New Jaguar XE shows what Jaguar do best as it targets prestige sector

By Gerry Murphy

The progression in the Jaguar camp these days with Ian Callum in charge of the design department means that they are now producing some the best cars that they have ever built.

Jaguar Land Rover Ireland launched the new D-segment Jaguar XE earlier this year, a car that is built take on the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class in the most competitive premium segment of all.

Jaguar chiefs here in Ireland are adamant that this is the most important car that Jaguar has launched in recent times. It is aimed squarely at the premium business market where the sales of cars are growing and they are bullish about the prospects of their new XE. The price has got to be keen too and Jaguar has pitched their latest creation just under the competition at €37,995, or €399 a month with Jaguar PCP.

The aluminium-intensive Jaguar XE is the first model developed from Jaguar Land Rover’s new modular vehicle architecture. It has been given a long 2,835mm wheelbase and a low seating position and a streamlined profile. It is also the first Jaguar to feature their new Ingenium engines.

While there is a certain amount of road noise in the cabin – nothing overly intrusive but still noticeable – the i4 Ingenium 163hp Diesel engine with 8-speed automatic gearbox is rather smooth and promises efficient achieving less than 4 litres/100km.

After a week in the car where I put up almost 1,000 kilometres and my fuel consumption return came in at 6.2L/100km, Jaguar say that it is capable of producing 106g/km of CO2 which means that your road tax bill will be €190 annually.

There are five variations: SE, Prestige, Portfolio, R-Sport and S. The entry-level to the XE range, the SE model features high-quality cloth seats and a glossy black treatment for the door trim finishers and the signature ‘Riva Hoop’ sweeping above the instrument panel. Standard equipment includes Satellite Navigation, cruise control, 17” alloy wheels, DAB digital radio and multi-function soft-grain leather steering wheel.

I have been driving the Prestige version, which adds Taurus leather upholstery with contrasting stitching with Phosphor Blue ambient lighting and a host of features that give the XE a head start. This is likely to be the best seller for Jaguar in Ireland and it can be had with a 180hp engine also.

The cabin offers outstanding levels of comfort and decent space compared to the others in this class. However, space for rear-seat passengers is a bit tight, but they use exquisite materials and finishes combined with Jaguar craftsmanship that makes it unlike anything else in the segment. Jaguar’s new infotainment system takes centre stage: its innovative 8-inch touchscreen brings fast, intuitive access to all features and functions.

Overall the XE proved to be a confident companion that reacts well to both cruising and short sharp driving. In particular, the steering feel is supreme and the feedback; cornering and urban accuracy is outstanding. That makes it a real drivers’ car because, if you think about it, the steering is the only part of a car that touches you skin and the Jaguar XE has got it just right. It comes through from a new electric power steering system and coupled with the stiffness of the body and chassis, the XE is a joy to drive.

Now that the economy is on the up and the business and prestige car buyers are spending again, the new Jaguar XE is a proper competitor for the big German brands and when you add the overall specification to the equation then, this is both an attractive and competent alternative. It is a car that shows off what Jaguar do best, and that good enough for me.