2017 Jaguar XE - Review

►Edited by : Shahen Tharammal

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► PRICE :

2.0L Turbocharged I-4, 240hp   $34,900

2.0L Turbocharged I-4, 180hp   $36,400

3.0L Supercharged V6, 340hp   $41,700

Every now and again, an upstart luxury sport sedan comes along to challenge the status quo. But the challenge is usually unsuccessful, simply because the established German players are so good at what they do. Nonetheless, we think a happier ending is in store for the all-new 2017 Jaguar XE. The venerable British carmaker has taken dead aim at the segment stalwarts, and the result is a fully competitive sedan with thrilling performance and head-turning style to boot.

The fact that the XE looks as good, if not better, than its rivals can be seen in photos. Where its inner beauty lies, however, is in the driving experience it provides. Its superlative balance between sharp, engaging handling and a comfortable, composed ride is among the absolute best in the entry-level sport sedan segment. This is a car that sets out to make a connection with the driver in a way that competitors have increasingly failed to do.

Another key to its success could be its diverse range of compelling engines. The most popular will likely be the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (240 horsepower), but there's also a fuel-sipping turbodiesel four (with a whopping 318 pound-feet of torque) and a stirring supercharged V6 (with 340 hp). The latter two are available with all-wheel drive.

Inside, the XE certainly isn't lacking on the feature content front, but its space and quality leave much to be desired. In particular, the cabin's materials and construction trail those of most competitors by a considerable margin. It feels closer to a Ford Fusion (an admittedly high-quality midsize sedan) than a Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

As such, we think the 2017 Jaguar XE is best suited to those who want to drive an engaging car and look great doing it. It's something fun, something different, and it stands out in a good way. However, there's no getting around the fact that its well-rounded German competitors will probably be a better fit for more car shoppers. These include the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4. Taking a look at the Lexus IS or the Cadillac ATS (similar to the XE in many ways) is also a good idea. Inevitably, Jaguar finally has a car that competes in this group, and we think it's definitely worth a test drive.(View Full Photos)

EXTERIOR

Design-wise, the XE is everything we expected from a sports sedan aimed at the BMW 3er. It has a long hood, a short rear end and coupe-like roofline that is apparently inspired by the XF. Overall, the sedan’s lines are deeply sculpted, although the profile lines are rather soft. The front end is highlighted by narrow headlamps and the large grille, while prominent air dams — likely reserved only for the XE S — occupy most of the bumper.

Around back, the XE borrows yet again from the XF, especially in the taillight and bumper areas. That said, it’s more than obvious that Brits sacrificed the XF’s elegant lines in favor of a sportier appearance. The brand-new design comes with an impressive drag coefficient that sits at only 0.26.

The standard model rides on 17-inch wheels, but options include anything from 18- to 20-inch rollers. Various wheel designs are also available.

Just like the rest of the Jaguar lineup, the XE has been developed using stiff, bonded and riveted aluminum structures, an aerospace-inspired technology that leads to impressive weight loss. Designed around a new modular platform, the XE’s structure is mostly made of lightweight 6000-series aluminum. Specifically, 75 percent of the unibody is crafted from the lightweight metal, which enables it to deliver extraordinary torsional stiffness.

Additionally, the sedan also makes use of a new grade of high-strength aluminum that features a high level of recycled material. Dubbed RC 5754, the new material will expand across the Jaguar lineup by 2020.(View Full Photos)

INTERIOR

The compact’s cabin is clean to look at, but in doesn’t appear to lack the luxury needed to compete against its German rivals. Sure, it lacks the presence of the Mercedes Mercedes -Benz C-Class’ cockpit, but its driver-focused character becomes obvious once you look at the center console separating the front seats. Although sporty, the interior exudes a sense of high-quality thanks to its traditional wood veneers, aluminum and piano-black inserts and finishes.

The brand new XE is available with one of two brand-new infotainment systems – dubbed InControl Touch and InControl Touch Pro. InControl Touch has an eight-inch touchscreen and supports Bluetooth, audio streaming and Bluetooth connectivity. Navigation and voice control is also standard on the InControl Touch system.

