JAGUAR DEBUTS NEW 2019 XE 300 SPORT EDITION WITH GRIPPING ICE RACE

19 April 2018

The new 2019 Jaguar XE 300 SPORT has made its global debut by setting a unique lap record. The special edition sports sedan became the first car to complete a lap of the world’s longest artificial outdoor ice circuit, at Flevonice in the Netherlands ‑ but it had to beat a Winter Olympic gold medalist skater to set the fastest time.

  • The 2019 Jaguar XE 300 SPORT showcases its available all‑wheel‑drive traction (3) and dynamic handling against Olympic champion speed skater Shaolin Sándor Liu, on the world’s longest outdoor ice track (1)
  • New performance model with 296hp 2.0 liter Ingenium gas engine laps the ice track at Flevonice, the Netherlands, at average speed of more than 36 mph (1)
  • Sports sedan grips frozen surface in unique time trial against Hungarian short track speed skating gold medalist, with Team Great Britain’s Elise Christie as passenger (1)
  • 300 SPORT model features Dark Satin Grey exterior details, interior Contrast Yellow Stitch and bespoke 300 SPORT branding, building on the popularity of the Jaguar F‑TYPE 400 SPORT
  • 300 SPORT editions will be available for both the 2019 Jaguar XE and XF models
  • Watch the full race here: https://youtu.be/lFG2i1TMTDM
  • Full details for the 2019 Jaguar XE and XF, including additional enhancements, pricing and specifications, will be subject to an announcement later this year, closer to the vehicle’s on‑sale date

Amsterdam, the Netherlands – April 19, 2018 – The new 2019 Jaguar XE 300 SPORT has made its global debut by setting a unique lap record. The special edition sports sedan became the first car to complete a lap of the world’s longest artificial outdoor ice circuit, at Flevonice in the Netherlands ‑ but it had to beat a Winter Olympic gold medalist skater to set the fastest time. Watch the unique head‑to‑head race here: https://youtu.be/lFG2i1TMTDM

After anchoring the Hungarian team to gold in the 5,000 meter relay at the 2018 Winter Olympics, speed skater Shaolin Sándor Liu set a tough benchmark to surpass; negotiating the track at Flevonice Sports and Funpark in just 4 minutes 4 seconds.

To give the icy time trial an extra edge, Shaolin’s girlfriend – Team Great Britain skater Elise Christie – was part of team Jaguar. With Elise in the passenger seat, the XE 300 SPORT took full advantage of the optional advanced all‑wheel drive and sophisticated traction technologies fitted to the vehicle to help maintain composure on the slippery surface3. With Jaguar Stability Development Leader Sean Haughey at the wheel, the XE 300 SPORT bested Liu’s time and lapped the track in 3 minutes 3 seconds at an average speed of 59km/h (36.7 mph)1.

Mike Cross, Chief Engineer at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Ice is one of the most demanding surfaces for any vehicle to contend with and this race demonstrated the vehicle’s capability and unrivalled handling in adverse conditions.”

Staying true to the brand’s sports car DNA, the new 2019 Jaguar XE 300 SPORT will be equipped with an advanced 296hp 2.0 liter Ingenium gas engine, powering the car from 0‑60mph in 5.4 seconds (0‑100km/h in 5.7 seconds)2. With 295lb. ft. of torque available and optioned with AWD, its effortless acceleration around the 3km (1.86 mi.) ice circuit was no match for the Olympic Champion.

Shaolin Sándor Liu, said: “I thought I would have a big advantage over the car on the ice and was pretty happy with my time considering the conditions, but when I saw the XE 300 SPORT take off from the start line, I had a feeling it would be faster.”

Elise Christie said: “I was desperate to pit myself against the XE 300 SPORT but sitting in the passenger seat gave me an experience I’ll never forget. I didn’t think it would be able to lap the track as quickly as an Olympic Champion, but the car’s all‑wheel‑drive traction was really impressive.”


The new 300 SPORT special edition will feature unique exterior and interior design elements inspired by the Jaguar F‑TYPE 400 SPORT, and will be available for both the 2019 model year XE and XF vehicles; powered by the same 296hp 2.0 liter Ingenium gas engine which first debuted in 2018.

