2017 Jaguar XE Sedan Review: A delight to behold and to drive

Jaguar-XE-Sdn-LSF

Aspen, CO – The Jaguar XE compact sports sedan made a limited global debut as an all-new 2016 model at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. Now, the 2017 model Jaguar XE stages its entry into both the American and Canadian marketplaces, following the receipt of over 40 awards covering design, packaging and dynamic performance characteristics.

New features and updates for this latest iteration XE include an optional torque-on-demand all-wheel drive; new infotainment and driver assistance technologies such as a driver condition monitor and the added convenience of Apple Watch connectivity.

Jaguar-XE-Sdn-RSF

The new Jaguar XE provides a new entry vehicle for the marque, making it available to a new and younger buyer in search of British luxury, refinement and performance attributes, with an aggressive starting price point of $34,900. When outfitted with similar options, an XE 35t represents savings of from $3,500 to $7,000 over its key German counterparts at Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Jaguar-XE-Sdn-Eng-20d
There are three powertrains that are available in both rear and all-wheel drive configurations, although all-wheel drive is only optionally available on 20d and 35t models. The Jaguar XE 25t is powered by a 2.0-liter, 240 horsepower GTDI gas engine; the XE 20d draws its motive force from a 2.0-liter, 180 horsepower Ingenium diesel; and the XE 35t moves courtesy of a 3.0-liter, supercharged V6 gas engine that delivers 340 horses. The latter engine is shared with the Jaguar F-Type and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Jaguar-XE-Sdn-Eng-35t

All Jaguar XE models feature a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission controlled by the Jaguar rotary shifter and steering wheel shift paddles. Trim levels will include a base XE, XE Premium, XE Prestige and XE R-Sport.

Jaguar-XE-Sdn-Nose-20d
Construction of the Jaguar XE is aluminum-intensive (75 percent), and it’s the first model developed from the new Jaguar/Land Rover modular vehicle architecture. Large front air intakes, satin chrome side vents, gloss black side window surrounds, side sills, discreet rear spoiler and optional 20-inch forged alloy wheels give the R-Sport trim level a look that reinforces its performance potential.

Jaguar-XE-Sdn-Whl

The interior provides pleasing levels of comfort and spaciousness. Exquisite materials and finishes, combined with traditional Jaguar craftsmanship, serve up an incomparable cabin.

The Jaguar XE is equipped with electric power steering tuned to provide a responsive and feel and feedback, offering improved efficiency over hydraulic systems.

The XE was developed using an all-new modular architecture making it possible to deliver ideal proportions, with short front and rear overhangs and, a dynamic cab-rearward stance. It displays both a low, sporty driving position and a sleek, coupe-like profile.

The hood is strongly-sculpted, creating a taut, muscular appearance, and the rising waistline adds to the sense of movement, while the execution of the rear quarters takes inspiration from the F-Type coupe. The signature J-Blade daytime running lights are a recognizable Jaguar design element, while the rear lights feature a horizontal line intersecting a circle; a powerful styling feature inherited from the iconic E-Type.

Jaguar-XE-Sdn-Int
The spacious cabin envelops front seat passengers with a deep center console, creating a cockpit-like feel. Generous amounts of head and legroom for both front and rear seat occupants featuring fine-grain leathers and details such as contrasting twin-needle stitching for a bespoke quality. A choice of gloss black, textured aluminum, and contemporary wood veneers enhance the XE’s luxurious, hand-crafted feel, with the available ambient lighting offering a range of up to 10 colors.

Jaguar-XE-Sdn-RInt
The XE offers a suite of advanced driver assistance systems designed to assist the driver. A new system Jaguar calls All Surface Progress Control works like a low-speed cruise control, functioning between two mph and 19 mph, designed to precisely control brake and powertrain systems delivering optimum traction in a variety of road conditions.

An optional laser head-up display (HUD) technology provides the driver with information such as speed and navigation instructions by projecting high-contrast color images onto the windshield, keeping the driver’s eyes on the road.

