Jaguar XE

how-to-spec-a-jaguar-xe

Saloon

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

If you're bored with me-too executive saloons from famous German brands, the Jaguar XE is a fantastic alternative. Its agile handling makes it one of the best cars in this class to drive, while our recommended D180 diesel engine pulls eagerly from low revs and delivers enough acceleration to handle almost any situation.

Our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/xe/saloon/review/n69">full 16-point review</a> will take you through the XE's complete engine range, as well as telling you what the car is&nbsp;like to live with and how much you can fit into its boot. Here, though, we're concentrating on equipment and options, and the good news is that if you go for our recommended S&nbsp;trim, you'll already have most bases covered, because dual-zone climate control, cruise control and automatic lights and wipers are&nbsp;standard.

There's still room to add more luxury without breaking the bank, however, so here's what we'd choose from the options list.

Jaguar XE options to choose and avoid

<h3>1. Metallic paint (£630)</h3>

You can have your XE with&nbsp;white, black or red paintwork for free, but metallic options will add both extra value and visual distinction, meaning not only that your car will be easier to spot in the car park, but also that you'll get more of your money back when you come to sell it. There are seven metallic options to choose from, priced at £630 each. You can pay more for premium metallic paintwork, but we wouldn't bother.

Jaguar XE options to choose

<h3>2. Heated front seats (£175)</h3>

Nothing can make your morning commute miserable like a cold and frosty morning, but for just £175 you can ensure that will never be a problem. This option adds heating to both of the front seats, meaning that while the weather outside might be frightful, your bottom will feel delightful.

<h3>3. Cold Climate Pack (£455)</h3>

Winter can put a terrible strain on your car, but you needn't feel any of it from inside the XE, because a heated windscreen, heated steering wheel and power headlamp wash can be yours for just £455. All of these will make short work of cold temperatures and frost, so you'll always be ready to start your journey promptly.

<h3>4. Split-folding rear seats with armrest (£450)</h3>

If you'd like your XE to double up as flexible family transport at the weekend, you'll want to make sure that no matter what you buy&nbsp;at the local garden centre, it can all fit into your car. With this upgrade, your rear seatbacks can split and fold almost flat, leaving you with plenty of storage space.

<h3>5. Drive Pack (£1020)</h3>

Motorway miles will never feel like a chore again with this upgrade, which brings driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, blindspot monitors and high-speed emergency braking for a very reasonable price.

<h3>6. Head-up display (£905)</h3>

Keeping your attention on the road is vital, no matter if your journey is big or small, and this head-up display allows you to do exactly that. It can project the most important information, including your speed, infotainment information and navigation instructions, directly into your line of sight, and we think it's a box worth ticking.

<h3>1. Digital TV (£865)</h3>

It might be cool to tune into Loose Women from the comfort of your car, but in reality we think most buyers will have very little use for this upgrade. It's&nbsp;expensive, too, so&nbsp;we'd save the money.

Jaguar XE options to avoid

<ul>
	<li>Model&nbsp;- 2.0 D180 S auto</li>
	<li>List price&nbsp;- £34,600</li>
	<li>Target Price&nbsp;- £31,810</li>
	<li>Target PCP -&nbsp;£334&nbsp;per month</li>
	<li>
	Options we'd add&nbsp;-&nbsp;Drive Pack (£1020), head-up display (£905),&nbsp;metallic paint (£630), Cold Climate Pack (£455), split-folding rear seat with armrest (£450),&nbsp;heated front seats (£175)
	</li>
	<li>Cost of options&nbsp;- £3635</li>
</ul>

<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/jaguar/xe/saloon/deals">View our latest Jaguar XE deals &gt;&gt;</a></h3>

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<h2><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/how-to-spec">Next: see how to spec more cars &gt;&gt;</a></h2>

Jaguar XE: best buy

How to spec a Jaguar XE

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.

The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes.

Executive

Our guide to Jaguar's executive saloon covers which options to choose, which to avoid and how much to pay for it all

How to spec a Jaguar XE        

Alfa Romeo now has one of its strongest-ever model line-ups, after years of living off past glories.

The BMW 3 Series-rivalling Giulia executive saloon is one of the best cars in its class to drive and has performed very well in the annual What Car? Reliability Survey, while the closely related Stelvio competes in the booming SUV class.

Smaller and larger SUVs are planned, as is a two-door coupé version of the Giulia that will take on the Audi A5, BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé.

It’s all a long way from the days when Alfa Romeo just had a couple of dated hatchbacks (the Mito and Giulietta) and the niche 4C sports car in its range.

ALFA ROMEO

Yes, Aston Martin is the preferred manufacturer of a certain (not so) secret agent, but its latest cars offer a lot more than the chance to indulge your Bond fantasies.

The DB11 grand tourer, for example, won its price point at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards, thanks to its beautifully crafted interior and the fact that it’s both fun in the corners and a convincing long-distance cruiser. Meanwhile, the latest Vantage is Aston Martin’s best sports car to date.

The modern Aston Martin isn’t afraid to move with the times, either, with a luxury SUV part of its future model plans.

ASTON MARTIN

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

In many ways, modern Bentleys offer the best of both worlds, blending traditional British craftsmanship with modern mechanicals developed with the help of the company’s owner, Volkswagen.

The Bentayga SUV, for example, is closely related to Audi’s brilliantly engineered Q7 (another VW Group car). Yet the Bentayga still feels every inch a Bentley, thanks to its hand-finished interior and the fact that it’s available with Bentley’s outrageous W12 engine.

Other Bentleys you can buy today include the Flying Spur and Mulsanne saloons and the Continental GT coupé.

BENTLEY

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

BMW ALPINA

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition, featuring paintwork-protecting ‘Airbumps’ and eschewing the sporty looks favoured by most rivals.

