Jaguar XE saloon review - Carbuyer

The Jaguar XE marks the British brand's return to the fiercely competitive compact executive saloon class. The last model it fielded here was the Ford Mondeo-based Jaguar X-Type, which didn’t exactly cover itself in glory. For this reason, and because this class is so important to Jaguar's future as a global carmaker, the XE has to better some very talented rivals. They include the formidable BMW 3 Series, the Audi A4 and the Mercedes C-Class.
Follow us: @CarbuyerUK on Twitter | CarbuyerUK on Facebook
Subaru Outback 4x4 estate review: carbyr.uk/1IgbkPE
SUBSCRIBE to Carbuyer for new videos every week: bit.ly/17k4fct
Watch our latest video: bit.ly/carbuyervideos
Jaguar XE prices and specs: carbyr.uk/1LzVgJq
Related reviews:
Audi A4 Allroad video review: carbyr.uk/1HGf9Mz
Skoda Octavia Scout video review: carbyr.uk/1LzPvLP
Subscribe to Auto Express magazine: subscribe.autoexpress.co.uk/cb
Carbuyer makes car buying simple. We're the only automotive brand that's approved by the Plain English Campaign, delivering you clear, concise and easy to understand information about the things that really matter when you're choosing - and buying - your next car.
www.carbuyer.co.uk
Every week, Carbuyer's KZbin channel brings you simple and entertaining reviews on every major make and model that's available for sale in the UK. Plus you'll find frequently-updated top 10 features and the occasional group test for good measure.
If you want even more helpful information, head over to Carbuyer.co.uk where you'll find in-depth reviews of more than 500 cars, alongside the best buying advice and dozens of features helping you to narrow down your car buying shortlist.

[@joshuadoliveiro]

I feel genuinely happy when a reviewer says any of the new Jags are good to drive. Another review said the XE is better than a 3er in terms of driving dynamics. JAG IS BACK.

[@SmitzT]

The fact Jaguar have made a car that can rival a 3-Series in it's driving dynamics is an accomplishment in itself. Out of the entire small saloon market, I'd honestly say that the XE stands out as the best looking, and best value for money. You get a Jaguar badge for less money than a BMW. This really is a big step in the right direction for Jaguar.

[@hydorah]

Three of my colleagues who last year had BMWs now have Jags. Jaguar have a big hit on their hands with the XF and now with the XE. There's a real buzz about them

[@c3vzn]

This is an interesting review. You found a lot of practicality flaws that other reviewers failed to point out. Something to think about if you're purchasing this car for more than its handling.

[@jeebus2121]

***** I appreciated the review. Particularly the part about the armrest...I get mental over a poor armrest.

[@carbuyer]

What do you think of this car? Would you rather have a Mondeo, a 3 Series, a C Class, some other compact executive saloon... or a Jaaaaaaag?

[@dinelkap]

C-Class for sure :) . It's an all rounder

[@naz7274]

Carbuyer one vote for this car

[@SwPiotrek]

Carbuyer My presonal prefrence is Mondeo.

[@MrHitman246]

Carbuyer 3 series sure enough

[@djdrift88]

An entry level 3 series will be my choice

[@danesebruno]

Very good review. Really talked about things that actually matter to possible buyers. Im sick of reviewers drifting everything, and taking normal cars to the track - as if more than 5% of owners would do that to their cars.

[@DanieruShidebuteru]

I think it is great spotting on your part about the thick and sloping A-pillar, the low rear head space and the rear door opening. However, considering the new design language that started with the XF, I am very surprised with how this XE turns out, shape wise. I think the cost on space could have been far worse and it is quite a feat I think to keep the design language while making it workable in a smaller platform (think the new S-class and the new C-class for another clever downsizing example). I mean, did anybody appreciate how cleverly they hide the rear of the car so that they can keep a workable rear seat room and luggage space without sacrificing the graceful line by stretching it to look almost like a lift back/fastback without actually being so? (Hence the higher rear windscreen, as one tradeoff). Hats off to the design team!

