To that end, the XE features a sport-tuned suspension and a variety of powertrains. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four serves as the base engine and is rated at 240 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. -TheMotorTrend
Engine and Transmission
There are three engine options available for the Jaguar XE, the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 240 horsepower, an extremely frugal inline-four turbodiesel with a whopping 318 pound-feet of torque, and a stirring supercharged V6 with 340 horsepower.
The Turbodiesel and V6 petrol engine options are available with all-wheel drive, while rear-wheel drive can be had for all the three engines. The power is sent to them via an 8-speed automatic gearbox, same for all engine options. There is no manual, which is a slight disappointment, as it could have helped add character to the car.
Models |
Jaguar XE |
Audi A4 |
BMW 3-Series |
Mercedes-Benz C Class |
Starting MSRP |
$34,900 |
$34,900 |
$34,900 |
$39,500 |
Engine Type |
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
Power (HP) |
240 |
190 |
180 |
241 |
Torque (lb.-ft.) |
251 |
236 |
200 |
273 |
All the competitors in this segment offer the same formula for their base models, i.e., they all sport a 2 liter turbocharged inline-4. The power figures, however, vary quite a lot for each. The BMW 3-series base models only put out 180 horsepower, while Audi A4 manages 190 HP for the same. Mercedes makes one horsepower more than the Jag, at 241 HP, which makes it the most powerful here.
Acceleration
Jaguar brand has been synonymous with fast cars that handle great. The XE upholds that legacy, being every bit as fast as the fastest cars out there. Even the least powerful base engine does a great job pulling the car, reaching from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The quarter-mile run is completed in only 16.6 seconds, which is great for an entry-level model.
Models |
Jaguar XE |
Audi A4 |
BMW 3-Series |
Mercedes-Benz C Class |
0-60 MPH |
4.9 seconds |
6.8 seconds |
7.1 seconds |
6.2 seconds |
Quarter Mile |
16.6 seconds |
15.2 seconds |
15.7 seconds |
14.7 seconds |
Engine Displacement |
2.0L |
2.0L |
2.0L |
2.0L |
The less powerful competitors take longer to reach the 60 mph mark, understandably, while the slightly more powerful Mercedes also is slightly slower. This is a little surprising, but then again, the Merc is a little heavier than the Jag. The quarter-mile run is a different story though. All the other cars here are faster than the Jag, with a margin of at least a second.
Braking
Jaguar XE sports a pair of Disc brakes on both ends, front and back. The braking figures are fine, although they aren’t particularly impressive. The pedal feel isn’t too bad either, although there is about an inch of travel before the brakes respond to your call.
Models |
Jaguar XE |
Audi A4 |
BMW 3-Series |
Mercedes-Benz C Class |
Front Brake Rotor Diameter Thickness (in) |
12.8 |
12.4 |
12.3 |
13 |
Rear Brake Rotor Diameter Thickness (in) |
12.8 |
12.8 |
11.8 |
11.8 |
60-0 MPH (feet) |
123 |
105 |
123 |
131 |
All the cars in this comparison come fitted with disc brakes on all corners, although only the A4 shows some impressive braking performance. The 3-series BMW is just as lackluster with its deceleration as the Jag, while the C-Class posts even poorer braking figures.
Ride and Handling
Handling is one of the strongest suits of the XE, with outstanding body control and minimum body roll. The ride quality doesn’t suffer much for the handling though, and there is plenty of grip for the standard tires, although the summer tires are noticeably better. The steering is also electric instead of hydraulic, which robs it of a lot of feedback.
As for handling, the BMW offers the best driving experience of all the cars here. It beats the Jag in the corners and the steering has different modes to adjust the feel as per the driver’s convenience. The Merc and the Audi are much more comfort-oriented, and prefer ride quality over handling.