The XE features stereo camera technology, which serves as the “eyes” of the optional autonomous emergency braking system. Sensors in this system provide measurements of speed and distance of objects ahead and can initiate full braking to avoid or mitigate a collision. The stereo camera also performs traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning functions. Other systems including adaptive cruise control, closing vehicle sensing, blind spot monitoring, semi-automated parallel and perpendicular parking, and reverse traffic detection are optionally available as well.

Jaguar-XE-Sdn-Dsh
The all-new Jaguar InControl infotainment system offered on the XE features an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen which delivers a clear, intuitive interface with fast response times. InControl Touch supports Bluetooth, audio streaming and USB connectivity. The Jaguar XE can also be fitted with an SD card-based navigation system, and Jaguar InControl Apps allows users to seamlessly access and control a number of smartphone apps through the vehicle’s touchscreen. Jaguar InControl Remote functionality allows users of iOS and Android smartphones to connect to the car remotely to control car functions, including deactivating the alarm, locking or unlocking the doors, remote heating or cooling the cabin through engine start. Two Meridian audio systems are available.

Jaguar-XE-Sdn-Tail-35t
During the national product press launch, I was able to log seat time in both an XE 20d R-Sport and a 35t in Prestige trim. Both were equipped with AWD. The 20d R-Sport was base priced at $49,000 while options bumped the final tally to $61,885. The 35t started at $48,100 with a final sticker of $59,545.

The 2017 Jaguar XE compact sports sedan offers a selection of 19 vehicle variants, allowing the consumer to choose the engine, trim level and drive configuration to suit their taste and budget. There are also a host of available optional features and equipment along with color choices for both the interior and exterior. The available lineup serves as the perfect affordable entry into the Jaguar family.

Both model XEs tested performed flawlessly across the board in terms of acceleration, handling characteristics and ride quality. The diesel powered XE 20d is quite impressive and totally adequate, and is also virtually imperceptible as a diesel. The XE 35t obviously serves up more power and a higher level of performance.

Jaguar-XE-Sdn-Trnk
All XE models available with Jaguar EliteCare, an all-new best-in-class 5-year/60,000 mile customer care and warranty program, which consists of a new vehicle warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance, complimentary scheduled maintenance and Jaguar InControl Remote and Protect.

In the final analysis, the 2017 Jaguar XE compact sport sedan is essentially a delight to behold and to drive.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 Jaguar XE 20d AWD R-Sport / 35t AWD Prestige

  • Base Price: $49,000- 20d R-Sport AWD / $48,100-35t AWD Prestige
  • Price as Tested: $61,885- 20d R-Sport AWD / $59,545-35t AWD Prestige
  • Engine Type and Size: 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline 4-cylinder (20d) / 3.0-liter supercharged gas V6 (35t)
  • Horsepower (bhp): 180 @ 4000 rpm (20d) / 340 @ 6500 rpm (35t)
  • Torque (ft./ lbs.): 318 @ 1750-2500 rpm (20d) / 332 @4500 rpm (35t)
  • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
  • Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / Torque onDemand AWD with Intelligent DrivelineDynamics
  • Suspension: Front-Double wishbone with adaptive damper technology.
  • Rear – Integral Link system with adaptive damper technology.
  • Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs with ABS, Torque Vectoring, DSC, TC, RSC and ADSR.
  • Tires: Pirelli Cinturato P7 – 225/45 R18 mounted on 7’V”- spoke alloy wheels.
  • Wheelbase: 111.6 inches
  • Length Overall: 183.9 inches
  • Width: 81.7 inches
  • Height: 55.7 inches
  • Curb Weight: 3,560 lbs. (20d) / 3,795 lbs. (35t)
  • Turning Circle: 38.4 ft.
  • Fuel Capacity: 14.8 gallons (20d) / 16.6 gallons (35t)
  • EPA Mileage Estimates: TBD mpg city / TBD mpg highway

The 2017 Jaguar XE Sport Compact Sedan is expected to fare well when compared to other similarly equipped vehicles, although Audi, BMW and Mercedes loyalists will likely still prefer their own marques.

Check out this related TFLcar video of everything you want to know about the 2017 Jaguar XE sedan: