Review
Jaguar XE
If you are looking for a sports sedan, the Jaguar XE has recently become available, joining a segment that is usually dominated by Germans. The XE has an elegant appearance with rear-wheel drive and a lightweight but at the same time immensely strong bodywork. We were introduced to the XE through the XE R-Sport.
Models
In terms of models below the XE, you can choose from the XE R-Sport, XE S, XE Pure, XE Prestige and the
XE R Sport
We drove the R-Sport, so let’s start with this. The XE R-Sport is the XE in a stylish sporty version. This model is available from 38,240 euros and is characterized by a sports bumper at the front, side skirts in body color, a trunk spoiler and 18″ rims. In our opinion, he looks best in this version. Inside we find entry sills, a steering wheel with R-Sport logo and sports seats. Sometimes sports seats feel too tight, so they are actually not very comfortable for long journeys. This is certainly not the case for the sports seats in the XE R-Sport. These fit well and are very comfortable. That’s the way it is supposed to be. After all, it is not a racing car.
In terms of engines, you can choose an economical 2.0 liter E-Performance diesel with 163 hp or a 2.0 liter turbo diesel with 180 hp. The latter can also provide good figures in terms of consumption. According to Jaguar, average consumption is 4.2 liters in the combined cycle. In terms of performance, the 180 hp diesel goes from 0-100 km/h in 7.8 sec.
Both diesels are available with a manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic transmission. You can also use the automatic transmission sequentially with the shift levers on the steering wheel. The R-Sport can also be chosen with a 2.0 liter i4 turbo petrol engine with 200 hp or a 2.0 liter i4 turbo petrol engine with 240 hp. You can only choose the petrol engines with an automatic gearbox.
XE S
The XE S is the sportiest version of the XE. From 56,200 euros it will decorate your driveway. As a power source, this car has a 3.0 V6 petrol engine of 340 hp. You go from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. Externally, the differences with the R-Sport are rather subtle. The S also has a specific front bumper with an “S” badge in the grille. In addition, the S also has a trunk spoiler and side skirts in two colors.
XE Pure, XE Prestige and XE Portfolio
You can also choose the XE in Pure from 34,990 euros or Prestige from 37,290 euros. If you are looking for the most luxurious XE, there is the XE Portfolio from 39,890 euros. With this model you get Windsor leather seats with herringbone perforation, a gloss black radiator grille with chrome edge and 18″ rims.
Just like with the XE R-Sport, you can also choose 2 diesels with 163 hp or 180 hp and 2 petrol engines with 200 hp or 240 hp for these 3 models.
Interior and equipment
The interior feels stylish and high-quality and the dashboard looks well finished. In our opinion, it is even better than that of German sports sedans.
Centrally located in the center console we find the InControl Touch system. This is a touch screen, with which you can operate important functions of the car, such as the navigation system and climate control. You can do this in a similar way as you would operate a tablet, namely with stretching and swiping movements. So very intuitive.
With the JaguarDrive Control you can adjust the steering and throttle settings to your needs at that moment. You can choose from a number of driving modes: Standard, Eco, Dynamic and Winter. Eco is all about efficient fuel consumption and in dynamic mode you get heavier steering and sharper throttle response. You use winter mode when it is slippery.
Conclusion
If you want to be a worthy challenger of, among others, the 3 Series and the C-Class, you must have good credentials. We were introduced to the XE and were pleasantly surprised. We were particularly impressed by the interior and the beautifully finished cockpit.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
