Jaguar XE

Exterior

By the looks of it, the 2019 Jaguar XE new model looks like a shrunken-down F-Type (at least from the front). The headlights are now even slimmer, and the large bonnet with a bulge remains unchanged. So is the sloping roof and the stubby tail section. Inside the headlamps, the J-blade LED running lamps are now much sharper. Along the side of the car, there's a subtle character line that tapers off as it flows into the rear door; the rest remains simple, while the 17-inch wheels look quite sporty. At the rear, the taillamps are also a size slimmer than before. The rear bumper has also been redesigned with a sporty diffuser lower down. Surprisingly, even with the changes on-board, the base-spec Jaguar XE on-road price is comparatively lesser than the earlier Prestige trim.

Variants

Given that JLR has done away with the base-spec XE, the earlier Prestige and Portfolio Jaguar XE variants are equivalent to S and SE. Features include an 8-inch touchscreen unit, fully-digital instrument cluster, Touch Pro Duo system with audio AUX-IN; AM/FM radio, Apple Carplay/Android Auto; dynamic volume control; USB socket, Bluetooth telephone connectivity and streaming, cruise control, adjustable driver seat, navigation, adjustable headlights, and multi-grained leather multi-function steering wheel. On the safety front, it comes equipped with ABS with EBD, airbags, hill assist, traction control, ESP and brake assist.

Interior

The cabin looks quite sporty. The multi-layered door pads have pockets, window controls and seat controls placed at four levels. The dashboard looks classy and well-built, and the AC controls and Touch Pro Duo system are placed on a wide central stack. The new gear selector looks really elegant as well. The simplistic seats are well cushioned and provide ample support. Visibility for the driver is good, thanks to the low-set dashboard. At the rear, there is a good amount of headroom, thanks to the bench being placed low. There is sufficient legroom and decent thigh support as well. Inside the wide boot, a space-saver spare can be found under the floor.

Engine Specifications & Performance

The Jaguar XE is powered by three engine options: a 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine that makes 180hp and 430Nm of torque, and a 2.0-litre petrol engine that’s good for 250bhp and 365Nm of torque. Both engines are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. We drove the one with the punchy diesel engine. Acceleration is strong, and there is no delay in the power building up, and the gearbox works effortlessly. The XE is a lot of fun to drive, thanks to the perfect balance in the chassis. Even bad roads are tackled with utter aplomb, thanks to the supple suspension. With the 2019 update, both engines are now compliant with stringent BS-VI norms.

Mileage

The Jaguar XE's ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figure is rated at 13.06kmpl for the diesel model and 11kpl for the petrol model.