2020 Jaguar XE Review: Adding Luxury To A Sports Sedan

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Jaguar — the British luxury car marque introduced its entry-level sedan, the XE, in the Indian market during the 2016 Auto Expo. Now, three years later, the company has launched a slightly updated, facelift version of the luxury sedan in the country.

The new 2020 Jaguar XE comes with a number of subtle changes to its design and features; among other aspects. The main update though is under the bonnet, wherein the new Jaguar XE is now being offered with an updated BS-VI compliant engine.

2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

We got the opportunity to put the new (2020) Jaguar XE through its paces, and to see the differences the updates bring in terms of driving performance, handling, and as an overall package. Also, does the luxury sedan still have what it takes to go up against the mighty Germans such as the BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi?

2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

Design & Styling

The Jaguar XE is arguably among the best-looking luxury sedans in the segment. The company has made subtle yet noticeable changes, both at the front and the rear, which gives the sedan a much wider and sportier appearance; although the width remains exactly the same as the previous model.

2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

Starting off with the front, the Jaguar XE comes with a set of slimmer headlamps. This is now a full LED cluster, including the main headlamps as well as the integrated J-shaped DRLs which also act as dynamic turn indicators.

The front fascia also comes with a larger front grille which has been blacked-out to give a sportier appearance. Jaguar has also updated the front bumper with a larger set of air intakes at either end. This gives the sedan a more planted, aggressive, and sporty appeal.

2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

Moving to the side, the new Jaguar XE remains pretty much the same, outside of the newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels which come as standard. There are also subtle shoulder lines and creases on the side, adding to the sharp and sporty nature of the luxury sedan.

2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

The rear profile of the Jaguar XE has also been updated. The sedan now comes with a set of re-designed LED taillights. Jaguar has also updated the rear bumpers, which now house a central lower air diffuser as well. The British luxury carmaker has also updated its nomenclature for the new XE.

2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

The sedan now comes with the model name on the left, and with the engine type and power output mentioned on the left. The model we drove had the badging 'P250 SE', indicating the ‘SE' variant producing a healthy 250bhp of power.

2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

Interiors & Practicality

The main updates and changes have, however, been made to the interiors of the Jaguar XE. The updated sedan immediately feels more premium and luxurious than the previous model. It comes with a number of changes concentrated towards making the sedan feel more luxurious, something which the old XE sedan fell short on.

2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

The 2020 Jaguar XE cabin has been completely refreshed. Jaguar has made a number of tweaks to the inside in terms of overall quality of materials and cabin layout. Stepping into the driver's seat, one immediately notices the updates made. The steering wheel is now slimmer and comes with a touch interface that is featured on some of its larger siblings.

2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

The steering wheel comes wrapped in premium leather and also features contrasting silver inserts, adding to the premium-ness. Behind the steering wheel is the new fully digital instrument cluster with an updated interface, and a host of other functionalities as well.

2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

Moving to the centre console, the 2020 Jaguar XE now features two digital displays - the top screen controls the infotainment functions while the lower display is for the climate control system. The climate control settings also come with rotary dials which can control both the fan speed and the cabin temperature as well.

2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

Another important change is the pistol-grip gear lever, which replaces the old pop-up rotary gear knob. The gear lever now looks sleeker and offers a more sporty appeal to the interiors of the cabin. The Jaguar XE continues to offer a rotary knob for selection of different drive modes: Normal, Eco and Sport. The push-button start/stop is also positioned next to the gear lever on the centre console.

2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

In terms of seating and practicality, the new Jaguar XE comes with noticeable updates. The seats are wrapped in plush leather upholstery and offer good levels of comfort. There is also a good amount of under-thigh, lumbar, and side cushioning as well.

2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

The driver and front passenger seats come with a standard 10-way electrical adjustability, while the top-spec variant additionally offers a 4-way electric lumbar adjust for both the driver and front passenger as well.

2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

Moving to the rear seats, the Jaguar XE rear continues to offer the same levels of comfort as the front. The seats are well-cushioned, offering good levels of headroom, legroom and under-thigh support. The central armrest at the rear, further adds to the comfort levels at the back.

2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

The Jaguar XE cabin also offers a number of cup-holders and cubby spaces all-around. The door panels can easily hold large bottles, as well as the cup-holders on the central console and on the central armrest at the rear. There are also additional storage spaces including the glove box, under the front central armrest, and at the back of the front seats as well.

2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

Lastly, coming to the boot space; the new Jaguar XE offers a reasonable 455-litre of boot space. The sedan also comes with foldable rear seats which can further extend the luggage space, if and when required.