[@bazzakazza2433]

This is the best car review I've seen in my whole life and it has really swayed me completely - armrests are VERY important and I'm always driving round with 4 x 6ft tall adults everywhere I go. Finally the position of air vents has proven over the years to affect the 2nd hand value of all cars. I wouldn't touch this car unless you are fairly intelligent and understand and buy cars for the right reasons.

[@DoktrDub]

Second hand value for something as petty as air vent positions is great, nothing wrong with them... but get one of these used even cheaper when it’s one of the best cars overall, also the side armrest is fine it’s not too bad, plus the amazing central armrest makes up for it. Maybe having every passenger 6ft is something to think about but unless they are over 6 foot they should be fine on fairly long journeys. Overall this car is my favourite fun car to drive and my favourite cruiser only bested by S class in my opinion, and those cars cost a lot more.

[@mohammedsajid1896]

It's a lie the air vent is in a perfect place then any other car! It does not even blow air to your hands when hands on the steering wheel and it's perfect to put hand near the air vent when it's cold/hot as I can lean on the doorside at the same time. The arm rest is perfect too. This is guy is biased - don't listen and go test drive one. These car reviewers have an upselling scheme and not all review are honest!

[@levikirkman893]

So I just wanted to take the time to leave some feedback, not only to Carbuyer but also to some of the comments below. The Jaguar XE has come to the market and has taken a number of top awards, many of which from the BMW 3-Series. The fact the the 'criticisms' or 'snags' cover things as small as an inadequate driver's right arm rest goes along way to show how good this car really is. Also can I just point out that the entry level XE, the XE SE, is a sold-order car only (mainly for the benefit of fleet buyers needing the lowest possible P11d values). The entry-level XE from a retailer availability point of view is the XE Prestige, which comes with full leather interior (for the benefit of Malek Huzaimie this is genuine leather, not the plastic fake shit that the Germans use), SatNav, DAB Radio and Bluetooth (again, abit of a shock for the German Huggers out there who generally have to pay extra for these yesteryear pieces of technology). The residual setters have been in and declared that this car will have the strongest residuals in it's class, 49% after 3years/30k miles to be exact. Most importantly, however, this car really is a car for a True Driver, and so any review should really cover the engineering genius that has gone into this car. The XE is the first and only car in it's class to have an Aluminium-intensive Monocoque body (simplified, the frame and chassis of the XE is all one piece, riveted together as opposed to being a body bolted to a chassis). This makes the car far stronger and far more agile than any of its competitors - if you are an engineering geek you might like to know that it takes 22,000nm of force to twist the chassis on the XE just 1degree!! That's Formula1 standard!! It also has a far more advanced suspension setup than any of its competitors, with Double Wishbone at the front and Integral Link at the rear. You would usually need to buy a Bently to have this type of suspension system as it is far more costly to manufacturer, but for the Jaguar XE buyer it is standard. Carbuyer has done a great review here, concluding that the XE is a fantastic car, but one should look further than the arm-rest on this truly stunning machine.

[@phlipnet]

Thanks for the review. Yes, I think the Jag is a stunner. Far, yes far better looking than it's main rivals and definitely more so than the Mondeo! The negatives you point out, I think I could live with.

[@TuddecBMW]

Wow this review was surprisingly unbiased! Nice.

[@unanutriainfame]

Next year there will be a nice battle in this segment with this one, Alfa Romeo Giulia, the new Audi A4, and the other ones we already know. Can't wait.

[@carbuyer]

unanutriainfame That'll be a stonking track battle, too...

[@0HOON0]

unanutriainfame The BMW 330i and 340i will be available shortly as well.

[@carfanfan]

Good review Matt - I love Jags (because I own an XF). As always, this is a real-world review. Interesting you mention the rear door being so large, I have the same problem with the XF, one tends to bump the car next door in parking spaces which leads to marks on both someone else's car as well as one's precious Juaaaag! For Jaguar's first "real" entry into this segment, one has to give the kudos! They did a good job because it's just breath-taking to look at. I'm sure they'll fix the niggles you pointed out when they facelift it - perhaps even give it a leather dash (because the next gen A4 Audi is getting one and that will set the standard now) - so maybe some cushy leather for your elbow too ;)

[@kevingill939]

Love it...What a refreshing change from the Norm!!!!!

