Jaguar XE review - Engines, performance and drive

The XE ushered in a new era for Jaguar. The firm has plenty of history with aluminium construction, but the baby saloon was the first car based on Jag’s iQ[Al] platform – also known as the D7a.

This features double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear axle, which gives the XE its trademark balance and agility. With Jaguar’s Drive Control system you can tailor the throttle response, gearshift strategy and steering set-up to suit your preference, just like you can in its rivals, but Jag's Adaptive Dynamics suspension system is an option.

Behind the wheel, the overriding characteristic of the Jaguar XE is the way it feels dynamic yet comfortable at the same time. The sophisticated multi-link rear suspension set-up smothers the bumps while keeping the wheels firmly in contact with the road, so there’s lots of feel. Point the XE’s nose through a series of corners, and you’ll receive plenty of confidence-inspiring feedback whether you choose the rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive set up.

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The Jag’s steering is precise and there’s plenty of grip too. Dynamic mode alters the steering weighting, throttle response and the auto’s shift pattern, plus it turns the dials red. As you’d expect, the XE is a refined and comfortable cruiser, with the Sport suspension quickly losing its low-speed stiffness and soaking up bumps and undulations well. The brakes are worth a mention too as you’re able to lean on them hard with decent pedal feel.

The rear-wheel-drive chassis always seems firmly planted but there’s a definite sense of the car being pushed from the back and steered from the front – great balance, in other words. It makes the XE feel that bit more special when you up the pace.

XE models equipped with four-wheel drive feel sure-footed, helping to build confidence in adverse conditions. It also still feels like the onus is on powering the rear axle. For most buyers in the UK though, the reduced economy means it isn't necessary – the standard car doesn't exactly lack grip, and a good set of winter tyres will do a similar job.

Either way, the XE’s dynamic prowess becomes more significant the further up the core engine range you go, with the most powerful P300 model veering into high-performance territory.

With a light 2.0-litre petrol engine mounted in the nose, the XE’s front end feels as keen to change direction as any example we’ve driven. The steering is fairly weighty, but has plenty of precision. It’s quick enough to match the rate of response from the chassis, while there’s a decent level of grip.

Although the Jaguar rolls a little in corners, this compliant side to the car’s set-up means that away from the test track and on the road, the XE offers a ride quality that rivals like the Alfa Giulia and Audi A4 can't match.

The standard-fit eight-speed automatic is very good indeed, with smooth shifts in full auto mode. The changes are fairly quick in manual mode, but not quite as immediate as you’d ideally want, although the metal steering wheel paddles are a joy to use. It’s not quite as effective as a BMW gearbox, but it’s more responsive than the Alfa’s similar eight-speed transmission. The convenience enhances the XE’s relaxing properties, yet the auto is snappy enough to suit a more aggressive driving style.

All XE models ride with smoothness and refinement, helped in part by it being on the lighter end of the compact executive spectrum at 1,651kg. Whether you pick the 18-inch standard wheels (19-inch for the HSE trim) or 20-inch optional items, the XE is best described as firm but forgiving, and feels exactly how you’d want a small sporting Jaguar saloon to feel. 

The electric power steering is quick to react and offers plenty of feel when away from the slightly numb straight ahead position. Throttle response is good, too, especially if you sharpen things up with the Configurable Dynamics system that allows the driver to select sharper throttle reactions and firmer suspension settings.

Engines

The Jaguar XE range was simplified in 2019 to include just three engines – one diesel and two petrols. The former, badged D180, is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 178bhp and a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive layouts. Another shake-up in 2021 saw the line-up reduced to just two engines - the D200 mild-hybrid diesel and the P300 petrol. A P250 petrol engine was added in 2021 with 247bhp.

The P300 boasts 296bhp; has four-wheel drive, and like all Jaguar XE models comes with a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox. It’s the fastest model in the range, with a 0-62mph time of just 5.7 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph. If you’re looking at a nearly new car, the slightly less powerful P250 manages the same sprint in 6.5 seconds with the same top speed. The latest D200 diesel engine with mild-hybrid tech manages a 6.9-second 0-62mph time, whereas the formerly available D180 takes 8.4 seconds to complete the same sprint.

When compared directly to equivalent BMW 3 Series models, the XE trails slightly in performance terms – but not by a huge amount.