Living With The Jaguar XE R-Sport 6 Month Review - 5 Things I Hate

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I've now owned The Jaguar XE for 6 months! I've covered over 4,000 miles in it and have spent many hours behind the wheel so I decided to take the car out and go into some detail as to what it's like to live with a car like this as a daily driver. I outline some bad points, good points and what I would like to do to the car in the future.
Equipment used -
Canon 80D: amzn.to/2iring2
Canon 18-55mm STM lens: amzn.to/2iUmcxq
Rode VideoMic Go: amzn.to/2hUXFnK
iPhone 7: amzn.to/2jt5lkD
GoPro 4 Session: amzn.to/2hGnEBI
GoPro 4 Plus: amzn.to/2iUmmVC
Portable grip mount: amzn.to/2hWHVAx
Tripod: amzn.to/2hGl9iN
Triple suction mount: amzn.to/2iUibZT
Music -
Echoes by LFZ (NCS release)
KZbin: bit.ly/2mUXGxJ
Facebook: bit.ly/2mUK7OW
Intro music by Max Woodhams.

[@crumbledor3]

I've had my XE R-Sport for a year now and I agree with all of these points. It's still by far the best car I've owned. Three words of advice though if you're going for the R-Sport - get the 20" black alloys, black pack for the grills, and black folding sun roof. Mine's glacier white and looks amazing with the black contrast. Turns a LOT of heads! I still get that excited feeling when I see the starter button pulsing red, the steering wheel lowering itself into position as the engine starts, and the dashboard glowing bright red when I put it into sport mode. And if you're really looking for a sporty feel, definitely get the black and red interior - it looks incredible!

[@innismor11]

Skip the 20" wheels if there any potholes (at all) in your driving routes. You'll be forking out for tires left and right.

[@ashishpatel350]

hows the reliability been. ive been thinking about picking up one used.

[@ForTheDrive]

Well mine was technically second hand (albeit with 400 miles on the clock) but the reliability is top notch. Never skipped a beat and is comfortable, quiet road noise and enjoyable on a good day through some B roads.

[@elijahcarr4137]

@@ForTheDrive Nice to hear. I am thinking of getting one of these, but was very skeptical about reliability. Just hope it isn't like a Range Rover

[@jonnyfreeman9361]

You have just described the car i have just put a deposit down for. Looks unreal and I cant wait.

[@alanshepherd4304]

I don't recall a Rolls Royce exhaust popping and banging!! Don't understand why having a loud noisy car is a must have!! The other bugs I will go along with!!😁

[@gominhogo]

I own the same n agree with most of ur complaints n can add tht my side mirrors nvr seem to remember the right position. still...in a sea of german cars evrywhere ive haf more ppl take pictures of my ride and compliment how beautiful she looks

[@dangreenwood5731]

Nice review.. I have purchased a 2017 Jag XE R Sport and it will be delivered next week, I would have liked the sun roof but it comes woth the black pack and looks beautiful. Can't wait to get out in it 🙂

[@aliwhitwell]

I've had a 2011 3litre XF for about 7 years and had it tuned to 300bhp. I recently bought an XE R Sport 25T AWD with black pack. Agree with the niggles you have with the car. The performance is pretty good although I think the XF would still be a bit quicker off the mark and top speed. Suspension on the XE is pretty hard but provides agile handling without a doubt. Only downside is the harsh ride over potholes! :-( My car is in the Firenze Italian Racing Red and has the two tone red/black leather interior. Looks quite special. Thanks for your videos. Excellent! Meant to say the guy I bought the XE from is a real petrol head and also has an Aston Martin Vantage! You would get on well with him. :-)

[@denisedavies4602]

I upgraded to the Meridien sound system and that's so good. Not sure about your complaints about the info system as I've never had those problems. I love my r sport and will probably replace it with another.

[@JakeAlfie2011]

Fantastic video Graham! For some reason I've only just realised that the XE and the E-Type are pretty much the exact same colour 😂 can't wait till we get some footage of the both in the summer 👍

[@ForTheDrive]

Jake Dolman thanks Jake, I will admit I struggled with it a little, lots of talking! Really excited to do a video with the E-Type! Looking forward to the rest of this year.

