Why we're driving it
Jaguar is at a crossroads with the XE, which will soon receive its first major update since the model was originally launched.
What we like
The XE is Jaguar's first genuine competitor to the likes of BMW's 3-Series and the Lexus IS, aspirational yet affordable models that form an important slice of luxury car sales.
Part of that appeal is directly tied to the compact Jag's driving experience - it feels light, agile and composed in a variety of conditions, helped by a front suspension and steering setup shared with Jaguar's F-Type sports car.
The XE's classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout lends its steering impressive clarity, contributing to the junior machine's impressive balance.
Our test example features equipment that wasn't originally available in the XE, including Jaguar's widescreen InControl Touch Pro display that feels a world beyond the brand's original efforts.
Jaguar intends to offer the most sporting model in each luxury segment, a concept echoed by this particular XE's specification - black and blue interior leather with blue ambient lighting and a soft-touch steering wheel pinched from the F-Type.
This certainly isn't grandpa's Jag.
What we don't like
The XE is quite sensitive to specifications. Get it wrong and the car feels a little too grown up, with beige and silver interior touches that feel more Camry than C-Class.
While the XE's infotainment system is much better than it used to be, it still doesn't feel quite as intuitive as those offered by the likes of Audi.
And we're not sure about the prices of some Jaguar options - $1820 for a seriously ordinary heads-up display system, $640 for heated seats and $850 for a powered boot lid in a compact sedan all seem a bit mean.
Jaguar's choice of engine doesn't help the car's appeal. The XE's Ford-sourced 177kW engine has plenty of poke but doesn't quite have the same pedigree as BMW or Mercedes' bespoke alternatives. But that's going to change soon.
Would I buy one
I quite like the XE, which represents a pleasant change from the usual luxury crowd. But I wouldn't buy one until next year, when more powerful and efficient 'Ingenium' engines with up to 184kW of petrol power arrive.
While the 2018 XE offers essentially the same exterior looks as this car, Jaguar says it has a significantly improved interior with better quality materials, a 12.3-inch digital driver's display and Range Rover-style dual screen technology that allows the car to show different images to the driver and passenger on the same display.
It will also bring significant improvements to the XE's safety suite, with driver aids that aren't available on the current model.
I reckon that's worth waiting for.
Jaguar XE R-Sport 25t pricing and specifications
Price: From $68,900 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 177kW at 5800rpm
Torque: 340Nm at 1750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive
Fuel use: 7.5L/100km
8 Comments
Dennis Michael Leman | 2017-04-11 05:39:33
Hopefully we'll get a body taillift (the front is OK) and give it a distinctive look instead of the bland, pan-asian tail on the current car ...
The truth | 2017-04-11 07:43:08
Review by CarsGuide.com.au rival. How about having the respect of naming manufacturer's vehicles by name rather than as someone else's rival on your main page?
Sidney Mincing | 2017-04-11 10:31:21
Not to belittle Ford, but this jag looks like the current Falcon
Vichet Kim | 2017-04-11 10:45:45
I just can't help but be amused by Jaguars striking choice of model names that were once referred to in Ford Falcons back in the 1980s. The XF, the XE and I'm expecting the XD Jaguar some time soon. That said an XD Falcon fitted with the Barra 4 litre engine has done a quarter mile time of 8.7 seconds. That's faster than any Jaguar that's ever made.
yarpos | 2017-04-11 11:08:14
Vichet, not sure why you would be amused. Some car builder in a tiny market use the Xwhatever designation and you dont use it? Who else on the planet would even be aware but us?
yarpos | 2017-04-11 11:10:32
WE have an old model Jag, my wife has trouble picking new Jags from Falcodores and Hyundai sedans. I dont know what it is they have to sell anymore apart from the badge. Just another appliance car.
DJCJ | 2017-04-11 23:30:38
Starting to look around to replace my aging 11 yr Lexus IS (boy has it aged beautifully however). Want to stay with Lexus due to the extraordinary reliability, driveability and build quality I've had with my IS, but unlike 2006 when I bought it when the IS was miles ahead of the equivalent priced A4, C, 3 etc. at the time in terms of the overall package, that's no longer the case today, and Im not a fan of the new IS styling (mainly its rear and side profile), and I'm not a 'badge loyalist', so looking at all options. IMO the competition has never been as tight. Admittedly not driven the XE (yet), but had a look inside a few weeks ago. Very very underwhelming interior - my friends new Mazda 6 is nicer. C-class, IS and A4 lead the way there (in that order). Jag you're way off the pace for your interior (hopefully the update improves that).... and heated seats as an option? Seriously!? Come on Jag - my 11 yr old entry-level IS had heated and cooled seats as standard.
DJM61 | 2017-04-12 22:14:44
The XF is the better Jaguar model. It has much more cohesive styling.