All 300 SPORT XE and XF models feature unique Dark Satin Grey details including the door mirror caps, rear spoiler and grille surrounds, along with special 300 SPORT badging on the front grille and trunk lid. Distinctive 19‑ or 20‑inch Dark Satin Grey finish wheels are exclusive to the XE and XF special editions, along with 300 SPORT‑branded brake calipers. Customers can choose from three exterior colors: Yulong White, Indus Silver and Santorini Black, while the XE will also be available in Caldera Red.

Special design accents continue inside with yellow contrast stitching on the steering wheel, seats, door casings and armrest. Other modifications include 300 SPORT branded treadplates (with an illumination option in the XF), sport carpet mats, badged steering wheel and embossed headrests.

The XE and XF also enable customers to be more connected, with the advanced Jaguar InControl® Touch Pro™ 10‑inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard. When equipped with Navigation Pro and Connect Pro Pack, Touch Pro further allows owners to effortlessly connect their favorite apps and receive real‑time updates to traffic and weather conditions4.

All new Jaguar products come standard with a best‑in‑class ownership package5, Jaguar EliteCare, which includes: 

‑      5‑Year/60,000 Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty

‑      5‑Year/60,000 Mile Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance

‑      5‑Year/60,000 Mile 24/7 Roadside Assistance

‑      5‑Year/Unlimited Mile Jaguar InControl® Remote & Protect™

Full details for the 2019 Jaguar XE and XF, including additional enhancements, pricing and specifications, will be subject to an announcement later this year, closer to the vehicle’s on‑sale date.In the meantime, customers can visit www.JaguarUSA.com for more information on the current Jaguar model line‑up.

Professional driver on closed course. Do not attempt.

2 Always follow local speed limits.

This feature is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving, nor can it overcome all extreme circumstances. Please consult the owner’s manual or your local authorized Jaguar Retailer for more details.

Do not use Jaguar InControl® features under conditions that will affect your safety or the safety of others. Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control.

Further information

About Jaguar

Jaguar is a premier manufacturer of luxury sedans, sports cars and SUVs offering unparalleled design with tremendous performance. The company's vision throughout its storied 80 year history has been simple: To produce beautiful, fast cars that are desired the world over. Jaguar strives to provide a world class ownership experience to every owner. Today's Jaguar lineup consists of the Jaguar XE and XF sports sedans, the XJ full‑size luxury sedan, the two‑seat F‑TYPE sports car and a line of performance SUVs, the E‑PACE, F‑PACE and the first‑ever Jaguar electric vehicle, the I‑PACE. Jaguar designs, engineers and manufactures exclusively in the United Kingdom, at the Castle Bromwich and Solihull manufacturing plants in the British Midlands. Jaguar is fully engaged with sustainability initiatives and social concerns with continuous involvement in environmental and community programs. For more information, visit the official Jaguar website at www.jaguarusa.com.

About Jaguar Land Rover

Jaguar Land Rover is the UK’s largest automotive manufacturer, built around two iconic British car brands: Land Rover, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium all‑wheel‑drive vehicles; and Jaguar, one of the world’s premier luxury sports sedan and sports car marques.

We employ more than 43,000 people globally and support around 240,000 more through our dealerships, suppliers and local businesses. Manufacturing is centered in the UK, with additional plants in China, Brazil, Austria and Slovakia.

At Jaguar Land Rover, we are driven by a desire to deliver class‑leading vehicles, which will provide experiences our customers will love, for life. Our products are in demand around the globe. In 2017 Jaguar Land Rover sold 621,109 vehicles in 130 countries, with more than 80‑percent of our vehicles being sold abroad. 

Our innovation is continuous: we will spend more than £4 billion in the coming year on new product creation and capital expenditure.

From 2020 all new Jaguar Land Rover vehicles will be electrified, giving our customers even more choice. We will introduce a portfolio of electrified products across our model range, embracing fully electric, plug‑in hybrid and mild hybrid vehicles, as well as continuing to offer ultra‑clean gas and diesel engines.

About Flevonice

Flevonice in Biddinghuizen, Flevoland, is the premier Sports and Funpark in the Netherlands and is home to the world’s longest artificial outdoor skating rink. The 3km loop is cooled using a network of pipes and 16 chiller units to create a 150mm thick ice track. Visit: www.flevonice.nl