[@Quagmire88]

I picked up my new 2019 XE S AWD about a week ago. I love it. Its such a great fun fast car. I really don't like the cheap gloss black plastic in it, though.

[@faheemwyne5098]

I've got a 2016 XF R-SPORT & I get much better mileage than you quoted. Regularly get above 35 combined & recently got 76.1 at a steady 70mph with a full boot and 3 adults in the car

[@jamiebarclay9832]

I have a 2019 XE R Sport 2.0 D. I do agree the time for the Sat Nav to load is annoying when you have somewhere to go. I sometimes also find the car icon can be jumpy, while on the map screen if that makes sense. I do have the Meridian upgrade for the sound system and I love it. The biggest niggle for me, is if I start the car, turn on the heated seats and get driving, they turn off within a minute. I need to turn on again while driving which is frustrating. Otherwise I do love the Jag, beautiful drive and still has me turning round when I've parked up and locked her.

[@mikesutton381]

Mine is being delivered in a few weeks! Very excited!

[@ForTheDrive]

Michael Sutton that's excellent news, what engine did you go for? You'll love it, no matter the little gripes that come with any car, I still get a huge joy of putting my car through some nice bends and fast accelerations.

[@waynesmith6645]

Great video thanks, I ordered mine last week. Shame I have to wait until around August though, but really excited.

[@ForTheDrive]

Wayne Smith that's great news! You'll love it.

[@M135iboost]

For The Drive hi pal, great videos. I’ve ordered a 2018 XE R-Sport 250. I’ve asked the dealer regarding changing the exhaust to make it louder. But heard nothing back. Do you know if it affects the warranty? Thanks mate

[@ForTheDrive]

I had the same experience when I asked, they avoided talking about it when I mentioned I looked into changing the exhaust. The car has been in since the exhaust was modified and they’ve said nothing about it and it reversible. I did it regardless because I needed to make a change.

[@M135iboost]

For The Drive thanks for getting back to me, I’ve ignored their advice not to modify the vehicle and booked it in for a remap and to have both back boxes deleted. With two larger tips put on.

[@ForTheDrive]

Awesome, looking forward to the result.

[@marinoint]

People watch car channels to listen to honest reviews and the sound of the cars, NOT your favorite tunes! Music is a very subjective thing, so you should use it as little as possible! Also, your music shouldn't be louder than your voice!!

[@lamb-tika-cod4934]

@Jakob Jalen did u see my messages to her?

[@nzammy3413]

you are right , jaguar really have to work on their exhaust tips..

[@njco78]

I have the S model since release and it is a beast and still love it. . However you right about some of the issues especially car stereo and sat nav.

[@MzM1989]

I also have the XE S with awful build quality of door panels. Had to spend a couple of hundred pounds (~350) to get them sound proofed. Now the sound is much better. I'd add the occasional jerkiness of the gearbox.

[@ForTheDrive]

I haven’t noticed the door panels issue but that’s an interesting point. The gear box isn’t the smoothest but it’s light years ahead of it’s predecessor.

[@MrMackanno]

Agree with the start-up of the Navi, but this happens to me only when I turned my XE for the first time in the day. As for the sound system, I find it quite good. I got the Diesel version (thinking it would restrain me from speeding on the highways, which obviously didn't help because this kitty has this amazing way to hug the curves one cannot not take them a little faster than the previous time) and the exhaust pipes finishing is well appointed albeit quiet as a mouse. One I thing I don't like is not exactly from my XE but rather for the website. I got most of the add-on packages and features and in one of them it mentioned then rear hood kick opening feature. I went crazy trying to open the cargo door with my feet and nothing! I only out this is not available in my country after I ask the dealership shop to take a look at it. Nice video, by the way.

[@ForTheDrive]

Thank you! It’s a great car all round, but no car is perfect and in the eyes of the beholder. I’m glad you are enjoying yours as well 👍

[@NICKFOXTV]

Nice video mate, given me some inspiration 👌🏻

[@ForTheDrive]

It’s not AWD, it’s RWD. The AWD systems were only available on diesel models at the time.

