The BMW 3 Series has long been regarded as the most accomplished compact executive saloon on the market, combining a desirable image with truly engaging dynamics. As ambitious and energised as ever, Tata-backed Jaguar is boldly pitching the XE as the car to finally topple the BMW.
Claiming that the XE “redefines the concept of the sports saloon” is somewhat exaggerated but Jaguar’s newest saloon in currently range-topping ‘S’ guise certainly stirs the senses aesthetically, with a sleek, aggressive face, evocative bodykit, red brake callipers and alluring ‘J-blade’ daytime running lights.
The test car’s optional Black Pack means a gloss black grille, side power vents and various other visual enhancements, along with gorgeous 20” Propeller alloys. The F-Type-derived lights appear slightly lost at the coupé-like rear, though, especially in Italian Racing Red – but balancing beauty and menace successfully, the Jaguar narrowly wins the segment based on looks.
Inside the XE, two-tone seats – Jet and Taurus in the test car’s case – portray a classy aura, although the leather used feels slightly cheap, which can also be said of certain buttons, surfaces and controls, such as the indicator stalk. Driver and passenger will be perfectly comfortable but taller or larger rear occupants will struggle. The 455-litre boot is more compact than the equivalent BMW and Mercedes but is generally quite accommodating.
JLR’s wonderful rotary gear selector is present and their new infotainment system takes centre stage. Although not perfect, it’s a huge improvement, the pictorial menus and functions logical to operate. Jaguar’s InControl apps are excellent for tech-loving drivers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fully supported and Timed Climate is a saviour in colder months. Audiophiles will be impressed by the sound reproduction from the 825W Meridian system and the head-up display is a useful safety enhancement. Overall, the XE’s interior is executed well, providing relative luxury and plenty of technology.
Jaguar’s latest ‘warm’ mid-size saloon failing to perform on British roads would be an own goal to say the least, but the Midlands engineers have done themselves proud. With a potholed and speed camera-peppered road network, the 340PS, 3-litre V6 petrol engine from the F-Type is more than enough and can be realistically exploited closer to its limits than a V8. Fitted with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and hitting 62mph in 4.9 seconds, .2 of a second faster than its closest rival the BMW 340i M Sport, the XE S pounces in a smooth, linear fashion. It’s just a shame the exhaust lacks histrionics and fails to aurally excite, the F-Type’s active sports exhaust not currently available.
Enthusiastic drivers seeking rear-wheel drive cornering thrills won’t be disappointed with the XE S, its standard adaptive dampers, communicative steering, overall agility and on-demand tail-wagging never failing to produce a beaming smile. The Jaguar nevertheless remains manageable most of the time and settles down into a docile motorway cruiser that copes equally well in urbanity.
Returning 34.9mpg combined on paper, the XE S isn’t overly thirsty, although mid-to-high-20s is more realistic from predominant town driving. The most expensive saloon in its class with a £45,000 starting price (£55,163 as tested), a hit-and-miss interior and the highest CO2 emissions, the Jaguar isn’t faultless. But with tantalising styling, punchy performance and delightful handling, it possesses something its German rivals lack – characterful soul.