InControl Touch Pro is far more advanced than the basic system, featuring a quad-core processor and high-speed solid state drive. Added to that, the system is connected to the vehicle with ultra-fast Ethernet networking cable. According to Jaguar the system is up to five times faster technology in competing models. The system is controlled by a 10.2-inch touchscreen that can be customized with widgets and custom home screens. It is also capable of multi-tasking like most smartphones, which means media can be streamed on half of the screen and navigation on the other half. The system is also equipped with dead-reckoning functionality that can analyze sensor data and accurately provide directions, even if GPS signal is lost during a commute.(View Full Photos)

SPECIFICATION

► Year:2017

► Make:Jaguar

► Model:XE

► Price:$ 34900

► Engine:V6

► Transmission:ZF 8HP45 8-speed automatic

► Horsepower @ RPM:340 @ 6500

► Torque @ RPM:332 @ 4500

► Displacement:3.0 L

► 0-60 time:4.9 sec.

► Top Speed:155 mph (Est.)

FEATURES

Jaguar sells the XE in trim packages based on powertrain choice—so first, you'll pick between gas and diesel, 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder, rear- and all-wheel drive.

We give the Jaguar XE an 8 out of 10, for its good options list, infotainment, and its warranty and service plan.

The gas-powered turbo-4 only comes in base, Premium, and Prestige trim, with rear-wheel drive. Diesel XEs come in either drivetrain configuration, and in all trim levels: base, Premium, Prestige, and R-Sport. V-6 models cannot be ordered in base trim.

Base prices start from $35,895 on a base gas-powered XE, to $37,395 for the diesel sedan, to $42,695 for the XE 35t; to a gulpworthy $52,695 for XE 35t R-Sport with all-wheel drive.

Base cars get 17-inch wheels; power features; cruise control; automatic climate control; eight-way power front seats; fixed rear seat; paddle shift controls; synthetic leather; sunroof; LED taillights; and keyless ignition. At this level, there's no rearview camera, no leather, no split-folding rear seat—but all cars come with Jaguar EliteCare, which offers bumper-to-bumper warranty and maintenance for 5 years or 60,000 miles. It's a serious reason to consider Jaguar above its luxury rivals.

► Jaguar XE option packages

Other features are bundled into those trim packages. Premium models get a folding rear seat; rearview camera; a 380-watt audio system with 11 speakers; and either 17- or 18-inch wheels, depending on whether they're fitted with or 4-cylinder or the 6-cylinder.

The Prestige package is the one we'd start with. It adds navigation with voice control; metallic trim; leather; power front seats; heated steering wheel; keyless entry; 18-inch wheels (4-cylinders); 19-inch wheels (V-6); and heated front seats.

The spicier R-Sport adds blind-spot monitors; parking sensors; forward-collision warnings with automatic emergency braking; lane-departure warnings with active lane control; satellite radio; automatic high beams; LED daytime running lights; sport seats; an R-Sport front and rear bumpers and side sills.

Notable options in packages include heated seats, steering wheel, and windshield (base and Premium); blind-spot monitors and parking sensors (Premium and Prestige); cooled front and heated rear seats and a power trunklid (Prestige and R-Sport); surround-view cameras, adaptive cruise, and parking assist (R-Sport); and InControl Touch Pro with 825-watt audio (Prestige and R-Sport).

Stand-alone options include that rearview camera; satellite radio; InControl Touch navigation; a head-up display; and adaptive driving modes.

► Jaguar XE infotainment and audio

Jaguar brings its latest InControl infotainment system to the XE in two flavors. There's a standard version with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth with audio streaming, and USB connectivity. InControl Pro ups the screen size to 10.2 inches and adds SD card navigation, mobile hotspot capability, and access via a remote app that lets drivers perform some functions from their smartphone, such as remote starting and locking or unlocking the vehicle.

InControl Pro is also able to stream audio directly from apps on a connected Android or Apple smartphone; Spotify is a new addition to the roster. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not yet a part of the firmware, however.