[@Crimson_Logic]

This has helped me in deciding my next car.

[@_pr0mZ]

Excellent review!!

[@sdleersn]

Very happy about my all new xe. Enough power, drives smooth on highways, corners very very very well! Downsides: manual gearbox not so smooth first to second gear, smaller in the back and backseats only go down if you order the option to do so. Gps takes sometimes weird routes... but oh man the ride quality!

[@jiteshgera]

Very nicely presented. Good job

[@o02566]

Tried that car in Jaguar Experience and it is really gives great emotions but all about space at the back is completely true.

[@SwPiotrek]

3:08 Pretty cool point of view. Great review. Thanks Mat!

[@JoaquinAlonsoNavarro]

Hey Matt! You linked the review of the last generation Lexus IS instead of the current one! Maybe you could share the link of the 2014 IS's review in the description. That's it, thanks for your reviews, they're really great! ;)

[@bossibby6785]

Best car reviewer by far

[@yessinayachi]

i think this car looks absolutely beautiful. and its nice to have a change of the many BMW, merc or audi. something different. bud im 6.4, actually, how long are you yourself? so i can have an idea. EDIT: 5.11''', ive seen just now on another review. hehe

[@denisedavies4602]

It's Hot, love it, most cars in this class are driven by a lone driver ...go for the 5series or XF if you need to sit in the back with comfort.

[@rayaanshaikh5830]

Best review on the internet of the Jaguar XE by far, mostly down to mentioning details such as the door width in tight car parking spaces and how the A-pillar swoops. Things like this are hard to come across in reviews and difficult to know unless you drive the car yourself! Top Job!

[@STEVE33437]

A Jaguar without leather & wood is NOT a Jaguar!

[@DoktrDub]

Wrong but... you can get these with wood trim, Also these cars are loaded with leather, the the entire front dashboard is leather upholster.

[@anurag750]

Good car. Good attempt from Jaguar and will surely be a hit among Jaguar enthusiasts. Looking forward to the XE-S version! (If there is to be one.)

[@EdsWorld56]

Very good review and quite reasonably pointed out the narrow rear door openings. limited boot and poor visibility. I thought I was the only one to notice those at the cars launcg. Still it hasnt put me off - just bought a Prestige 180bhp diesel auto.

[@Habs1967]

How was your overal experience with the car? Reliable?

[@Frocobo]

Nice. I was thinking of getting one but it has no large capacity diesel. (Yet) My brother has a 335d touring x-drive and it's glorious. Jag needs to step up on engine choice. Hopefully they'll shoehorn in their 3 litre diesel into the XE at some point and bring out a touring version too.

[@abdulalibhai7742]

It's a very nice looking car it's just the space which kills it!

[@neiljones7431]

In my opinion it's a good looking car and I'd buy it because it's something a bit different to a German car. I hope it's a success for Jag.

[@netweed09]

Wonderful, timeless yet modern car. Beautiful, well done Jaaaaaguar!!

[@FretFreak02]

What a beauty!

[@johntechwriter]

A very thorough, real-world review. I was seriously considering an XE when they arrive in the USA next spring, but I've got to say I'm re-thinking that notion now that I have seen this review. One thing I'd like to know: Is this test car the bottom-spec version of the XE, the cheapest-out-the-door model with diesel? Because I can't understand why the interior of this car is so spartan. It's not a compact luxury car on the inside, as are its German competitors. It looks more in the league of Toyota Corolla. And Jaguar used to be famous for their interiors! The mileage this tester experienced is also a concern. It's barely half what Jaguar claim. Is there an official, government agency provided fuel economy chart to which I can refer for the 4-cylinder gas and diesel versions? If previous reviews did not rave about this model as a first-rate driver's car I'd have pulled the plug by now.

[@K1TSTERx]

@Carbuyer , will you guys be releasing a review of the new bmw 3 series lci soon?

[@scionxbester]

Matt you are awesome!

[@mark791611]

I had an a Audi A4 (don't want to go back). I has a MB C300 (don't want to go back). Now, do I get into a BMW 3 series, or a Jaguar XE????? I feel like the JAguar is very sophisticated looking, and unique. Practically every other car on the road right now is a BMW 3 series. IDK....any suggestions?

