Jaguar XE Saloon 2018 | Mat Watson Reviews

TL;DR

The Jaguar XE is stylish but lacks practicality.

Transcript

the Jaguar XE now this is one cool looking cat and it's a refreshing antidote to the tepy tonic Norm of the corporate car park and you can tell that it's been specifically designed well to poop on the German parade this is a car you definitely buy for its looks you certainly don't buy it for its boot space because it's well the capacity is a lot sm... Read More

Key Insights

• The Jaguar XE is designed to stand out in the corporate car park with its stylish appearance, targeting German competitors.
• It offers limited boot space and awkward shape, making it less practical compared to rivals.
• Rear passenger space is cramped, especially for taller individuals, with small foot wells and limited headroom.
• The front seats are comfortable and stylish, featuring a unique wraparound design inspired by Italian speedboats.
• While the infotainment system is improved, it's not as user-friendly as BMW's iDrive system.
• The XE's driving dynamics are superior, offering better handling and ride quality than the BMW 3 Series.
• Visibility is a concern due to the small rear window and large blind spots caused by the pillar design.
• Despite some cheap-feeling materials, the Jaguar XE is fun to drive and offers good fuel economy.

Questions & Answers

Q: What makes the Jaguar XE stand out in terms of design?

The Jaguar XE stands out due to its stylish and distinctive appearance, designed to be a refreshing alternative to the typical corporate car park vehicles. It features a unique wraparound interior design inspired by Italian speedboats, which adds to its appeal. The focus on style is evident in both the exterior and interior design choices.

Q: How does the Jaguar XE compare to its German rivals in terms of practicality?

In terms of practicality, the Jaguar XE falls short compared to its German rivals. It has limited boot space with an awkward shape, making it less practical for carrying larger items. The rear passenger space is also cramped, especially for taller individuals, with small foot wells and limited headroom, making it less comfortable for passengers.

Q: What are the strengths of the Jaguar XE's driving dynamics?

The Jaguar XE excels in driving dynamics, offering superior handling and ride quality compared to its competitors like the BMW 3 Series. It has the best steering and chassis balance in its class, making it an enjoyable and fun car to drive. The standard suspension setup is excellent, providing a comfortable ride without needing costly upgrades.

Q: What are the main drawbacks of the Jaguar XE's interior?

The main drawbacks of the Jaguar XE's interior include some materials that feel less premium compared to its rivals, and the infotainment system, while improved, is not as user-friendly as BMW's iDrive. Additionally, visibility is compromised due to the design of the rear window and pillars, creating significant blind spots.

Q: How does the Jaguar XE's infotainment system compare to others?

The Jaguar XE's infotainment system has seen improvements but still lags behind competitors like BMW's iDrive in terms of user-friendliness and functionality. While it offers standard features like leather seats, parking sensors, and satellite navigation, the overall experience could be more intuitive and responsive for users.

Q: What are the visibility issues in the Jaguar XE?

Visibility in the Jaguar XE is hindered by the small rear window, which resembles looking through a letterbox, and the design of the rear pillars, which create large blind spots. These design choices can make driving and parking more challenging, as drivers may feel hemmed in and have difficulty seeing their surroundings clearly.

Q: How does the Jaguar XE perform in terms of fuel economy?

The Jaguar XE offers good fuel economy, with the 180 horsepower diesel engine model achieving an average of mid-50s miles per gallon, which is impressive for its class. Jaguar claims a potential 67 miles per gallon, making it a reasonably economical choice for those looking for a stylish yet fuel-efficient vehicle.

Q: What are some unique features of the Jaguar XE?

Unique features of the Jaguar XE include its extensive use of aluminum in the body to reduce weight, an airbag in the bonnet for pedestrian protection, and a sophisticated rear suspension system. Additionally, it offers a Wi-Fi hotspot and an in-control app for remote functions like locking the car and setting the climate control.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Jaguar XE stands out with its stylish design, targeting German competitors but falls short in practicality with limited boot and rear passenger space. However, it excels in driving dynamics, offering superior handling and ride quality compared to rivals.

• The interior of the Jaguar XE is comfortable and stylish, especially in the front seats, though the infotainment system could be more user-friendly. Visibility is a concern due to design choices, but the car delivers a fun driving experience.

• Overall, the Jaguar XE is a great choice for those prioritizing style and driving pleasure over practicality. It offers good fuel economy and improved technology, although some materials feel less premium compared to competitors.