2018 Jaguar XE S quick performance review

IF YOU'VE heard the old-school bark coming out of the back of a Jaguar F-Type V6 S, the thought of that engine in a stylish four-door sedan for $50K less probably sounds pretty appealing.

For the 2018 model year, Jaguar has extracted an extra 30kW at the top end from the XE S’s 3.0-litre supercharged V6, matching the S version of its sexier two-door sibling. Sadly, something has been lost in translation.

It’s a smooth, linear engine with plenty of power, but it doesn’t have that same sensual rasp as it does in the F-Type –maybe Jaguar reckons sedan buyers don’t want something that rowdy?

Otherwise, XE changes are limited to upgraded interior finishes, extra active safety options, virtual TFT instruments and the option of dual-view for the infotainment, allowing the screen to show sat-nav and video at the same time depending on the angle viewed.

There’s plenty to like about the XE package, with handsome styling, a pleasant ride and balanced handling, but we suspect the engine that best exploits these attributes is the new 221kW/400Nm Ingenium 2.0-litre turbo four, which weighs almost 100kg less than the V6 S and can be had from just $70,200.

2018 JAGUAR XE S SPECS
Engine: 2995cc supercharged V6, DOHC, 24V
Power: 280kW @ 6500rpm
Torque: 450Nm @ 4500rpm
Drive: rear-wheel
Weight: 1655kg
Price: $92,700