[@MediumBluWonder]

I enjoy it's look because it reminds me of the upcoming xf, however I have several reservations as to how it will sell next to the revised C class, 3 series and fully redesigned A4 when it comes to the US.

[@jefs42929]

It is Hot!! Thanks, great review

[@DehnusNorder]

You don't even have to suffer that on the Skoda Octavia, it has a small cushion on the arm rest :P.

[@PlazmaBooy]

Hello Carbuyer! Just a small suggestion. Could you maybe display, just for a few seconds, the different types of measurements, when you talk about the car? For instance the milage, also show the US mpg, km/l and l/100km. Same for space in the boot, both cubic feet and litres and so on. It would make it a whole lot easier! ;-)

[@carbuyer]

PlazmaBooy That's actually a really good idea - I'll bring it up at the next meeting. Thanks!

[@Zestyclose-Big3127]

Carbuyer Adding metric as well would be nice!

[@SinkyYT]

Mat needs to invest in some Pivothead glasses!

[@TheGreatLoco]

The success of the XE and the upcoming F-pace could make this company perfectly self sustaining in the future.

[@CenterTutorials]

Is it really cheaper than a Mercedes C-Class or BMW 3er ? I ask you that, because I noticed that it isn't so. At least not for a german carbuyer. I found a jaguar XE for 33.000€ and a BMW 3er for 25.000€ both with the same amount of KM driven.

[@CaiSpidox]

I really like the look of this car myself, I'd take it over a bmw or merc every time in the looks. As well as I think the jags driving experience on our rounds would be that little bit better.

[@luharmanoj]

Really good review... As a midlander too really want this car to be great, but perhaps a few important compromises compared to BMW/Merc/Audi, but looks great... Text rendering in the infotainment seems unforgivable though! A little too Commodore 64 for 2015!

[@ianburgess1436]

I had an extended test drive in a manual diesel version today - down the M5 from Taunton to Exeter. Went very smoothly and according to the onboard computer gave me 64 mpg which is pretty good for a car that has only done 290 miles. The gear change was a bit stiff - plenty of power in the engine though (I was driving the 163 bhp version). Speccing this car up really adds to the price - before you know it a £30k car becomes something like £37k! Not sure if I'll follow this up. I suspect I might get a better deal in a new A4 when it becomes available. Still, it would look very good in British Racing Green with a light tan interior!

[@carbuyer]

Ian Burgess All good points Ian - the optional extras can really escalate. The same is true for Audi, of course! And yes, British Racing Green with cream leather...

[@cockshield]

Ian Burgess British Racing Green is such a rare sight these days. Go for it!

[@ethansmoghaddam9289]

It looks good

[@value2127]

Only the cheap interior build quality separates the car from his german rivals. Look is great.

[@value2127]

***** You can get a good example of the interior build quality, when mat drops his elbow on the amrest. I don't mean that Jaguars are not well screwed together, but the lack of quality in the inside is noticeable and they have to improve on that if they want to compete with a c-class or a4.

[@Olliebobalong]

value 934 So you can tell that by pictures? Oh, but I am sure you have sat in one...

[@potjhm1]

value 934 So why did my BMW's interior start to rattle in just 1 year & likes to visit the garage so often? I have other friends owning German cars disappointed with their cars too. German build quality & reliability is nothing more then a myth in the real world. Lexus, Jaguar, Infinti, Volvo, Range Rover are easily as good, maybe even better.

[@beefbroth6539]

value 934 Dude, this is the entry level luxury, of course there will be plastics everywhere. If you've been inside the 3 series, A4 etc (which are nice cars btw) you will find lots and lots of hard plastics in the interior. They just know how to hide it slightly better.

[@betterbeavailable]

@@beefbroth6539 I have -08 3 series and I can tell you that there are no hard plastics anywhere one can/has to touch. Try one yourself before talking crap.

[@godfatherNYC]

Wow, I'm shocked to hear that the rear seats are cramped. I want to love this car, and I want to seriously consider this instead of a 3 series BMW. *BUT* I recently sat in a brand new BMW 328i and was *shocked* at just how roomy the back was. And I'm a full 6' tall.