In our experience, the InControl systems are pretty and have a lovely touch-and-swipe functionality, with smart ideas like star-based favorites accessible across the system. We've also experienced glitchy Bluetooth streaming, stiff radio toggles on the steering wheel, and thin and reedy sound from the Meridian sound systems. In the end, we give it credit for big displays and lots of functions; just double-step the smartphone systems and we'll be happy.(View Full Photos)

STYLING

The 2017 Jaguar XE is a small luxury sedan offered in four main trim levels: base, Premium, Prestige and R-Sport. Each can be paired with multiple engines, denoted in the model name by 25t (gasoline four-cylinder), 20d (diesel four-cylinder) or 35t (gasoline six-cylinder). Specifically, the base XE comes in 25t or 20d specification, while the Premium and Prestige are offered with all three engines, and the R-Sport comes in 20d or 35t form. Note too that every XE with the 35t engine includes a sport-tuned suspension, which is also included with the XE 20d R-Sport (rear-wheel-drive only).

The base XE starts with 17-inch wheels, three selectable drive modes (Normal, Eco and Dynamic), automatic wipers, automatic engine stop-start for conserving fuel at rest, an electronic parking brake, remote keyless entry, push-button start, a dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, eight-way power front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, the 8-inch InControl touchscreen, and a six-speaker audio system with HD radio, a USB media port and an auxiliary audio jack. A navigation system with InControl Apps is optional.

The Premium adds different 17-inch wheels (or 18-inch wheels if you get the XE 35t), power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, driver memory settings, a rearview camera, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seatback and an 11-speaker Meridian audio system with a subwoofer.

Going with the Prestige further equips the XE with 18-inch wheels (19-inchers for the XE 35t), metal doorsill inserts, keyless entry and ignition, ambient interior lighting, a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel, heated front seats with four-way power lumbar adjustment, upgraded leather upholstery and the navigation system with InControl Apps.

Finally, there's the R-Sport with its own wheel designs (18-inch wheels for the XE 20d, 19s for the XE 35t), adaptive xenon headlights with washers, LED running lights, automatic high beams, a rear spoiler, distinctive exterior trim details, sport front seats, an imitation-leather-wrapped instrument panel, satellite radio and a number of safety technologies (see Safety section for details).

Some of the higher trims' standard features are offered on lower trims as options. Additionally, the Prestige and R-Sport trims offer Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics (adaptive suspension dampers and adjustable drive settings), a Black Design package (gloss-black exterior trim), a Comfort and Convenience package (ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, power rear sunshade, power trunklid), a Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with advanced automatic emergency braking, surround-view parking camera, automated parking system, traffic sign recognition) and a Technology Pack (mobile 3G Wi-Fi hot spot, CD/DVD player, the 10.2-inch InControl Pro touchscreen and a 17-speaker Meridian audio system).

Further standalone options include some of the items from the above packages plus 20-inch wheels, a head-up display, and a handful of special interior trim and veneer selections.(View Full Photos)

SUSPENSION

To enable the XE to become a suitable competitor for the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class, Jaguar has developed a brand-new suspension for the sedan. On the rear, the XE is fitted with an integral-link suspension system that brings major improvements over the conventional, multi-link design, according to Jaguar Jaguar . Specifically, the system is tuned to provide better lateral and longitudinal stiffness, which will translate into sharper response and handling, and a more comfortable ride. With many of its components forged or hollow-cast in aluminum, the integral-link suspension is also lighter than a multi-link unit.

Up front, the XE gains a double-wishbone suspension based on the design implemented on the F-Type sports car. The unit is mounted to a subframe with aluminum towers and includes many components found in both the F-Type and the XFR sedan. Also made from cast and forged aluminum, the front suspension provides the XE with additional stiffness and XFR-like agility, while reducing overall weight.

