Jaguar XE review

Make a list of the pros and cons of the Jaguar XE and you'll find that it just about matches its rivals in every area – especially since its 2019 update. However, an objective assessment can’t get across just how good Jaguar’s junior executive saloon feels. It really is a brilliant all-rounder.

It looks great, is comfortable, fun to drive when the mood takes you and has a certain X-factor that the usual German rivals – BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4 – fail to match. It's no wonder that we named it our Compact Executive Car of the Year for three years running in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

It’s not perfect – it can feel cramped in the back, for example – but overall the XE is a fine ownership prospect, and a marked improvement in quality over its previous iteration. Engine choices are severely limited these days though, and with Jaguar pledged to go all-electric by 2025, you should enjoy the XE while you can.

About the Jaguar XE

The formula for the Jaguar XE is just right, and that means it's one of the best compact executive saloons for sale in the UK today. A comprehensive update for 2019 saw a useful jump forward in interior quality, on-board technology and a simplified engine and trim range – all of which have helped to keep the Jaguar competitive against its major rivals.

In this fiercely competitive class, the Jaguar XE takes on the German trio of the Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series, as well as some other alternative choices, including the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Lexus IS and Volvo S60.

The XE was an instant hit for Jaguar when it arrived in 2015, while an update in 2019 helped it to maintain its position near the front of the executive car field. While rivals offer estate, coupe and hatchback variants of their standard models, the XE comes in just one body style, a four-door saloon.

There are two basic models in the Jaguar XE range, S and R-Dynamic. However, there are specification packs available for both, with the former available as S, SE and HSE and the latter as R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic SE and R-Dynamic HSE. There are only two engines available to order now – one petrol and one diesel. Both are four-cylinder units; the D200 diesel is mild-hybrid with rear-wheel drive, while the P300 petrol is four-wheel drive.

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Whichever model you choose, the XE delivers an engaging driving experience. It's not quite on a par with a BMW 3 Series, but it's very close, with fast, sharp steering and an agile feel. In addition, the XE is pretty comfortable for cruising. The suspension is designed to work with larger wheels, so the ride isn't too choppy if you pick larger rims, however the models with smaller wheels are positively luxurious.

Prices for the XE start at just under £36,000, while the P300 R-Dynamic HSE, weighs in at just over £40,000.

If you're looking to buy a Jaguar XE, why not visit our sister site buyacar.co.uk for the latest deals...