We've driven the Jaguar XE in the Spanish countryside to find out if it drives as well as it looks. Read on to find out more about the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series challenger
I like the new design language at Jaguar. And I like the way the new Jaguar XE looks too. Sure, the design is similar to its elder siblings, the XF and the XJ in many ways - the head lamp outline, the bonnet sculpting, the taut wheelarches and the hunkered down stance, it’s all common. But is that really a negative? Imagine this - triplets, all gorgeous, knock on your door. Now, would you shut the door on them just because they looked similar? OF COURSE NOT! You'd invite them in. And then pick the freshest of them all.
The XE is that car. And it is also very important for Jaguar because this, the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series challenger, is expected to bring in unprecedented numbers to the brand. Moreover, the XE shouldn't be viewed as a standalone product for it is Jaguar's first step towards going modular. It will underpin the next generation XF for sure and possibly the new XJ. So, it better be good because, clearly, a lot is riding on it.
Indian connection
Now for India, the Jaguar XE will come with two engine options. A 180PS 4-cylinder diesel and a 240PS turbo petrol.
The latter is borrowed from Ford, but the diesel is Jaguar's home production. Called Ingenium, it is an all aluminium unit, and for India it will come mated to an 8-speed automatic. But, we will get to the engines a little later. Let's first take a peek inside.
Now we know the new Mercedes C-Class has truly set the benchmark when it comes to interior look and feel, and in fact design. It is a hard act to top. Not surprisingly, the XE doesn't manage to do that. The Jaguar's insides are well finished and well put together, no doubt. There's also good quality material in there - leather, metal outlines and premium plastic. But, the design is a little underwhelming. Also, the Indian XE won't come with the complete suite of smart connect technology which is otherwise available on international XE variants, the fancy new head-up display included.
The Jaguar XE won't be the best car to be driven in either, at least in its class. It has a reasonably accommodating front row with enough head, leg and elbow room for both the driver and the front passenger. But at the rear, the space isn't all that great. Plus, the rear seat squab is a bit flat, so thigh support is just about acceptable. But, the central and door armrest are a little too low for comfort and the rear AC vent unit is a tad too wide; wide enough to dig into the rear passengers' legs.
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