Indeed, Citroën tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from small hatchbacks (such as the C1 and C3) to big, family-friendly seven-seaters (the Spacetourer and Grand C4 Spacetourer).

The C3 Aircross SUV is another of its popular models, while a larger C5 Aircross is planned.

CITROEN

DS has only existed as a standalone manufacturer since 2015&nbsp;(prior to that the badge was used on upmarket&nbsp;Citroëns), but it is now the premium brand in the PSA Group, which also includes&nbsp;Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

In 2018, DS stated that it planned to launch a new model every year, with all of these influenced by the French fashion industry and&nbsp;designed&nbsp;to take on the ubiquitous offerings of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

First to arrive (that same year) was the&nbsp;DS 7 Crossback – a large SUV that competes with the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Then in 2019 this was followed by the smaller DS3 Crossback SUV, which is not only available&nbsp;with petrol and diesel engines, but also in fully electric E-Tense form.

More recently, DS&nbsp;unveiled its answer to the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class luxury saloons. And while this DS 9 won't now go on sale until 2021, when it does arrive it will be offered with a choice of petrol, hybrid and fully electric power.

GENESIS

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Do you look at the models of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and find them all a bit too… common? Well then, Maserati might be up your street.

This Italian car maker has one SUV in its line-up – the Porsche Cayenne-rivalling Levante – but also the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons, GranTurismo coupé and GranCabrio drop-top.

Despite its long history, Maserati has been through several periods of inactivity but is now in better health thanks to being part of the large Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group.

In the future, we’re expecting to see Maserati grow its SUV range with new models to sit above and below the Levante, as well as a new range-topping sports car.

MASERATI

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

When it comes to making a statement about how successful you are, there is no brand that shouts “I’ve made it!” more emphatically than Rolls-Royce.

If that’s all you want from your car, look no further. The firm has expanded its range in recent years, with the top-of-the-range Phantom saloon being joined by the Cullinan SUV, and other models including the Wraith and Ghost.

Whichever way you go, if you have to ask how much it costs, the chances are you can’t afford it. And, even then, the base price is unlikely to be what you end up spending, such is the list of alluring options on offer.

It’s also a moot point whether the cars themselves – rather than the image they portray – represents the very best way to spend your money. What Car?’s testers rate all of them positively but reckon that – if you’re buying with your head rather than your heart – there are other cars that you should also consider.

ROLLS-ROYCE

Once best known for its flame-spitting, rally-bred Imprezas, Subaru’s focus now is on cars that will appeal to a far wider audience, and especially one that values go-anywhere ability and no-nonsense values above all others.

The result is a mixed bag of offerings, none of which rise beyond being average in their class but most of which have facets that make them stand out from their rivals. Core to its range are the Forester and Outback SUVs, while the Levorg is a more conventional estate.

At other extremes, there’s also the BRZ, an entertaining coupé that is let down by its price and resale values, and of course the Impreza, which comes in a variety of forms, including a hot model.

SUBARU

Tesla is a US brand&nbsp;that revolutionised&nbsp;the car industry, putting <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a> in the limelight&nbsp;for the first time – helped by the personality and profile of boss Elon Musk.

Today, Tesla has a broader&nbsp;line-up than ever, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-3/saloon/review/n19010">Tesla Model 3</a> saloon&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a> SUV the company's cheapest models. For those with bigger budgets or a need for more space, there's the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Tesla Model S</a> saloon and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-x/hatchback/review/n161">Tesla&nbsp;Model X</a> SUV.&nbsp;A&nbsp;new Roadster, complete with supercar-beating acceleration, is also in the works.

&nbsp;

TESLA

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

Certain countries have a well-known association&nbsp;with a product. There’s tea from China, tulips from The Netherlands –&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-executive-cars-2022/n2004">executive&nbsp;cars</a> from Germany. So where does that leave the (Great British)&nbsp;Jaguar XE?

It's the brand’s answer to the dominant <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a4/saloon/review/n105">Audi A4</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">BMW 3 Series</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/saloon/review/n70">Mercedes C-Class</a>&nbsp;trio, and&nbsp;was designed from the ground up to beat&nbsp;those highly competent executive saloons&nbsp;at their own game.

On the surface, it looks suitably crisp and modern, banishing memories of the rather undistinguished&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/x-type/saloon/used-review/n757">Jaguar X-Type</a> that preceded it. The news is similarly encouraging under the skin, where you find a lightweight aluminium chassis&nbsp;designed to improve its handling while minimising CO2 emissions.

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XvpJlJkajKE"></iframe>

As with its German rivals, the XE is available with petrol or diesel power, and four-wheel drive is available&nbsp;in case you’re more concerned about treacherous roads than cutting your <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/company-car-tax-calculator">company car tax</a> bill. 

In earlier versions, the&nbsp;interior quality and infotainment system failed to impress, but <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/jaguar">Jaguar</a> used a mid-life facelift to focus&nbsp;on improving those areas, as well as adding value elsewhere.

The question is, then: does the Jaguar XE cut the executive car mustard cleanly enough to stop you splashing your hard-earned cash on an Audi, BMW&nbsp;or Mercedes? Over the next few pages of this review,&nbsp;we'll tell you everything you need to know – from&nbsp;what it’s like to drive and how practical it is, to how much it will cost you to buy and run.

If you do decide it's the car for you, remember we can help you find a great saving off the list price with no need for any awkward haggling. Just use our free What Car? <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals</a>&nbsp;service, which has discounts on nearly every new make and model of vehicle, including&nbsp;lots of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/executive">new executive car deals</a>.

Great to drive and well equipped, but rivals have it licked for interior quality and practicality

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