2018 Jaguar XE Pros vs Cons
What's New for 2018?
New on the 2018 Jaguar XE are several new driver assist features, an upgraded 4-cylinder engine, a new line-topping S model with a supercharged V6 engine, and a limited-time Portfolio model.
Ten Reasons You May Like the 2018 Jaguar XE – The Pros
1. The V6 Engine
The 2018 Jaguar XE has one of the spunkiest V6 engines you can find. This engine provides a strong and comfortable ride and gets the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 5 seconds. The supercharged V6 is nicely paired with an 8-speed automatic, which lends a lot of power to the vehicle.
2. Precise Handling
Handling on the XE feels incredibly secure, especially with all-wheel drive. Feedback to the driver is almost immediate and instills a sense of confidence in how the vehicle is handling difficult turns and road terrains. Since the front of the vehicle is quite pointed, the vehicle feels balanced and able to freely maneuver.
3. Secure Steering
Steering on the 2018 Jaguar XE also feels rather secure and reliable. The vehicle easily makes it through narrow turns and along winding roadways without the driver having to put an extra effort into steering.
4. Fuel Economy On the Optional Diesel Engine
If you opt for the diesel engine, you get a relatively decent fuel economy for this class. This 2.0-L 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine is known as the 20d, and it is able to generate 180 hp and 318 lb-ft of torque. It is available on multiple trims, including the base XE trims.
5. Plenty of Options and Features On the Lower Trims
The lower-level trims have a surprisingly good amount of options. Even on the XE models, you can opt for the 25t engine or the 20d. These models come with simulated leather upholstery, driver-selectable drive modes that adjust the vehicle for different weather conditions, and an 8-inch touchscreen display (a 7-inch screen tends to be the standard in luxury vehicle base trims).
6. Secure Braking
The braking on the 2018 Jaguar XE feels incredibly safe. When equipped with the supercharged V6 and all-wheel drive, the XE can come to a stop from 60 mph in just 116 feet, which is quite good for this segment. Overall, the firm pedal gives the driver a sense of security while behind the wheel, whether the vehicle is on the highway or on a slow-speed main road.
7. Comfortable Seats
All of the seats in the XE are extremely well-bolstered. The sport seats on the S trim even allow for bolstering adjustments. The driver's seat is highly adjustable, so drivers of any size won't have a problem finding a comfortable driving position.
8. A 10-Inch Touchscreen
When you work your way up to the limited Portfolio trim, you get an astoundingly gorgeous 10-inch touchscreen. Not only does it look contemporary with its widened screen, but it functions better than most systems on the market today. The whole system is incredibly responsive, and it comes with additional driver aids.
9. Blind Spot Monitoring is Standard
If you want a vehicle with blind spot monitoring, you can take your pick of any trim level in the 2018 Jaguar XE lineup, as they all come equipped with this helpful safety feature. Whereas many other automakers reserve blind spot monitoring for higher-level trims or make it optional, Jaguar makes the XE more worth its price tag by adding this standard feature.
10. A Long List of Technology Features
The list of tech features on the XE seems almost endless. The base XE models have three different audio systems. Although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available, Jaguar InControl Apps lets drivers use smartphone apps through the touchscreen's display.
Reasons You May Not Like the 2018 Jaguar XE – The Cons
1. Subpar Interior Quality
While the vehicle doesn't look cheap and tacky, some of the interior materials fail to stack up to the extremely high-quality materials found in the XE's competitors. Nothing seems particularly prone to wear-and-tear, but some of the design elements look like they were probably slightly cheaper to use than what you find on other luxury sedans.
2. Auto Stop-Start is Finicky
Auto stop-start is one of the vehicle's more finicky functions. The system lacks refinement and takes a bit of smoothness away from the XE's overall drivability.
3. The Small Back Seat
As is the case with quite a few vehicles in its class, the 2018 Jaguar XE has a cramped rear seat. While you can pack a couple of small children in there without a problem, adults will feel a little bit too enclosed for comfort. There are a few competitors out there with more spacious rear seats.
4. Narrow Trunk Space
While the cargo area manages to deliver 15.9 cubic feet of space, it feels a lot smaller due to the narrowness of the trunk itself. This makes some bulkier items more difficult to store in the trunk, and getting them in and out might be a bit awkward.
How it stacks up to the competition:
2018 Jaguar XE vs. 2018 Audi A4 Sedan
The 2018 Audi A4 sedan is one of the biggest competitors in the luxury car segment for this year. It features some of the most high-tech yet easy-to-use features, is known for being incredibly safe, and has a turbocharged engine that can get the vehicle up to speed in no time. The only huge drawback is that the steering doesn't give as much feedback as the XE's does.
2018 Jaguar XE vs. 2018 Cadillac ATS Sedan
The 2018 Cadillac ATS is another powerful luxury sedan which has superb handling and steering. It also has a manual transmission available, which is hard to find in the luxury sedan class. On the downside, the ATS also suffers from a small rear seat and trunk space, and its infotainment interface isn't the most user-friendly.
Conclusion
Overall, the 2018 Jaguar XE packs a lot of fantastic features into one pristine package. The supercharged V6 engine is definitely a must-have for anyone who craves speed and power but does not want to compromise on the luxurious feel of the vehicle.
