With its sleek design, spirited performance, and premium cabin, the jaguar xe is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a sports sedan. It’s a solid competitor to the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Genesis G70, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Volvo S60.
While the XE’s redesigned styling is an improvement over last year’s model, it lacks the flair and character of BMW’s new 3-Series or Audi’s latest A4. Jaguar could do much better with its interior style.
Style
The jaguar xe is the British brand’s new entry into the thrilling world of executive sedans, with a design that disrupted Germany’s grip on the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. It looks more exciting than the competition, but it has its issues.
Despite that, Jaguar’s newest sedan has a good mix of tech and tradition. It earns a five-star Euro NCAP rating for safety, and it’s loaded with features like auto emergency braking and lane-keep assist.
It’s also a great driver’s car, with the sure-footed assurance that encourages excitement on any twisty road. The 247-hp turbo-4 engine in the XE S P250 generates plenty of power and reaches 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.
The XE’s ride isn’t as supple as some competitors, but the steering and brakes are exact and powerful. If you want more, the $1,615 Dynamic Handling Pack adds 1-inch-larger front brakes and Adaptive Dynamics, which constantly adjusts suspension damping for the current driving situation.
Performance
The Jaguar XE has the reputation of being one of the best-driving saloons on the market. It’s a real sports car that gets better the harder you drive it, thanks to its double-wishbone front suspension and ‘integral link’ rear axle.
That’s backed up by a host of performance technology, including an optional Adaptive Dynamics suspension system that alters the steering weighting, throttle response, and auto shift strategy for improved balance, while rain, snow, and dynamic mode adjust the engine, transmission, and steering to suit conditions.
It’s also an excellent ride, soaking up bumps with a controlled suppleness that isn’t dissimilar to the Mercedes C-Class. It also has a superb suppression of road noise, making it more comfortable than the BMW 320d.
A pair of turbo four-cylinder engines offer plenty of performance, while a 380-hp supercharged V-6 provides more refinement. The turbo fours don’t lead the class in either power or fuel economy, but they are still good and, in our opinion, the best choice for most company car drivers.
Technology
Designed to disrupt Germany’s dominance of thrilling entry-level executive sedans, Jaguar redesigned the XE in 2017 to better compete with BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, and Audi A4. The changes are mostly inside, where the car benefits from significant steps forward in quality, design, and infotainment.
The 2020 XE has several technology options, including a 10.3-inch touchscreen display that connects to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a digital gauge cluster, a rearview mirror that can switch to a screen display, and a wireless charging pad for your phone.
There’s also a range of safety features, like automatic emergency braking and parking sensors. Blind spot monitoring uses radar to warn of objects in your blind spot, and lane departure warning helps you stay within your lane. You can also add a surround-system camera that provides a 360-degree view of your surroundings.
Value
When compared to other used luxury small cars, the jaguar xe can be a great bargain. However, there are some things to keep in mind when evaluating the value of this vehicle.
For one, the XE isn’t trendy in the United States, which means it has suffered significant depreciation. This 70,000-mile example, for instance, has dropped to just under half of its original asking price.
This model is also equipped with a V6 engine, which makes it an exciting choice for those who want to drive in style without having to spend a fortune. Fortunately, Jaguar has a nearly class-leading warranty to keep you out of trouble if something goes wrong.
A technology package, meanwhile, can add features like a ClearSight video rearview mirror and wireless cellphone charging. Driving enthusiasts should consider the $1,615 Dynamic Handling pack, which adds adaptive damping for better handling and a supple ride. It also includes a sport-tuned suspension and 1-inch-larger front brakes.
