aluminum body can also make it have light acceleration performance. Especially in the middle and late period, speeding up overtaking will not feel powerless. XEL can give you the most direct response, and put your right foot into the accelerator pedal. This smooth and compact communication is like love at first sight, just three views. In sports mode, the background of the dashboard will turn red, at this time, the floor oil will accelerate, and the transmission 6200 will shift gears and rush out with a roar. With the compact chassis feedback of XEL, you really can't put it down.

After five days with XEL, apart from a short and intense test run, you will feel that the design of this power system takes fuel economy into account. When stepping on the accelerator lightly to accelerate, the transmission will upshift at around 1750 rpm. When you cruise at a speed of about 60km/h, the engine speed will even be kept at 1000rpm, which reminds me of Audi's taxi mode. Li Yingjie 2.0T cruising in Eco mode is as comfortable as English enjoying afternoon tea.

Let's talk about the second shortcoming, which is related to the L of XEL. Because of the longer wheelbase, the tracking performance of the rear wheel will be slower than that of imported XE. However, considering the sacrifice of control for comfortable space, it is understandable. However, XEL's performance in chassis texture is very solid, and its profound foundation gives you the most intuitive feedback through bumps and bounces. The aluminum double wishbone front suspension is exactly the same as the F-Type, and the multi-link rear suspension can well filter out the subtle vibration of the road surface. When passing through a big bump, the impact from the ground is transmitted to the car neatly. This European-style tension must be the favorite of China consumers.

Eco Chen concluded that I have been doing a multiple-choice question. How to choose a luxury brand car with a price of 300,000 yuan? According to the theory of luxury without rear drive, Audi A4L, Volvo S60/V60, lexus ES, Lincoln MKZ and Acura TLX have all been PASS. The 1.5T mercedes benz c will definitely be driven out by people's complaints about power and materials, so it leaves BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CT5, British finidi Q50L and Jaguar XEL. The premium capacity of BMW 3 Series is too high, with a discount of 30,000 yuan some time ago (but the store needs 1.38 million yuan for decoration). The popularity of sales contributed to the emergence of J package, with high sales volume and strong decoration. Cadillac CT5 is really unique, with strong power and tough chassis, but it's really a bit of a chicken rib to get a head space that can't sit straight in the back row. Finidi Q50L was used by mercedes benz c before the mid-term change, and the remaining 2.0T(M274)+7AT was often complained of poor power and frustration. Moreover, there is no storage slot on the inner side of the door panels on both sides of the back row. And the response of the car system is slow enough. So today's protagonist has become a balanced player under the background of competing products at the same level. You may complain that Jaguar Land Rover is expensive to maintain in the later period, with small insurance 1.5 million. However, according to my visit to Beijing Jaguar Land Rover 4S store, the current Jaguar XEL discount can reach 80,000 yuan, and the oil can be filtered for five times. And after the warranty period, it is only 800 once outside.

If you choose to start with Jaguar XEL, I still recommend the youth sports version of 289,800 yuan or the enterprising sports version of 365,438 yuan+0.98 million yuan. At least in terms of active safety, XEL is really not stingy. What lane departure, lane keeping, collision warning/active braking. These Audi A4L, BMW 3 Series and mercedes benz c Class with the same price need to be matched. The back seat space of XEL 2935mm can also make S60 and CT5 feel ashamed. Such a product with balanced strength is really worth starting with. Do you think I'm right? Welcome to leave a message in the comments section below, and we will actively interact with you and exchange views rationally.

(Author: Chen? Photography: Cui Kai)

This article comes from car home, the author of the car manufacturer, and does not represent car home's position.