Jaguar XE vs Jaguar XF: what’s the difference?
Want a Jaguar saloon but don't know which to buy? Here's a comparison between the XE and XF saloon models
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The most obvious choice for an executive saloon car is going the classic German route.
This way, you’re getting either a used BMW or used Mercedes with high levels of technology and performance.
But what if we told you that you can get all this a bit closer to home? Without sounding too patriotic, Jaguar XE and Jaguar XF are two fine motor cars with distinct differences.
You can find plenty of used Jaguar models on the market as well - ideal for saving some money.
But which is better for you?
Styling
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Look at these two British brutes side by side and you’d be hard-pressed to distinguish them head-on because Jaguar’s design language is so cleverly intertwined between all its models.
The best way to tell them apart is by the slight difference in the shape of the front grilles and the rear, with the XF having a different brake light cluster and lower bumper design.
Both cars have aged well, with the XE coming out in 2015 and the XF in 2007. Modern iterations still look fresh – especially next to rivals such as the Audi A3 and Mercedes E-Class.
What are they like to drive?
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Jaguars are known for offering precise and enjoyable driving experiences. After all, its leaping Jaguar emblem stands for 'grace, elegance, performance, power and the ambition to leap forward’.
Get behind the wheel of the sportier XE and you’ll be greeted by a hot hatch-like driving experience.
It offers marginally firmer suspension than the XF and therefore is better around Britain’s tighter twisty country roads.
As the XF is a larger car overall, it isn’t quite as agile, but it can still thread its way down a country lane when it’s needed.
It’s much more at home on a long motorway cruise like the more luxurious Jaguar XJ is, however.
Either way, you’re getting a solid saloon car that’s great for all types of driving and is ideal for family and business life on the road.
Interior and technology
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If you’re someone who spends a lot of time in the driver’s seat, then you’ll feel very much at home in either the XE or XF.
Both cabins feature high-quality materials including plush leathers that make you feel like you’re driving something special.
They also have low driving positions that allow for a sportier feel (though the seats can be raised to reduce this).
In terms of tech, you get Jaguar’s InControl infotainment system in both cars along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
It should be noted that this appears in later models so double-check before you buy.
Besides this, the XF gets an 11.4-inch screen as standard and the XE gets a 10-inch one.
Both cars also get optional extras such a digital driver’s display to replace the analogue dials, a reversing camera, and dual-zone climate control.
Boot space and practicality
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Move to the rear and you’re greeted by the boot: 394 litres in the XE and 459 litres in the XF.
This boot space shrinks to 356 litres in the XE and 448 litres in the XF when you add mild hybrid technology into the mix. This does help with fuel economy, however, so it’s your call.
Being mid-sized executive saloons, you won’t be getting loads of space, but this is still enough for the average weekly food shop or some suitcases.
Safety and reliability
Following their most recent Euro NCAP crash tests in 2015, both cars scored a full five stars, meaning they’re very safe thanks to a strong aluminium structure and safety features such as airbags, ISOFIX child seat points and automatic emergency braking systems.
As for reliability, these cars are pretty solid. Being part of the wider Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) network, which is currently owned by TATA Motors, there’s little you need to worry about.
Size and dimensions:
Jaguar XE
Length: 4,678mm
Width: 1,850mm
Height: 1,416mm
Boot space: 394 litres (356 litres as a mild hybrid)
Jaguar XF
Length: 4,962mm
Width: 1,890mm
Height: 1,456mm
Boot space: 459 litres (448 litres as a mild hybrid)
Verdict: Jaguar XE vs. Jaguar XF: which should you buy?
Read our full comparison above and still aren’t sure which car is best for you? Well, perhaps our short conclusion will help you decide.
We’d recommend the Jaguar XE if you’re after sportier driving without compromising on comfort.
Yes, the boot is a tad smaller, but if you need something to get you from A to B that also happens to be fun, you’re in for a treat.
The Jaguar XF is best for those longer motorway drives. It isn’t quite as refined as the more expensive XJ, but it’s mighty comfortable inside and eats up the miles with ease.