Jaguar has slashed the price of the long-wheelbase XEL in China by the equivalent of almost $18,000.
While the British car manufacturer has not made an official announcement about the price change, automotive journalist Greg Kable noticed that the cut was only made recently and is already reflected in the XEL’s starting price on Jaguar’s Chinese website. It is now 129,800 Chinese Yuan cheaper than it was before, equaling $17,975. Prices now start at 299,800 yuan ($41,504), making it quite a bargain for a luxurious sedan with a long wheelbase.
However, it is worth pointing out that the Jaguar XE is starting to feel a little dated having been in production since 2015. In that time, it has received just one facelift. The XEL was first introduced in pre-facelift guise in late 2017 and is slightly smaller than the XF. It competes against long-wheelbase versions of the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
It’s safe to assume that Jaguar will hope the dramatic price cut spur interest in the car and help it boost sales at a time when many Chinese consumers are opting for luxury cars built at home and offered with all-electric powertrains. It’s also worth noting that Jaguar will not introduce any new models until 2025, the year when it will undergo a dramatic rebirth that will see it launch nothing by high-end, high-priced EVs.
Two different versions of the XEL are on sale in China. The entry-level model available from 299,800 yuan comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 200 hp and can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.3 seconds while topping out at 230 km/h (143 mph). Those seeking a little more power can opt for a 250 hp version that reaches 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and has a 240 km/h (149 mph) top speed. The 250 hp variant now starts at 329,800 yuan ($46,032).