Used Jaguar XE 2015-2024 review

What's the used Jaguar XE like?

The Jaguar XE might take a backseat on your initial used executive saloon search, simply because competition is incredibly fierce.

Critically and commercially, the rival BMW 3 Series is a powerhouse, plus fellow segment stablemates, the Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class, are very popular. Those three models take up most of the limelight, but the XE is still worth a good look.

Overview

The XE is a great buy if you want an executive car that's stylish and fun to drive. Along with that, used prices are affordable compared with the competition, including the BMW 3 Series. That car is a better all-rounder, though.

Pros

• Keen handling
• Well equipped
• Surprisingly low prices

Cons

• Rivals offer more space
• Interior build quality
• Running costs can be high

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Jaguar XE

2.0d Prestige Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£2,000

Jaguar XE

2.0d R-Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£2,999

Jaguar XE

2.0d SE Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£3,500

Jaguar XE

2.0d R-Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£3,950

Jaguar XE

2.0d Prestige Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£3,979

Jaguar XE

2.0d SE Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£3,990

Jaguar XE

2.0d SE Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£3,995

Jaguar XE

2.0d Portfolio Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£3,995

Jaguar XE

2.0d R-Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£4,195

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Engines and performance: Petrol options start with a 197bhp 2.0-litre model, followed by a 237bhp and 296bhp version. None of those should leave you wanting for pace, but if you really want to lean into the XE's sporty nature, you can buy a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 model (dubbed the S) that possesses 335bhp, or 375bhp in post 2017 form.

Diesel options include three 2.0-litre engines: there's a slightly lacklustre 161bhp one, a punchy (but gruff) 178bhp version and a 237bhp option with four-wheel-drive model that's swift but thirsty.

Ride and handling: The 3 Series is king of the hill here, but the XE is still great to drive. There's plenty of balance, poise and grip in the corners, plus the steering feels suitably meaty: R-Sport, R-Dynamic and S models are the sharpest handlers. The auto gearbox could be quicker to react (less of a problem in Dynamic mode) and the engines a little smoother, but our complaints are few and far between.

The XE's firm suspension takes a toll on comfort, unsurprisingly. The ride is tolerable, but the Skoda Superb, for instance, is cushier by some margin. Even the sporty 3 Series is slightly more compliant.

Interior and practicality: The XE's interior looks and feels suitably upmarket for the most part, with high-quality materials used throughout. Build quality is lacking, mind you. The A4's interior feels better screwed together.

Passenger space is subpar next to rivals, too. Front-seat folks will be fine and long legs are reasonably well catered for in the back, but rear head room is tight. Boot space is bested by the A4, 3 Series and C-Class.

Trims and equipment: Entry-level SE cars come with 17in alloys, dual-zone climate control, automatic lights and wipers and cruise control. Step up to Prestige for leather upholstery and heated front seats. R-Sport models get xenon headlights, a sports styling kit, 18in alloys and sports seats, while Portfolio adds an upgraded sound system and fully electric seat adjustment.

Facelift: In 2019, the XE received a major facelift, with styling tweaks inside and out, as well as new touchscreens and upgraded materials for the interior. The engine range was reduced to a single diesel, the 178bhp D180, and two petrols, the 247bhp P250, and the 296bhp P300, all available in rear or four-wheel drive forms.

In 2020, a 201bhp 2.0-litre mild-hybrid diesel, the D200, joined the range, replacing the D180. The trims were revised to R-Dynamic S, SE, HSE and Black. Sport trim was available with the P300 petrol only.

Interested in buying a used Jaguar XE? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

Ownership cost

What used Jaguar XE will I get for my budget?

For an early, 100,000-mile-plus diesel model, you can spend as little as £4500. Around £9000 gets you a petrol XE (in an entry-level trim) with less than 70,000 miles. If you'd like a facelift car, have around £11,000 for a 2019 or 2020 model. Newer 2021 and 2022 cars start from around £15,000, while low mileage 2023 and 2024 cars cost upwards of £26,000.

The V6 S starts from around £11,000 for a car with high mileage, while low mileage examples start from around £16,000.

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Our recommendations

Which used Jaguar XE should I buy?

Engine

We’d go for the 178bhp 2.0-litre diesel – it feels usefully quicker than the lower-powered version, yet is almost as economical and efficient. Go for the automatic gearbox if you can, because it's more relaxing and just as enjoyable to drive.

The XE can be had with four-wheel drive, but we'd suggest that you think very carefully about whether you really need this, because a normal XE has sweeter steering and lower running costs with just the rear wheels driven.

The petrol models are smoother and quieter than the diesels, so they're even more pleasant to drive, but fuel economy suffers. If you can afford the bills the 237bhp 2.0-litre petrol is worth a look.

Specification

All XEs get plenty of equipment, but of the earlier cars, Prestige models feel a little bit more premium than entry-level SE to make it our choice.

Our favourite Jaguar XE: 2.0d 180 Prestige auto

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Jaguar XE?

The Audi A4 is impressively refined, has plenty of pulling power, whichever engine option you find, and has a supremely classy interior and excellent fuel economy. It’s a superb motorway cruiser and offers the quality of far pricier cars, and there’s also a host of on-board tech to enjoy.

The BMW 3 Series has been the class leader for so many years they’ve even named the group category after it. It’s not surprising. It’s great to drive, in almost any version, with a range of strong and economical engines and it also has a wonderful infotainment system. Balanced against that, the lower-powered diesels can be a little gruff, just like the XEs, and the interior, while well screwed together, doesn’t look or feel especially classy.

The Mercedes C-Class has had its nose bloodied by the Audi and the BMW over the years, but it has always been a classy and efficient offering, if not being quite as sporty to drive, or even to look at, as the other two. It might not be able to match the other two dynamically, but it’s still a relaxing car to drive and it has a lovely and well-equipped interior.

If you want an executive car that's fun to drive like the XE, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is worth a look. It has a fantastic ride and handling balance, plus it's quick, well-weighted steering adds to the enjoyable driving experience. While it is very well priced when buying used, reliability is a concern.

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Interested in buying a used Jaguar XE? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.