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Once bitten, twice sharp – that’s what Jaguar is trying to convey with its massively anticipated XE, the BMW 3 Series-baiting, rear-drive replacement for the unloved X-Type. Here we take a look at the mid-range 2.5t version.
WHAT IS IT Jaguar calls its new medium-size sedan a four-door F-Type – fanciful thinking after the innocuously nice X-Type that preceded it last decade. But even a brief drive will reveal a special chassis tuned to please the keenest driver, along with a gutsy 177kW 2.0-litre turbo in the 2.5t. Is all that enough?
WHY WE’RE TESTING IT When Jaguar abandoned the Ford Mondeo-based X-Type half a decade ago, nobody believed the firm would return so soon – or so promisingly – with an aluminium-intensive, rear-drive sports sedan with such close ties to the fabulous F-Type. But it has, the car is here, and we’re hungry to learn whether the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class should be running scared.
MAIN RIVALS Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Volvo S60
PLUS: On-brand dynamics with superb steering, handling and roadholding; presence MINUS: Off-brand dash quality; derivative design; no manual gearbox; expensive options
THE WHEELS REVIEW REMEMBER that famous Enzo Ferrari quote about buying the engine and getting the rest of the car thrown in for free? Well, there’s a bit of that going on with the new XE, but in this case you’re paying for a cracking chassis rather than the engine.
In 2.5t Prestige guise, the result is utterly invigorating, thanks to the sort of intimate and connected (yet electric!) steering feel you crave for but don’t experience from rivals today, backed up by agile and controlled handling and reassuringly planted roadholding (on Pirelli P7 225/45R18 rubber). You can slide the tail out progressively at will, and then tuck it back in with just the throttle and seat of your pants. This car shrinks around you. Attention BMW E36 328i owners, your long-overdue replacement is here at last.
We can also thank Ford for supplying the 2.5t’s energetic 177kW 2.0-litre four-pot turbo-petrol, which is paired to ZF’s supernaturally seamless eight-speed auto. Masking any low-down torque shortfalls with the right ratio every time, the auto provides rapid off-the-mark throttle response, matched by muscular acceleration right up the rev range.
Putting aside the absence of a manual version and the dashboard’s dreary presentation, for Jaguar to have raided the Land Rover parts bin for the XE’s instrumentation (Disco Sport digital screen bookended by clashing traditional dials with a usefully easy but cheap-looking touchscreen display) is an own goal against Audi’s sophisticated A4. Slapdash fascia finishes combined with occasional rattles in a Lexus IS rival is sheer lunacy. Beware some depressingly high options pricing, too.
Don’t get us wrong. Solidly handsome, spacious, practical, powerful and well equipped, the XE 2.5t would have to make the final cut for every premium medium sedan shortlist. This segment stars no truer sports sedan. We just wish the interior detailing was better.
SPECS Model: Jaguar XE 2.5t Prestige Engine: 2.0L 4cyl, 16v turbo Max power: 177kW @ 5500rpm Max torque: 340Nm @ 1750-4000rpm Transmission: 8-speed auto Weight: 1535kg 0-100km/h: 6.9sec (claimed) Fuel economy: 7.5L/100km Price: $64,900 On sale: Now