[@2000ReRyRo]

Just ran across this video...thanks for sharing your impressions. I've had my XE R-Sport 35T for about 8 months now & share both your positives and negatives about the car. I, too, am disappointed in the exhaust sound - perhaps more so than you, since I replaced a 2014 F-Type with this 2017 XE. The cars have the same engine (and transmission), but I sure miss the gunfire and fireworks of my F-Type's exhaust (tho I'm sure my neighbors don't ;-). Was also interesting to hear your complaints about the "infotainment"/nav system - just be thankful you didn't get the InControl Pro like I did; it's probably even worse as far as waiting for it is concerned. There are many times when I start up the engine and want to use the backup camera to back out of my driveway or just any parking spot, but get only a black screen while it "initializes". I'm well on my way before the camera feels it's ready - totally useless in that regard. Also, whenever I shut off the car for a short period (such as to run into the market for a couple minutes), when I restart the engine, I get nothing from the radio/nav/phone/etc. for a couple minutes while the whole system reboots. Very annoying! Especially since a long-waited "Spring Update" was installed that was supposed to fix all these problems didn't help at all. But, like you, I continue to love driving the car, even with its faults - especially when I'm cutting the canyon curves here in Southern California! Thanks again for the videos.

[@ForTheDrive]

I totally get everything, it's a really well made car, built down to a price and although I think every car can always be improved, it's a fantastic attempt at pushing forward on the platform.

[@2000ReRyRo]

Yeah, they just need to invest in some competent computer programmers...

[@Joshkemponcars]

You should try Infinity Exhausts just outside Bath, I'm getting mine done soon and they are meant to be great!

[@ForTheDrive]

Josh Kemp on Cars awesome thanks Josh, I will have a look into that when the exhaust is ready to be changed!

[@drunksupportcharacter]

You get bad fuel efficency from most turbo cars, to get good MPG out of them they have to be driven in a certain way or consistently getting a set speed on a long journey, my juke does 20mpg if that, so im looking at jags on what they do best, supercharged.... the fact is that a supercharged car is its roughly -2 to 3 MPG from having one of them bolted on, other than that you are good as the engine will do what it says on the tin.

[@janusztopor807]

The exhaust modification will probably void the guaranty for the whole engine/

[@earlgrey9067]

nice review. Wanted to ask if the suspension feels a bit firm on this trim? And would you consider petrol engine in instead?

[@ForTheDrive]

Earl Grey thanks, the suspension feels fine for comfort, for spirited driving it could be firmer/lower. It is the Petrol engine, I own the Petrol 240. I've driven the diesels and they're okay but I prefer mine.

[@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.

[@SteveClass1c]

I wish this guy would've specified as to whether he got the info pack with the Meridian sound system or not?

[@ForTheDrive]

SteveClass1c I may have mentioned it in this or a previous video, but sadly not, it was built with the entry level infotainment system.

[@SteveClass1c]

For The Drive I appreciate the prompt reply. Thanks

[@RedOctopod]

Nice review, agree overall but what do you think of the headlights? I have owned for 5 months, and this is my biggest issue. I mean functionality, not looks! They are single, not double like Audi/BMW (that other one is an indicator), and not only that but they work for both left hand and right hand drive without any modification. READ: they don't work well for either! Cant see into corners, terrible throw. Combine that with a lack of front fog lights so no static cornering lights, and i dont think this car is suitable for night time country lane driving. YMMV.

[@MrMackanno]

My XE lights the corner light as soon as it senses the steering wheel turning. Maybe yours does not come with the Adaptive Bi-Function Xenon lights? Speaking of lights, fog lights are a disappearing kind, they do not really offer any help unless you are driving really, really slow. The rear fog light is actually more useful to help the drivers behind you see you a little bit better.