Length (mm) 4691
Width (mm) 2075
Height (mm) 1416
Wheelbase (mm) 2835
Boot Space (Litres) 455

2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

Variants, Key Features & Safety

The 2020 Jaguar XE comes with a number of updates that include the addition of a host of comfort and safety features. Here are some of the key comfort and convenience features offered on the new XE:

2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

  • Premium LED Headlamps with Signature LED DRLs
  • Rain-Sensing Windscreen Wipers
  • Electrically-Adjustable & Foldable ORVMs
  • Puddle Lamps
  • Heated ORVMs
  • 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Keyless Entry
  • 10-Inch Infotainment System (with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto)
  • Dual-Zone Climate Control
  • 10-Way Electrically-Adjustable Front Seats
  • Memory Seats For Driver
  • Interactive Driver Display
  • Wireless Charging
  • 2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

    Safety Features on the 2020 Jaguar XE:

    • Emergency Brake Assist
    • Six Airbags
    • Passive Front Head Restraints
    • ISOFIX Child Seats
    • Pedestrian Contact Sensing
    • All Surface Progress Control
    • Hill-Launch Assist
    • Dynamic Stability Control
    • Traction Control
    • Cruise Control
    • Intelligent Stop/Start
    • 2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

      Engine Performance & Driving Impressions

      The 2020 Jaguar XE is offered with two engine options: 2.0-litre petrol, and a 2.0-litre diesel unit. We got to test out the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine. It produces 247bhp of power and 365Nm of peak torque; paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard.

      2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

      Talking about the driving impressions of the 2020 Jaguar XE, the sedan continues to offer a good, comfortable drive in all scenarios, be it in the city or out on the highway. The engine is smooth, with excellent levels of refinement.

      The power delivery is suited for most driving situations, with the power delivery spot-on in most conditions. The sedan also feels excellent around the corners, offering amazing handling which offers confidence to push the car even more.

      2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

      The sedan darts well into corners, with a steering wheel that feels precise and sharp. The Jaguar XE is also well-composed, during all circumstances including hard acceleration and quick changes in direction.

      The P250 Ingenium engine on the car we drove felt peppy and offered a good amount of power. However, there are certain niggles as well. For instance, the petrol engine, although peppy, needs to be revved hard to get the maximum power output.

      There is a slight bit of lag initially, however, once it gets going the sedan is becomes extremely enjoyable. The auto start/stop also causes a slight shudder from the engine. It doesn't operate as smoothly as some of the other luxury cars in the Indian market.

      2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

      The eight-speed gearbox is a bit of a let down especially when the car is in ‘Sport' mode. The gear-shifts feel a bit hesitant, with a bit of lag immediately noticeable while accelerating hard. The gear-shifts take a while to respond when compared to some of its main rivals such as the BMW 3 Series or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

      2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

      Overall, the 2020 Jaguar XE is an extremely fun car to drive, offers a composed experience under almost every situation, be it in city traffic conditions or going flat-out on the highway. If only the gearbox was a tad bit smoother, it could have easily become one of the best cars to drive in the segment as well.

      Variables Petrol Diesel
      Engine (cc) 1997 1999
      Power (bhp) 247 @ 5500rpm 177 @ 4000rpm
      Torque (Nm) 365 @ 1500rpm 400 @ 1750rpm
      Transmission 8-Speed AT 8-Speed AT
      2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

      Pricing, Competition & Colours

      The 2020 Jaguar XE is offered in a range of two variants: S and SE. Both variants are offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engine options. Prices for the 2020 XE sedan start at Rs 44.93 lakh while the top-spec ‘SE' model is offered at 46.33 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom (India).

      Jaguar offers the XE sedan in a range of six colour choices: Fuji White, Caldera Red, Firenze Red, Portofino Blue, Eiger Grey, and Santorini Black.

      The 2020 Jaguar XE rivals the likes of the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in the Indian market. Here is a quick comparison between the three models.

      2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

      Fact Check!

      Model/Specs 2020 Jaguar XE BMW 3 Series Mercedes-Benz C-Class
      Engine (cc) 2.0-Petrol 2.0-Petrol 1.5-Petrol
      Power (bhp) 247 258 184
      Torque (Nm) 365 400 280
      Transmission AT AT AT
      2020 Jaguar XE Review: Performance, Handling, Specs, Features, Driving Impressions & More

      DriveSpark Thinks!

      The Jaguar XE was always an excellent car to drive, however, with the new updates, the sedan now feels even more composed. The 2020 Jaguar XE darts well into corners, offers precise and sharp handling and comes with a host of updates. These allow the sedan to offer a comfortable drive irrespective of whether it is in city traffic or out on the highway.

      Having said this, the 2020 Jaguar XE sedan still lacks the overall plushness and comfort that its rivals, the BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4 have to offer.

      (Writing by Rahul Nagaraj; Inputs by Jobo Kuruvilla)

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Read more on: #review #jaguar
Article Published On: Thursday, January 9, 2020, 18:00 [IST]
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