Used Jaguar XE long-term test review
We love the compact executive Jaguar XE, but how does it stack up as a used buy? We've got four months to find out if this is the cat that got the cream or a potential sourpuss...
The car 2017 Jaguar XE 2.0 240 R-Sport
Run by Mark Pearson, used cars deputy editor
Why it’s here To find out if buying a one-year-old compact executive Jag makes good sense, and to see if it’s a viable alternative to a new car with a less premium badge for the same money
Needs to Cope with a variety of uses, including daily commuting, motorway journeys, school runs and family life, as well as sprinkling a little Jaguar magic on the everyday, and proving itself against its executive rivals
Price when new £40,125 Price when new with all options £57,000 Price new now £41,930 Value on arrival £32,000 Miles on arrival 9950 Miles now 10,995 Official economy 54.4mpg Test economy 36.6mpg Emissions 137g/km CO2 0-62mph 6.1sec Top speed 155mph Power 237bhp Insurance group 32E
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If people’s reactions to this car are anything to go by, our XE’s already made a huge impact. That’s mostly because it looks terrific, of course, both inside and out, and its style has won praise from family and friends and even from some passers-by.
From the driver’s point of view, I think it’s great, too. The driver’s seat is multi-adjustable electrically, so it’s easy to find the right driving position, and there are memory functions on the seat in case you forget what that perfect set-up is. Those seats are lavishly leathered and can be heated or cooled, if wanted; they’re also proving to be splendidly comfortable on long journeys.
And those long journeys can be dealt with surprisingly quickly. With the 237bhp 2.0-litre diesel under the bonnet, it’s never short of oomph. True, there is a slight hesitation while the automatic gearbox makes up its mind which gear it wants, especially on roundabouts or at junctions, but on the whole this car does pace like a Jag should. The steering is as delightful as we’ve come to expect from an XE, being responsive and well weighted, and there’s plenty of grip in the bends. I’ve seen highs of 43mpg, too, on those longer journeys, though our overall average is hovering around 36mpg.
There are a couple of flies in the ointment, though. The first is that old XE bugbear of rear space. With the driver’s seat set for a six-footer there’s an appalling lack of rear leg room behind it – my teenage daughters have both complained about the shortage of space, and even smaller children have been known to hold their arms up in despair and weep.
The second fly is the rather vocal nature of that punchy engine. It’s a diesel, of course, so you’d expect it to be a bit gravelly occasionally, but it’s also surprisingly loud.
Shame. As a youngster I used to love the old Jaguar XJ6, and I remember distinctly how under the propulsion of that marvellous 4.2-litre six-cylinder petrol engine it produced practically no noise at all, just a sort of whooshing sound akin to an electric Tesla. Anyone stepping from an old XJ6 into this car might be quite shocked by the comparative racket, although if the years have been unkind to Jag noise levels it should be pointed out that our modern XE is not only much faster and more economical but also a lot safer.
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