Helping the brand-new suspension provide the necessary grip on slippery surfaces is Jaguar’s all-new All Surface Progress Control feature. Brand-new in its class according to the Brits, the technology works like a low-speed, cruise-control system and prevents the vehicle from skidding in slippery road conditions.(View Full Photos)

POWERTRAIN & EFFICIENCY

Power for the range-topping XE S comes from the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 used throughout the Jaguar range. It excels in delivering its power, and it’s instantaneous, seamless, and strong all the way to the 7000-rpm redline. Given its 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, we predict a zero-to-60-mph run near the head of the pack at 4.7 seconds. The excellent ZF eight-speed automatic—also used by BMW and Audi—is another reminder that no automaker should waste the time or money trying to develop something quicker, smoother, or smarter, because it’s likely an impossible task.

The V-6 engine is neither as honeyed nor as musical as the Audi S4’s engine of similar configuration, displacement, and output. But even if the Jag engine doesn’t achieve the same level of polish, the NVH team has done an admirable job of burying the unpleasant sounds and vibrations behind insulation and bushings. At full throttle, the supercharger is barely audible and the engine plays a subtler variation of the six-cylinder F-type’s rasp.

The 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder is our first taste of Jaguar’s new Ingenium engine family, which will sever the final ties with Ford Motor Company once it’s been fully adopted. The characteristic diesel clatter is suppressed so well that the compression-ignition engine might be more refined than the V-6—at least relative to its peers. In the diesel, the eight forward gears do a fine job of keeping the engine parked in the window between the 317-lb-ft torque peak at 1750 rpm and the maximum power output of 180 horsepower at 4000 rpm.

Pirelli P7 Cinturato tires—which have compromised several BMW 3-series in our tests—dampen that wonderful steering feel found in the XE S, but the chassis motions are otherwise every bit as competent. Besides, the diesel has its own noble purpose. The EPA highway number should easily top 40 mpg, counteracting the thirst of an M3-fighting XE R-S performance model—not yet officially confirmed but we’ve heard it’s a go—for the purposes of corporate fuel-economy accounting.

The diesel’s aluminum block also will form the foundation for a gas-burning Ingenium four-cylinder. That turbocharged 2.0-liter will ultimately make up the bulk of U.S. sales, but we’ll have to wait about six months after the XE’s spring 2016 launch for its arrival. All-wheel drive will be optional with any engine, and we’re promised a six-speed manual for either of the four-cylinder engines, albeit only with rear-wheel drive.(View Full Photos)

ENGINE

Three engines are available for the 2017 Jaguar. The base powerplant is a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline 4-cylinder that makes 240 horsepower and is offered in RWD. A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine is optional, and can be had with traction-enhancing AWD. It makes 60 less horsepower but generates tremendous torque: 318 lb-ft. The top performer for the 2017 model year is the XE 35t, which features a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 of 340 horsepower. Like the diesel, it can be had with RWD or AWD. Interestingly, a RWD V6 Jaguar XE has the same fuel economy ratings as a 4-cylinder gasoline model, but we found that the more powerful engine encouraged vigorous driving -- and thus diminished fuel economy. All engines are linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

► 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4

240 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm

251 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,000 rpm

EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg (automatic)

► 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 diesel

180 horsepower @ 4,000 rpm

318 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-2,500 rpm

EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

► 3.0-liter supercharged V6

340 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm

332 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm

EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg (RWD), 20/29 mpg (AWD)

SAFETY

Since neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has crash-tested the Jaguar XE, we're holding off on assigning it a safety score.

All XE sedans get the usual airbags and stability control.

The XE also offers a passel of active safety equipment in the name of accident prevention. A traction-control system uses sensors to apply power gently and precisely below 19 mph for smoother launches.

Other safety features will include adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitors, parking assist, a laser-projected head-up display, and an autonomous braking system that uses stereo cameras for obstacle detection. Most of these are only available on the most expensive XE R-Sport model.

However, the XE does not have a rearview camera in base trim cars. Outward vision is an issue: the view over the driver's shoulder is almost completely blocked by the wide B-pillar, and the rear glass is slim. 

We'll update this page when more data is available.(View Full Photos)

VIDEO

Video by : Motormouth Canada
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►Edited by : Shahen Tharammal

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