Do you remember Jaguar’s first attempt to enter the compact premium sedan segment? The model was called the Jaguar X-Type, it was the first Jag with front-wheel drive, the first Jag with an estate version, the first Jag with a diesel engine… and with all those “innovations” came a rather serious failure. The problem was simple, it relied too heavily on the Ford Mondeo, and the American-led design ended up looking less like a powerful and elegant jaguar and more like the cat of a lonely old lady.
A lot has changed since then. Ownership of Jaguar moved from Ford Motor Company to Tata Motors, which brought greater independence and, more importantly, more interesting cars. The new compact sedan finally got what it deserved, rear-wheel drive and a design that actually looks like a Jaguar.
Design
Let’s not pretend, the best designer for a British car is a Brit. Here, the man in charge is Ian Callum, a graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, a place known for producing some of the best designers in the industry. And the result looks exactly as you would expect from a Jaguar in this class, a blend of modern details and overall conservative lines.
The front combines aggression with elegance, while the rear… well, the rear is a bit anonymous. I understand the idea was to keep things restrained, but it doesn’t quite work for me. Another detail I’m not entirely convinced by is the attempt to create a dynamic side profile by pushing the cabin backwards and shortening the rear. Personally, I prefer more classic proportions. That said, the overall look is appealing and clearly designed to sell, which is exactly what Jaguar needed.
In S trim, with its aggressive bumpers, black accents, larger wheels and subtle boot spoiler, the XE becomes a genuinely attractive car that grabs attention without looking flashy or overdone. I approve.
Interior
Inside, we find the now familiar modern Jaguar style. There’s strong attention to detail, interesting air vents, the signature rotary gear selector that rises from the centre console when you start the car, and a distinctive dashboard and door design. Materials are generally very приятни, with only minor exceptions, and the overall atmosphere makes you feel just that little bit more special.
The XE does suffer from a typical British trait, design occasionally takes priority over functionality. The sculpted doors leave little room for a proper armrest. In fact, armrests are a bit of a weak point overall. From the driver’s seat, the right one sits noticeably higher than the left, which feels odd, and the left one is quite narrow.
On the positive side, the seats are excellent. Comfortable, supportive and requiring little adjustment to find a good position. Space is also adequate for the class, both in the front and for two passengers in the rear. The middle rear seat, as usual, doesn’t really count. Rear visibility, however, is limited due to the large front seats and small windows, which could be an issue for passengers prone to motion sickness.
Storage is decent, especially the large compartment under the centre armrest, although the door pockets are a bit narrow. The 450-litre boot is well-shaped and feels more spacious than the number suggests.
On the Road
The British have a particular strength, finding the right balance between comfort and sportiness. Despite riding on 19-inch wheels with low-profile tyres and a sport suspension setup, the XE S is a genuinely comfortable car. It deals with bumps impressively well, and even potholes are handled without drama. Road noise is also well contained.
Find a twisty road, though, and the character changes completely. Body roll is virtually non-existent, unless you’re measuring it with laboratory precision. The car can be driven very quickly, and as long as you don’t do anything silly mid-corner, stability remains excellent.
This is helped not only by the suspension but also by the relatively low weight. Thanks to its aluminium platform, the XE weighs around 1425 kg in base form. In this version it’s closer to 1600 kg, still a solid figure.
And the engine has no trouble dealing with that. Under the bonnet sits a 3.0-litre V6 producing 340 hp and 450 Nm. It’s paired with an excellent 8-speed automatic from ZF Friedrichshafen, and the result is seriously impressive, lightning-fast responses, strong performance (0–100 km/h in 5.1 seconds) and a very intense driving experience.
Among the cars I’ve driven, this is one of the most intimidating. You know it has more grip and capability than you’re using, but there’s a point where you realise you might reach your own limit before the car’s. It’s an interesting feeling. Perhaps that’s exactly what a Jaguar should be, slightly intimidating and demanding respect.
If you drive it normally, which isn’t easy with this engine, the XE can be a calm and refined daily car. It’s quiet enough, the ride is comfortable and the seats remain excellent. I suspect that with a smaller engine, like the 2.0-litre petrol with 240 hp, it would make an excellent all-rounder.
Fuel consumption, based on my shorter time with the car, was roughly as follows:
Active driving outside the city – 10 to 12 l/100 km
Normal driving outside the city – around 8 l/100 km
Heavy city traffic – around 15 l/100 km
With careful driving, I even managed to dip below 6 l/100 km, so everything is possible.
Conclusion
Jaguar has finally entered the compact premium segment with a достойно предложение. The XE has individuality and charm, from its design and details to its engaging driving dynamics and strong comfort.
A sensible choice would be the 2.0-litre diesel with 180 hp in Portfolio trim, offering a strong balance of price and equipment at around €38,000, with the added benefit of good efficiency. For more enthusiastic drivers, the 2.0-litre petrol with 240 hp is an excellent option at roughly €42,000. As for the V6, that’s best left to enthusiasts, it’s simply more than most people need for everyday driving.
Jaguar can now compete with the established players. Is it better overall? Probably not. But it has its own strengths and, more importantly, it’s different. And being different is exactly what appeals to the kind of people who buy a Jaguar.
Eng. Tsvetan Iliev
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