[@germi1]

@Carbuyer What about showing the boot?

[@danielthangari8526]

TATA have done an excellent job! Well done.

[@Thanos.m]

Test drove the XE R sport d180 I have to say space on the back wasn't good and visivily as well the diesel engine though was one of the most impressive 4 cylinder diesels

[@dumyjobby]

3:52. so im 179 CENTIMETRES. yeeeeee finally some proper measures

[@jamiep61]

I like Jaguar XE saloon review - Carbuyer

[@iBest58]

I had an Audi A4 S-Line , and just got the XE R-Sport and it's such a step up. It's bigger than the A4, more comfortable, and better equipped from the go. Most options on the A4 are standard on the XE! For me, it's the best choice I could have made.

[@bensmithkent22]

Ravi Ramdenee cant be a b9 a4 then

[@iBest58]

Lifesloser Indeed, it was a B8 since B9 only got released in 2017 (Right Hand). I bought the XE in 2015.

[@ahmedjamal1102]

Hello Carbuyer this was an excellent review of the Jag XE. Nice work guys keep up your work is amazing. I want to buy the new Seat Leon, would you give me a piece of advice about it? Is it good? practical? value for money?

[@carbuyer]

Ahmed Badr El-Din Thanks for your message Ahmed, really glad you enjoy our videos! The Seat Leon is a good car, yes. It won Best Family Car in our Carbuyer awards earlier this year, and it provides a practical, better-value alternative to the VW Golf. There are a range of engines available, ranging from very efficient to very sporty. One of the best in its class.

[@key1792]

Hey Carbuyer. Audi TTS Mk2 or Nissan 370z. What would you prefer ?

[@alanreji6557]

I think this car is great! Always thought that Jag should make a rival to the 3 series... But the XE doesn't beat the 3 series...

[@abhinavupadhyay6786]

jagggs r really wonderful..

[@Adnanbin1985]

certainly looks good.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

I wish more had been said about build quality. That's the main consideration when buying a car, more than features, for me.

[@bensmithkent22]

GrotrianSeiler let me help you out. Its shoddily made inside good stereo mind you the meridian and in the portfolio decent seats. I ran one for two years. No bias its truly awful with cheapo plastics steering wheel aside which is great to hold.

[@LRS905]

I was a great fan of sedans for more than 25 years. But I feel each and every one of them nowadays responds and compromises to design "demands". My last sedan was a 2008 C200K Mercedes, and the way the roof line intruded into headroom, even for smaller people, was absolutely ridiculous. Because of budget reasons traded into a 2005 MB A class, and the amount of space for everyone in the car is almost as absurd as the lack of space in any sedan. I think my sedan appreciation days are truly over, and don´t think I´ll ever go back to them.

[@oliver13809]

I love my 2015 XE. I have the better 2 litre petrol engine. Head room is fine. Boot is big enough for us. If you want more space buy the XF. Nothing wrong with the ac. Drivers arm rest is absolutely fine. Interior also fine. We’ll adjust the ac direction near the arm rest. Or turn it off. I do not have a problem. Boot. We are on holiday today. Two very large suite cases just goes in fine. And when would have three abreast in the rear.

[@dragonh3art1]

Brand new they were £32,000 upwards now r sport version 2015 with 30,000 miles from £16,000 upwards,sounds better to me just shows there’s no more cars that are status symbols anymore,jag,Audi,bmw and Mercedes are more common cars now

[@ssak7346]

What year is this car

[@USASPORTSCARDS]

It's hot, nice proportions.

[@smashedpotato99]

damn, i thought the turny button in the center was to operate the infotainment, like in BMW or Mercedes, but it seems they went with touchscreen, too bad, using a turning button is way easier and less distracting when you're driving on a bumpy road than trying to click something with your finger

[@mean1979Just]

Been looking forward to this car, but due to the long arrival time opted for the E class coupe. Think I made the better choice from this review...

[@scorpionbeware]

BMW 3 series is still the king of this segment.

[@bogdanboiteanu1915]

is this car good as a first car?

[@abubakribrahim8993]

Can u review the Jaguar XF.

