Jaguar XE makes dramatic ‘007’ entrance

London became “Jaguar City” earlier this week, as the famous marque staged the launch of its important new XE model in the capital.

The extravaganza began in Solihull, where the car is made, as 1,000 Jaguar employees formed an XE shape as the Red Arrows flew past and the car was air-lifted by helicopter for its journey south.

The helicopter carried the car along the River Thames to Tower Bridge where — 007-style — it was placed on a high-speed landing craft and raced to Chelsea Harbour.

The final leg from Battersea Bridge saw the XE escorted by two 1960s Mark II Jaguar Police Cars into the Earls Court arena. There, 3,000 VIP guests, including Stella McCartney, Idris Elba and Jose Mourinho, watched a dazzling show narrated by actor John Hannah, with performances from Emeli Sandé, the Kaiser Chiefs, Eliza Doolittle, the Royal Ballet and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, each bringing to life key moments from Jaguar’s rich history.

And the XE? It’s a handsome rear-drive BMW 3-Series rival, featuring advanced lightweight construction, a luxurious interior and, if Jaguar’s current models are anything to judge by, outstanding ride and handling.

“The Jaguar XE is a really exciting car,” said Phil Popham, group marketing director of Jaguar Land Rover, which is expecting to enjoy huge, worldwide sales of the great-looking new car. “It will be a true driver’s car, and the £27,000 entry price makes it a very attainable Jaguar.”

The XE goes on sale in 2015 with a 99g/km 75mpg 2.0-litre diesel, with a high-performance 3.0-litre supercharged S model topping the range later on.