However, Top Motorist was able to test the pinnacle of XE power, with the Jaguar XE S. The XE is immediately recognizable and offers North American consumers a new choice in European sports cars. The English manufacturer is hoping to eke out some market share from the dominant and always impressive German powerhouses: Audi, Mercedes, and BMW.
Jaguar invested $2.5 billion in facilities to build the XE at its Solihull, U.K., plant. The focus of these upgrades was to build the XE’s with an aluminum body and components, that same technology is also a first for this class of car. These advancements leave the XE not only with sexy lines and curves, but sitting at a curb weight of 3787lb is quite a bit lighter than the Mercedes C43 AMG(3900 lb.), and the BMW 340i xDrive (3802 lb.)
While there were five models of the XE to choose from, this review will focus on the more exciting XE S. This car uses the same engine as the F-type, with a 3.0L V6 and twin vortex supercharger. This machine gives a road-gripping 380hp, going 0-100 in 5.2 seconds. However, at the price point of $61,500, this premium trim has some explaining to do. Both the Mercedes C43 AMG (MSRP $56,600) and the BMW 340i xDrive (MSRP $56,200) are heavier and have less horsepower but will leave the Jaguar XE S fractions behind on the 0-100km, by up to ½ a second.
However, in the end, it’s not all about the numbers. The Jaguar XE S was a very fun car to drive. The almost perfect 50/50 weight distribution and the advanced double wishbone front suspension design that was based on the F-TYPE sports car, provide all the exciting car driving experience I could want. Also with four driving modes: Standard, Eco, Dynamic or Rain/Ice/Snow, the XE is good to go wherever the road may take you whether that might be the track or driving home from a day at the office.
The inside is as impeccably designed as one would expect from a maker of often $100k+ vehicles. With a simple and pleasing atheistic the XE is sure to turn heads both inside and out. With a push of a button, the Jaguar lets out a deep growl and up pops the JaguarDrive Control which rises to greet your hand. The model we drove had an amazing 825-watt surround sound system delivered through 17 speakers, all designed by another excellent British manufacturer Meridian. My only complaint was similar to the rest of the internet, a disappointment in the laggy 10.2 touchscreens full of useless apps. The lack of physical button’s meant that you had to constantly reach out to make entertainment changes as you were driving. However, with the optional laser Head-Up Display and the high-definition 12.3” Virtual Instrument Display, it was easy to keep my attention on the enjoyment of the ride.
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