Friday, February 23, 2024, 9:12 p.m
Jaguar launched the
After nearly a decade on sale, the Jaguar remains a minor player in this very competitive segment of the car market. Sales never reached the levels hoped for and the XE will likely be discontinued in 2025 as Jaguar focuses on an all-electric future.
As the XE's clock runs out, we've taken a look at what the smallest Jaguar can offer its buyers.
I still have the look
There's no denying that Ian Callum's design is still very appealing. The XE looks just as good as when it was first launched. In top-spec 300 Sport trim, as tested here, Jaguar's baby sedan is a car you'll instinctively look back at once you've parked it.
The model range is now relatively simple and consists of a 204 hp diesel engine and two turbo petrol engines: either 250 hp or 300 hp. All-wheel drive is standard on the most powerful petrol version, while rear-wheel drive remains on the other models. An eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF is installed as standard.
A plug-in hybrid model is characterized by the absence of a plug-in hybrid model, putting the XE at the bottom of the list for fleet drivers seeking low company car tax rates. However, this will be their loss as the XE offers a more engaging driving experience than its hybrid rivals.
Comfort and agility
With 300 hp and 295 Nm of torque, the 300 Sport feels quick, if not surprising. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 5.9 seconds, with the 2.0 liter Ingenium turbo engine requiring plenty of revs for maximum performance. It also sounds harsh when you work hard.
Even when Sport mode is engaged and the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are used, the traditional automatic transmission shifts more heavily than a dual-clutch transmission. This ensures smooth progress during normal driving, but weakens the vehicle's response when you really want to accelerate.
However, the XE's handling is a revelation, with an agility that most premium cars struggle to match. The 300 Sport's all-wheel drive provides plenty of traction out of corners, while the well-balanced steering provides enough feedback to draw precise lines with ease. Large 350 mm front brake discs ensure sufficient braking power, despite the high curb weight of almost 1,700 kg.
You might expect a compromise from the large 20-inch wheels, but the Jaguar's adaptive suspension delivers a truly impressive balance between ride comfort and cornering stability. Only the worst of bumps and ruts are transferred back into the cabin, and the XE glides effortlessly over typical British back roads.
Techno cat
Jaguar has modernized the XE's interior over the years, adding its powerful 10.0-inch touchscreen Pivi Pro infotainment system and a digital instrument panel. Higher trim models have an additional climate control display that uses an intuitive combination of physical dials and a miniature touchscreen.
Perceived quality has also improved in the XE's sleek, minimalist interior, moving it closer to the all-conquering Germans.
Where the baby Jaguar still lags behind its competitors is the interior space. The front is best described as “cozy” for taller drivers, while a coupe-like roofline makes the back feel particularly snug. The trunk volume is also smaller than other luxury sedans.
On his last lap
The aging XE may seem like a tough sell in 2024, but there's still something inherently charming about the junior Jaguar. If you take into account the low prices and the generous standard equipment, the XE becomes an attractive option, at least for private buyers.
This is especially true if you ignore the obvious alternatives and compare the top-of-the-line XE 300 Sport with zippy sedans like the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 or the BMW M235i Gran Coupe.
The Jaguar beats both of these four-wheel-drive cars in terms of price and offers an equally engaging driving experience. Also don't forget about the attractive design.
While the XE wasn't Jaguar's blockbuster in the compact sedan class, it's emerging as something of a critics' choice. It's just a shame that there doesn't seem to be much chance of a sequel.
John Redfern writes for Motoring Research
PRICE: From £43,500
PERFOMANCE: 300 hp
0-62MPH: 5.9 sec
MAXIMUM SPEED: 155 miles per hour
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 32.4 MPG
CO2 EMISSIONS: 196g/km
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