TLDR;
The Jaguar XE is a stylish and fun-to-drive alternative to its German rivals, though it falls short in practicality and material quality. It excels in handling, offering the best steering and chassis balance in its class, and provides a comfortable ride with standard adaptive dampers. However, it suffers from limited rear passenger space, a small boot, and poor rear visibility. Despite some cheap-feeling materials and an occasionally hesitant automatic gearbox, the XE stands out for its design and driving experience.
- Stylish design and fun driving experience
- Excellent handling and comfortable ride
- Limited rear passenger space and boot capacity
- Poor rear visibility
- Some cheap-feeling materials
Exterior and Interior Design [0:00]
The Jaguar XE is praised for its cool and refreshing design, standing out from the typical corporate car park cars. It's a car bought for its looks, featuring a stylish exterior. However, its boot space is smaller than its rivals and has an awkward shape. Rear passenger space is also limited, feeling surprisingly small inside, with headroom and knee room being tight, especially for taller individuals. The back seat is not suitable for three adults due to a large hump and small footwells.
Front Comfort and Interior Features [1:17]
The front of the XE is more comfortable than the back, with a super stylish interior. The wraparound "Reaver hoop" design is inspired by Italian speedboats. While stylish, the interior quality isn't as high as its German rivals. The driving position is sporty and tailored for the driver. Equipment levels are good, with leather seats, parking sensors, and satellite navigation included in all but the entry-level models. The infotainment touchscreen system is decent but not as user-friendly as BMW's iDrive. The sound system, especially with the upgraded Meridian Audio, is exceptional.
Innovative Features and Drawbacks [2:31]
The XE incorporates innovative features such as an aluminum body to reduce weight, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an in-control app for remote functions like locking the car and adjusting the climate control. It also includes an airbag in the bonnet to protect pedestrians and boasts the most sophisticated rear suspension in its class. However, the car has some drawbacks, including awkwardly placed armrests, elongated door designs that make exiting in tight spaces difficult, and air vents that blow cold air on the driver's hand.
Driving Experience and Performance [3:36]
The Jaguar XE offers superior handling compared to the BMW 3 Series, making it the most fun car to drive in its class, with the best steering and chassis balance. It also provides a comfortable ride, and unlike some competitors, it doesn't require an upgrade for adaptive dampers, as the standard setup is excellent. However, the R-Sport suspension can feel firm on rough surfaces. Visibility is a major weakness, with a small rear window and a large pillar creating a significant blind spot.
Refinement and Engine Performance [4:37]
The XE is generally a relaxing car to cruise in, but tire noise can be noticeable in the cabin, making it less quiet than an Audi A4. The diesel engine produces a raw sound when accelerating, which some drivers may find appealing. The 180 horsepower version offers good performance and reasonable fuel economy, averaging in the mid-50s mpg. However, the automatic gearbox can sometimes be hesitant when accelerating.
Overall Impression and Conclusion [5:35]
Overall, the Jaguar XE is a gorgeous and fun-to-drive car, although some materials feel cheap, and it's not as practical as its rivals. Despite these drawbacks, its design and driving experience make it a compelling choice.