The 2018 Jaguar Xe has garnered significant attention in the sports sedan market, particularly for its reported enhancements in power and electronics. As a content creator for cardiagnosticnearme.com and an automotive repair specialist, I was intrigued to delve deeper into the driving experience of this model, especially considering the buzz around its ride and handling. With my current lease nearing its end and a desire for a vehicle that blends sportiness with everyday comfort, the XE-S variant piqued my interest as a potential successor. However, the challenge of finding one for a test drive locally prompted a more in-depth analysis based on available reviews and a firsthand experience shared by another automotive enthusiast. This review aims to provide a comprehensive look at the 2018 Jaguar XE, focusing on the XE-S model and its capabilities, drawing insights from a detailed test drive impression.
Interior Aesthetics and Comfort of the 2018 Jaguar XE
Stepping inside the 2018 Jaguar XE, particularly the XE-S trim, reveals an interior that strikes a balance between luxury and sportiness. The materials and build quality are commendable, offering a noticeable step up from standard models in its class. While perhaps not reaching the opulent heights of the latest Mercedes-Benz or Audi interiors, the XE’s cabin presents a more refined atmosphere compared to some BMW models, depending on the specific trim and options considered. The seats are highly adjustable and generously wrapped in leather, contributing to a premium feel. The integration of a digital dashboard and infotainment screen adds a modern touch, enhancing the technological appeal of the interior.
However, the overall ambiance leans slightly towards the clinical. The leather, while abundant, feels firm, creating a sensation of sitting “on” rather than “in” the seats. Similarly, the steering wheel’s contours might not feel as naturally ergonomic as those in some competing brands. The tactile feedback from the switchgear, including steering wheel controls, knobs, and the touchscreen, is functional but lacks the satisfying click and feel often associated with benchmark interiors. While BMW interiors are often praised for their intuitive and homely feel, even when others might offer plusher materials, the Jaguar XE positions itself in a middle ground, aiming for a blend of modern aesthetics and functional luxury. The digital instrument cluster is a standout feature, arguably surpassing BMW’s current offerings in visual appeal, though its user interface slightly trails behind the latest iterations of BMW’s iDrive system. It notably outshines the often-criticized infotainment systems found in Mercedes-Benz, although a direct comparison with recent Audi systems would require further evaluation.
Ride and Handling Dynamics of the 2018 Jaguar XE-S
The Jaguar XE, and particularly the XE-S, has been consistently lauded by automotive publications for its exceptional ride and handling characteristics. This reputation was a primary motivator for considering the XE-S, especially for those seeking an alternative to non-M BMW models. The XE-S boasts a sophisticated chassis and suspension setup, suggesting a strong foundation for dynamic performance. The ride quality is firm and well-controlled, leaning towards the sportier end of the spectrum, closer in feel to a BMW M3 than a standard 2 Series. It adeptly balances sporty firmness with acceptable comfort for daily driving.
Despite the impressive hardware, there’s a sense that the suspension tuning could benefit from further refinement. Minor imperfections in the road surface can translate into a subtle busyness and occasional vertical movements that seem slightly out of sync with the otherwise sophisticated chassis. While arguably offering a superior balance between ride and handling compared to even an M3, the overall driving experience might not feel as seamlessly integrated or subjectively satisfying to some drivers. It’s important to emphasize that the XE-S still delivers a significantly more engaging and refined driving experience compared to many non-M BMW models currently available.
Steering Precision and Feedback in the 2018 Jaguar XE
The steering system in the 2018 Jaguar XE-S is designed for responsiveness and precision, yet its actual feel in real-world driving conditions might not fully align with expectations. It’s crucial to acknowledge that factors like vehicle alignment and tire condition can significantly influence steering feel, and a more thorough assessment might be necessary to draw definitive conclusions. However, initial impressions suggest that while the steering is quick and accurate, it lacks a certain naturalness in its feedback and weighting. The initial turn-in response can feel overly sharp, potentially overwhelming the front tires and requiring minor corrections mid-corner to maintain the desired line. This contrasts with systems that offer a more progressive and intuitive buildup of steering effort as cornering forces increase.
In a specific handling test, such as navigating an on-ramp with precision, the XE-S exhibited a tendency to require multiple adjustments to accurately trace the intended line. The steering response felt almost too eager initially, followed by a need for corrections to settle the car into the desired trajectory. Throughout these maneuvers, the steering wheel effort remained consistently light across different driving modes, which might detract from the sense of connection and feedback that driving enthusiasts often seek. While these observations are based on a single test drive and could be influenced by vehicle setup, the initial steering feel did not match the benchmark set by systems like that found in a properly aligned, updated BMW M3.
Engine and Transmission Performance of the 2018 Jaguar XE-S
The 2018 Jaguar XE-S boasts a power increase, with a rated output of 380 horsepower. However, during a brief acceleration test, the perceived performance did not entirely align with these figures. While subjective impressions can be influenced by various factors, the XE-S felt less potent than its horsepower rating might suggest. Compared to a 425hp BMW M3 and a 240hp BMW 228i, the XE-S felt closer to the lower end of the spectrum, possibly in the 280-300hp range based on the seat-of-the-pants feel. The engine’s power delivery felt linear and “normal,” lacking the immediate surge often associated with turbocharged engines, which might be attributed to its supercharged nature. The engine note within the cabin was also relatively subdued, not delivering a particularly inspiring soundtrack during acceleration. It’s possible that exploring different RPM ranges or transmission settings might reveal more of the engine’s character, but initial impressions suggested a less dramatic performance than anticipated. This experience also highlighted the sometimes-subjective nature of horsepower ratings, particularly when compared across different engine types and vehicle dynamics.
The 8-speed automatic transmission in the XE-S performed admirably, offering smooth and responsive shifts. It’s not as aggressively quick as dual-clutch systems like Porsche’s PDK or VW’s DSG, but it provides seamless gear changes without noticeable delays or harshness during downshifts or when coming to a stop. The transmission calibration is well-suited for everyday driving and contributes to a refined experience. However, it prioritizes smoothness over outright speed and engagement, which might not fully complement the sporty aspirations of the XE-S model. While competent, the transmission does not significantly amplify the driving excitement in the same way that more performance-focused transmissions can.
Summary: 2018 Jaguar XE-S as a Sporty Sedan
The initial expectation for the 2018 Jaguar XE-S was to find a vehicle that captured a significant portion of the driving essence of a BMW M3, offering a blend of performance and enhanced comfort suitable for daily driving. The XE-S emerges as a very competent and sporty sedan, but it doesn’t quite reach the level of driving engagement and visceral excitement offered by dedicated performance models like the M3. Instead, the XE-S occupies a space that aligns more closely with what a BMW 340i should ideally offer – a well-rounded package of sporty dynamics, refined ride quality, and contemporary interior technology. For those who appreciate European sport sedan characteristics and are seeking a compelling alternative to the usual German offerings, the 2018 Jaguar XE-S presents a strong case, particularly when considering potential dealer incentives. While it may not deliver an overwhelming “must-have” sensation in a brief test drive, it remains an objectively appealing option in its segment, especially for buyers who prioritize a balance of sportiness, luxury, and distinctive styling. Further evaluation, potentially including comparisons with the Audi S4 and Porsche Macan GTS, would be beneficial to solidify a final purchasing decision.
