Skip advert
Advertisement

Jaguar XE Portfolio 2016 review

Can Jag's mid-range petrol executive car tempt you away from the diesel options?

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Jaguar XE
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

At first glance, you’d be forgiven for discounting this mid-range petrol as a pointless addition to the XE range. It’s neither as fuel-efficient as the diesels, nor as fast or powerful as the range-topping V6 S. However, it remains great fun to drive, while its ability to quietly munch miles on busy motorways is impressive. The fleet-friendly diesel remains our pick of the range, thanks to its superior fuel economy and low-down torque.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We're huge fans of the Jaguar XE here at Auto Express - so much that we've named it our top compact executive car, over the likes of the new Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class.

Most of these cars will be bought by company car fleets, so most buyers will end up in one of the punchy yet frugal diesels, while those after punchy petrol performance will be unable to avoid the glorious 3.0-litre V6. But there is another option in the form of the lesser 237bhp 2.0-litre petrol unit we're testing here.

Available in plush Portfolio or racy R-Sport trim, the Ford-sourced unit comes paired with a slick-shifting eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard. However, compared to the fleet-friendly Ingenium diesel models, this petrol is disappointingly pricey to run.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Jaguar claims fuel efficiency of 37.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 179g/km – the 178bhp diesel will do 67.3mpg and emit just 111g/km. In comparison, the 249bhp Audi A4 S line TFSI averages 45.6mpg – despite the quattro all-wheel drive. 

That’s not to say this XE feels off the pace in terms of performance. There’s plenty of shove from the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and it feels suitably rapid off the line. It’ll easily shift through multiple ratios when you put your foot down, too, accelerating quickly from 30-70mph.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Plus, of course, the XE remains great fun to drive. The steering is direct and full of feel, while the rear-driven chassis feels taut and compliant. The ride is similarly impressive, especially in more luxurious Portfolio specification. Granted, it may not look as mean as an M Sport BMW, but there’s an undeniable class about the XE.

• Best executive cars

On the motorway, our test car shook off several hundred miles without breaking a sweat, remaining quiet and composed for hours on end. The seats are supremely comfortable, which allowed us to arrive at our destination as fresh as when we set off.

That said, we can’t help but crave more drama from the muted four-cylinder. The supercharged V6 in the XE S is lifted straight from the F-Type, and while it’s £11,255 more expensive, it makes the standard saloon feel like a real four-door sports car.

Engine aside, this petrol Portfolio is unchanged inside and out, meaning it features the same sloping roofline and slightly compromised rear seats as the diesel, as well as a boot that does fall shy of the class leaders. Up front, however, the high-grade materials and standard sat-nav make it a stunning place to sit.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success
Opinion - cheap EV

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success

Mike Rutherford thinks there would be demand for an electric car with a modest 100-mile range if it only cost £10k
Opinion
17 Nov 2024
New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer
New Jaguar logo 1

New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer

Jaguar has revealed its new logos and styling details ahead of its transition into a luxury EV brand
News
19 Nov 2024