[@steve-wu7jp]

Buttons look like those from a 20k car, the tft screen looks like its got text graphics from 10 years ago.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

As a left handed person, I would like to have a right hand drive car because of all of the controls on the left!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Matthew, You have really nice arms and your reviews are excellent too!

[@gjinmuja]

When will you do a Mustang ecoboost review??????

[@bogdanboiteanu1915]

should I buy this as my first car

[@btyc]

In profile the front looks so much like a BMW it's crazy, not bad / ugly, but crazy similar

[@benbradbury3665]

Hot... Unlike your seat which was cold. But you did not notice when you put the cooled seat on it goes to full power on the first button press!!!

[@theokan89]

so is this the mid life refresh? the design is so 2010.

[@zakiamin8686]

Carbuyer pls do a Lexus ES review.

[@Speck1119]

Why no mention of the Swede??

[@sharjeelkhan7437]

Nice

[@markojajcinovic9673]

Finally! :)

[@McSenna1979]

Give this guy a Top Gear job.

[@StewieGriffin-pi6gc]

Am I the only one who thinks that the Jaguar XE is kinda similar to the Jag-like GTA V counterpart

[@YusuPown]

I think it's called, the Jackal in GTA V?

[@ishtenyobahtop9688]

So ze German cars are still ze best.

[@teemu2012]

***** atleast they are more reliable than jaguar

[@Olliebobalong]

teemu2012 Audi AND VW, as well as BMW scoring near the bottom of reliability index's says you are very wrong.

[@teemu2012]

Oliver Newell www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/jaguar-land-rover-reliability-leaves-7417398 And there you have the bottom

[@potjhm1]

teemu2012 German cars are reliable?...Hahahaha, great joke.

[@teemu2012]

***** i didnt say german cars were reliable i said they are more reliable than british cars

[@joshmoore2807]

hi what would you recommend for a first car? preferably under 3k.

[@justrandomthings319]

+Josh Moore A shoe.

[@joshmoore2807]

chancy319 Is that an attempt to get top comment ?

[@grantschneider926]

Like a 15 year old toyota

[@joshmoore2807]

Thanks for the suggestions.

[@necipfortniteksakurek4725]

jaguar xe r-sport v6 dream car

[@kurtokyere007]

Hello it’s mat Watson here from carwow ❗️❗️😹😹

[@dailyforman]

brit being honest about british car??? something new..

[@benadamson2319]

In this segment, I'd have the XE without a second's hesitation over the 3 Series, A4 or C-Class. That said, if I had the money, I think I'd be inclined to follow JoeKyle and have the Mondeo Vignale 2.0 EcoBoost.

[@Priemholawien]

I'll buy a Jaguar XE-S in black and with black rims. I'll buy it after my 20th birthday. ^-^ I love Jaguar!!

[@lesego2933]

Have you bought it??

[@Alan_Mac]

I have a hefty wager that most people commenting haven't driven this. I have. it is absolutely lovely.

[@sdleersn]

Front of the car definitely hot... back bit less.. but when it's dark, the lights are cool... Anyway... ordered one, still have to wait a bit though

[@tarunabhanushalibhanushali8343]

ssk

[@jamiewwfc4life]

Boot is big. I sold my A5 for the XE and the boot is double the size, got to be driving daft to get less than 40mpg, I drive quicker than normal and I’m getting 56mpg on my local welsh a and B roads..

[@uxbridgeuk]

Great looking car, 10 times better looking than BMW and Audi, the comments regarding the space are also commented on the Jaguar website, as they even state if you want more room the Jaguar XF is better.

[@AlexUncut]

finally a premium car with nice interior of its own looks, all germans interior has been boring since around 00's. bmw e39 was the last bmw with nice interior. or what does the rest of you think ?

[@benwong1111]

This is the best looking sport saloon. Just a bit better looking than 4 series gran coupe with LED headlights

[@philhorton1827]

Your links dont work

[@richardhopkins7168]

I really like my 2017 Jaguar XE R-Sport however, the InControl Touch Pro system is very erratic and often plagued with computer hardware and software problems. The base model is far superior and has fewer issues.