Technology package ups the ante for baby Jag

Infotainment and connectivity

The XE offers a suite of technologies including the eight-inch touchscreen at the heart of its all-new InControl infotainment system.

The touchscreen features a clear, intuitive user interface designed to give quick, easy access to all features and functions. Voice control makes the system even simpler. InControl responds to plain speech commands without the need to navigate down through menus.

InControl Apps allows users to seamlessly access smartphone apps through the XE's touchscreen, making it easy to do everything from make a conference call, find a parking space or book a hotel room. Some of the most popular apps include iheartradio, INRIX, Glympse, Stitcher, cityseeker and Parkopedia. An optional feature also allows XE to function as a Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling multiple devices to connect to the internet – the vehicle antenna provides the best possible signal.

Jaguar InControl Remote allows users of iOS and Android smartphones to connect to the car from wherever they are using a specially-designed app. The technology enables a range of functions, from checking how much fuel is in the tank and unlocking the doors, to seven-day timed pre-setting of the XE's climate control system.

Optional InControl Secure enhances security by providing proactive vehicle monitoring. Should the XE be stolen, the tracking service can work with law enforcement agencies to locate and recover the car.

InControl Protect provides further reassurance: in the unlikely event of a malfunction, it provides optimised Jaguar Assistance, transmitting your location and vehicle diagnostic data to help minimise delays to your journey. Should a collision occur, it will automatically make an SOS call and summon the emergency services.

Dr Mike Bell, Jaguar's global connected car director said: "In-car technologies in this ever-more connected and fast-paced world are an integral part of your driving experience. With the all-new XE we're introducing an entire suite of cutting-edge driver aids and entertainment systems. Designed and developed from scratch, they will ensure that every journey you take is simpler, more relaxing, safer, and effortlessly enjoyable."

Heads-up display

In a first for Jaguar and for the industry, the new XE's optional laser heads-up display projects high-contrast colour images directly in the driver's line of sight and is smaller and almost a third lighter than existing systems.

The virtual images 'float' two metres in front of the driver displaying information such as speed, turn-by-turn navigation instructions, traffic signs and cruise control settings, while allowing the driver's eyes to remain focused on the road ahead.

Greater contrast means greater resistance to image 'washout' in very bright sunlight. Another advantage of laser technology is that the images remain clearly visible should the driver be wearing polarised glasses, something certain German rival systems have struggled with for years.

Seeing things clearly: stereo camera technology

Another first in the compact saloon sector is the XE’s stereo front-facing camera system. This provides a 3D view of the road ahead and is at the heart of the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and traffic sign recognition systems.

Mounted in front of the rear-view mirror, the stereo camera can detect vehicles up to 100 metres away. If the algorithms in the AEB control module determine that a collision is likely, the brake system is pre-charged and the driver receives a visual warning in the instrument cluster and, if fitted, the heads-up display. If no action is taken, full braking force is triggered automatically, enabling collision avoidance or mitigation at speeds up to 50mph.

The traffic sign recognition system relies on the stereo camera to keep the driver informed of speed limits, including temporary limits which apply in road works. To ensure accuracy, camera data is always cross-referenced with speed limit information from the navigation system. A driver-selectable function enables subtle notifications if speed limits are exceeded with a ring flashing around the speed limit image but without audible warning.

In addition to road signs, the advanced stereo camera also 'sees' the road markings and this capability is used by the XE's lane departure warning system. If the system determines that the vehicle will unintentionally leave its lane, the driver receives touch feedback through the steering wheel.

The stereo camera can also help the driver to see easier at night with an intelligent control of the headlights allowing greater use of high beam. By networking the headlight modules to the camera's image processing algorithms, the optional high beam assist function will automatically dip the beams when oncoming traffic is detected.

Always looking ahead: Adaptive cruise control

The XE's adaptive cruise control (ACC) uses long-range 77GHz scanning radar to monitor the road ahead and maintaining a pre-set distance from vehicles in front. The ACC system can also initiate emergency braking if it detects an impending collision.

Keeping watch: Blind spot monitoring with closing vehicle sensing

There’s also the option of a system to monitor the area behind the car, making overtaking safer. Medium-range 24GHz radar sensors detect vehicles approaching fast from behind activating a flashing icon in the mirrors to alert the driver of the potential hazard. Once the vehicle enters the blind spot, the icon is shown as a solid.

Slotting into position: Parking made easy

It comes equipped with two semi-automated park-assist functions enabling the car to steer itself during both parallel and perpendicular (bay) parking manoeuvres. An exit-assist function will guide the XE out again.