Jaguar XE review

There’s a classy feel to this Jaguar’s interior. 

It has materials that feel good to touch and a range of equipment that’s right for a sports saloon.

You’ll find some rivals have more space for rear-seat passengers, though.

The sporty sloping roofline means bigger adults in the back might mess up their hair on the roof. This design does allow for a larger boot. 

Tech and features

Its multi-adjustable, sporty and supportive front seats are a joy. 

There’s an up-market ambience in the front of the Jaguar – think high-end cinema rather than mainstream multiplex.

You seem to sit a little lower amid an enveloping design of sumptuous seats and a high-quality wrap-around dashboard.  

The driver is faced with a neat, simple array of controls. There aren’t too many fiddly buttons. 

The dashboard displays become even more sophisticated and digital as you move up the model range.  

Post-2019 versions of the XE have slightly up-rated interiors, using a higher grade of materials and more advanced infotainment systems.

Even the steering wheel feels nicer in the newer cars. 

Handling and ride comfort

The XE is both a sensible modern four-door saloon and part of Jaguar’s long-standing sporting tradition. 

Drivers will enjoy the quality of a suspension system that offers precise and agile handling round corners, with sensitive steering and - most importantly - a ride comfort that soaks up the worst of our potholed roads. 

Four-wheel drive versions offer increased grip in all road conditions. 

Engines and power

Whether you choose the responsive petrol or punchy yet economical diesel engines, all are brisk while the high-performance Project 8 model offers sensational performance. 

All XE models use an eight-speed automatic gearbox with smooth changes between gears.

There’s no full manual option, but there are steering-wheel paddles for semi-manual operation. 

As you get to know the car, you’ll find it has a bit of a split personality. 

Enjoy spirited drives on quiet open roads before switching to a smooth quiet motorway cruising style.

All XE models let drivers tailor the sportiness of gear changes and steering to match their mood or the road conditions.  

There’s a big difference between the lowest and highest of Jaguar’s trim levels. 

With an extensive options list you may find versions with many luxury extras like remote-controlled heating or a superb Meridian hi-fi system.  

Even the earliest base models have a good level of features fitted as standard, including ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rear-mirror and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. 

Boot space

The boot manages to be both big and awkward thanks to its irregular shape. It’s fine for soft bags, though not so handy for boxes and suitcases.

Importantly, not all XEs have folding back seats - a vital feature if you need to carry the odd larger load.  

For a premium automatic sporty saloon, the XE’s running costs are usually lower than average.

Fuel economy

Diesel models can return up to 51mpg on official figures, while petrol car owners are more likely to get miles per gallon in the mid-30s.

As usual four-wheel drive models are thirstier and pricier to maintain. 

Reliability

Under Tata ownership, the Jaguar brand has vastly improved its safety and reliability reputation. 

The XE’s safety credentials are as good as any rival.