[@davecampey8961]

Just about to book a test drive after much deliberation with regards black pack and black alloys (heart) v parking pack (brain). Am opting for the XE 3.0T R Sport (petrol) which hits the streets in the NY (so can only test drive the 2.5T version). Any top tips for the test drive please - I will use some of your bad points to assist in the bartering process no doubt. What about space in front seats (I am 6ft 2" - 182cm), comfortable? Fuel economy slightly concerning, will make sure I put the stats on the screen when I drop into dynamic mode and boot it to see how it drops. It is however a sports car so will need to gauge whether the smiles per gallon outweigh the miles per gallon. Dave

[@ForTheDrive]

+Dave Campey Black pack is essential for me to make it look a bit aggressive and divert it from the older generation model Jaguar make. Black wheels do look good but the cost put me off retro fitting them! I have the camera and sensor system which I love and would be a little lost without, my first saloon and all. For the test drive try to get as a wide range of roads as you can, the XE is a great cruiser on the motorway and around town, but what really impressed me is it’s ability to handle some serious cornering, flappy paddles are a must for most driving scenarios as I find the automatic modes just not quick enough. Push it round some bends and hopefully you’ll see it’s ability to be comfy but also a hell a lot of fun. The 14 way seats are really comfy, plenty of adjustment, I would recommend going for above base level seats, the basic ones didn’t impress me. Since this video came out, my MPG is much better, my short commutes to work make mine seem worse than it is, good length motoring is easily around the average combined of 35-37 and a whole day spent racing round Wales recently was still around 27-29 and the smiles were beaming that day. I hope this helps, good luck on the test drive!

[@Sosa87]

Planning to get one used 6 cyl 2017 at 15k miles what do y’all think

[@ForTheDrive]

Do it and then straight pipe it so the V6 can sing! 😜

[@wg6709]

Nicely done, FTD. The backroads around the UK look the perfect natural habitat for the baby Jag. How's your interior holding up? I have a US-spec 2017, and the build quality is just utter rubbish. Massive rattles from both B-pillars, and just last week, a new rattle from the rear window emerged that sounds like a 49er panning for gold nuggets... and of course this little gems like this ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKG7Z4KYbJiDapY) courtesy of the Solihull plan

[@Oceanzworld]

Hi guys late to the party always had German, but looking for a change Can't seem to find r sport black with black pack, panoramic roof two tone leather anywhere, guess that's wat I get for being late to party. 😂

[@jgr6b1]

I agree the sound system is poor for the price of the car.I am let down with the quality of the headlights.And they went a little heavy on the plastic.

[@nicocastillo7524]

What type of sound system does is have?

[@ForTheDrive]

I’m not sure whether the standard one has a brand. The upgraded system is well worth the money and a great sound

[@helenloughton2418]

Prefer over a boring bmw or dull Mercedes.

[@stevealexR1]

I legally rejected my brand new 2016 XE-S after 4 months' ownership due to various issues including dreadful build and trim quality. However, by far the worst issue was the hopeless non-functioning InControl Touch Pro system that suffered constant black screen crashing, not up loading phone contacts, not "seeing" an iPod, rear camera causing the system to lock up. Videos of this are all over KZbin. First and last JLR product for me!

[@ForTheDrive]

stevealexR1 that's a shame, I really haven't had those kind of problems, the infotainment has got progressively better with updates issued by JLR, build quality is great. But I appreciate that being a new model there will be some awful issues so experiencing that can be off putting.

[@b25364]

I have an XE S 340ps. In pure town driving I get 28mpg. On normal round I get 35mpg. I got 40mph on motorways...

[@ForTheDrive]

b25364 I'm finding similar figures now, my local journeys to work are killing the numbers!

[@b25364]

Great review by the way...

[@ForTheDrive]

b25364 thanks! 😀

[@ianallen8305]

Should have got an XEs supercharge v6

[@chehau997]

bravo jaguar

[@thumbsgherkin8742]

Where are the r roads

[@sashastarkov8939]

nice video

[@ForTheDrive]

Sasha Starkov thank you 😀

[@TezTezTezTezTez]

This is the petrol version I'm guessing??

[@ForTheDrive]

Yes. 2.0L Petrol.

[@EdGeyy]

Sick car. Please don't ruin it with too much black and carbon fibre though. The looks work because they're a good mix of classy and sporty. Don't trade too much class for sport.

[@ForTheDrive]

To be honest, I recently got quotes to add the Black Pack to my car and the price was astronomical! no way is it worth the money they are asking for. So it may stay silver for good!

