Used 2019 Jaguar XE

The 2019 Jaguar XE isn’t such a common sight as other premium-compact sedans, like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. That fact alone might sway a potential buyer to investigate the XE even more. Once the XE is test-driven and shows off its superb suspension and range of engines, our possible buyer need only spend a little time admiring the arguably handsome design, then appreciating the aluminum-intensive construction, to envisage a brand-new Jaguar XE sitting on the driveway. Anyone who has always held a hankering for a Jaguar might be pleased to learn that the XE is the smallest and least expensive car from this iconic British luxury marque, but it still has high-class standards.

Versions of the 2019 XE wearing the 25t badge have the entry-level gasoline engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter unit that gets the job done but doesn’t really inspire. The diesel engine in 20d models is more economical but no more thrilling. The Jaguar experience jumps in with the more powerful gasoline 4-cylinder unit (30t) making 296 horsepower. A luxury car needs an appropriate punch, especially since the XE has a suspension that’s a joy to exploit. It never feels too stiff or jarring, yet there’s a fluid precision and control to its cornering abilities. Steering feel doesn’t shout its information (this is still a luxury car, after all), but the feedback is there if a driver chooses to tune in. Incidentally, the assistance systems are similarly subtle in their intervention. The real star, however, is the 380-horsepower supercharged V6 that’s gorgeously flexible as well as powerful, underlining what a Jaguar is all about.

Anyone expecting the gentleman’s club atmosphere of old Jaguars might be taken aback by the XE’s clean design that aims more toward modern, sophisticated, clean and user-friendly. The main issue here is that Audi and Mercedes-Benz have been using this approach for many years and have it down to a much finer art. Even so, the XE works especially well from the comfortable and supportive driver’s seat, the kind one sits “in” rather than “on.” And there’s a good mix of a traditional and touch-based screen buttons for audio and climate controls that’s simple and intuitive. This is a compact sedan, however, so rear-passenger space can be tight. Conversely, the trunk area of 15.9 cubic feet is generous.

Thank you, Jaguar, for not sticking an impossibly huge grille on the XE’s nose, even though that seems to be a trend. We also appreciate the judicious use of chrome. Overall, the XE looks not unlike the larger XF, but that’s hardly a criticism. The short overhangs work well and the spacious trunk doesn’t look out of proportion. Only metalworkers can fully understand the expertise it takes to fashion aluminum into such flowing shapes.

ONBOARD WI-FI
Parents with teens and/or tweens whose noses are always pressed up against their cellphone screens will be pleased to learn that the 4G Wi-Fi hotspot in the 2019 XE allows connectivity for up to eight devices.

JAGUAR INCONTROL TOUCH PRO
Our preference of infotainment systems in the XE is the version with a widely configurable 12.3-inch high-definition touch screen, navigation and a 17-speaker Meridian surround-sound system. This audio brand is well respected among aficionados.

The entry-level 2019 XE comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control (with vents for rear passengers), sunroof, simulated leather upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, 8-way power-adjustable front seats, heated side mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 10.2-inch touch screen, and a 6-speaker/80-watt audio setup with HD radio, USB port and Bluetooth. The next trim up, Premium, is eligible for more options. Our complaint here is that driver aids like blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision mitigation aren’t available until the fourth rung of the trim ladder: R-Sport. All new XE sedans come with a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty and complimentary maintenance/roadside assistance.

A lot of extra equipment becomes available as standard in the upper trims. For example, the Prestige includes leather upholstery, heated front seats/steering wheel, navigation and a power-adjustable steering column. To obtain the V6 engine means going for the S model that also brings an adaptive suspension. The top Portfolio model has heated/ventilated front seats with greater adjustability, heated outer rear seats, hands-free trunk lid, and an upgraded Meridian audio system. Jaguar’s optional head-up display is based on laser technology rather than LED, so it’s still visible when wearing sunglasses with polarizing lenses. Smartphone integration is an option, when many rivals are including it as standard. And the driver-assistance package is still extra even in Portfolio trim.

All 2019 XE models deploy a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the default arrangement; all-wheel drive (AWD) is available with all engines. As mentioned previously, the basic engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline unit that makes 247 horsepower. A more powerful version of this engine develops 296 horsepower. A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine makes a muscular 318 lb-ft of torque while averaging 36 mpg (RWD) or 34 mpg (AWD). The biggest engine is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 generating 380 horsepower.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
247 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 1,200-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/34 mpg (RWD), 24/34 mpg (AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
296 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/32 mpg (RWD), 22/30 mpg (AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline-4
180 horsepower @ 4,000 rpm
318 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-2,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 32/42 mpg (RWD), 30/40 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter supercharged V6
380 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
332 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg (RWD), 20/29 mpg (AWD)