[@EdGeyy]

Well, I know you're not fond of it, but if it helps, I think it looks great in silver!

[@markfox1545]

Alpha Bet - 'sick'? You sad twat. 😄😃😂😁😀

[@ezrafigueroa5424]

What color is this?

[@ForTheDrive]

Ezra Figueroa it is Blue Fire, a discontinued colour for Jaguar XE.

[@carbonarc23]

One thing I would hate about this is it's auto gearbox

[@henrysiegertsz8204]

How are you driving an XE to get 12 mpg? I have an XF-S, 3.0V6 Petrol that gets 32mpg, on a motorway run, average around town 23mpg and 14-16 mpg when I'm having a spirited drive down country lanes. Sounds like you bought the wrong type of car to me!

[@omirrrr]

How did you afford it you look so young

[@ForTheDrive]

Hard work 👍

[@MyAgrael]

Just to stop you there at fuel economy. Do please mention to these lads you opt out for 2.0 Ingenium R-Sport 4dr Auto cause its cheaper to buy due stupid diesel consumption and anual tax at 155£ per year. When you actulaly showld buy this 2.0d R-Sport Auto (s/s) 4dr with ony 20£ road tax and fuel economy way better rated at 50mpg combined .

[@muhjm1946]

And there’s no cd player. So much they left out in these cars. Quality is not in this car. It’s good looking but that is all. The room in the back is in XF.

[@fasthracing]

Same engine as my 11 plate Mondeo (Titanium X Sport 240)

[@ronb8302]

honestly ?

[@janusztopor807]

mondeo engine is heavier (jaguar modified it, or so they say)

[@fasthracing]

All right similar then!

[@fasthracing]

Yep

[@janusztopor807]

yeah but mondeo is much heavier car overall thus few seconds slower

[@simonpieman1653]

should have bought the diesel

[@fse7794]

on my opinion this is the best looking car for the price ever made, but I don't trust it's reliability

[@ForTheDrive]

I looked at the other cars in a similar class and had to have the Jaguar, looks and build quality felt so much higher for me. I’ve not had a problem since picking my XE up when it comes to reliability, it’s never missed a beat and I drive it every day.

[@ThisLadWayne]

Getting one this week. Manual. Test drove the auto.. But my gut says manual

[@ForTheDrive]

Nice, hope you love it. at the time, I couldn't get a manual in petrol, and the one I drove as a courtesy car that was manual, I couldn't get on with it. But I'm sure that was just me.

[@ThisLadWayne]

For The Drive oh great lol

[@ForTheDrive]

ThisLadWayne I'm sure it'll be fine and you'll love it!

[@ThisLadWayne]

swapped, getting black pack, auto..

[@equaliser2265]

What do you want to ring your wife for? Stay out as long as you can. Its a touring car, not for work or short trips.

[@seankirby2580]

A decent BMW 3 series wouldn't have cost much more. Decent speakers, proper sat nav, bigger cabin without the cheap and nasty plastics, properly finished exhaust system. Hardly anybody buys Jags in the UK. The Indians had to economise because Jag loses £360 million per year, supported only by massive profits from LR. Women like LRs, as they give a feeling of power and solidity, Pity the reality is the opposite. Then there's Jag's legendary depreciation. Now, that really is fast. Horrible shed of a car.

[@victoryline5689]

He strikes me as a guy who would complain about winning $70 million dollars

[@RadRoach420]

Just buy a chav car lad.

[@peterlatham2407]

Music vol to up and down . Boring . If I stop looking at the screen just sounds like you have recorded a phone conversation with your wife .

[@TheKINGJONSEY]

Yawn... why even bother writing this? Pete ur a fkin prat.

[@Mariazellerbahn]

I was all set to buy a brand new XE in 2016 but I thought it was garbage ... high sills, stupid rotary gear selector, electric parking brake, to many faffy gadgets. I bought a two year old Vauxhall GTC instead, saved £20k and got a far better car. BTW, that only does high 20's fuel consumption as well (turbo / automatic) .... so you buy a Jag and moan about fuel consumption? Try buying a Vauxhall and then moan.