Thankfully, Jaguar is still making sports sedans and the 2020 XE is a fun to drive stylish one at that. The 2020 model receives a few updates such as new front and rear bumpers, grille design and premium all-LED headlights and tail lights with distinctive LED daytime running lights. The XE is a worthy contender against the 3-Series, A4, and C-Class and brings its own sense of British charm to the equation.
Distinct Styling
The XE looks stunning and it’s arguably the best looking vehicle in the entry-level sports sedan segment. It features gorgeous rear lights, a tight rear-end slope, eye-catching two-toned wheels, and the iconic red Jaguar logo. If you’re looking for a classic design then the XE should be at the top of your list.
No More V6
Unfortunately, Jaguar dropped the V6 from the engine lineup and replaced it with a turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 295 lb-ft of torque and 296hp which gets the XE P300 from 0-60 in 5.4 seconds. It’s quick but it doesn’t feel invigorating like the V6 did. Plus others in the segment like the BMW 3-Series are quicker and offer better powertrain options. It’s certainly enough power for most drivers but for those of us who are looking for a very sporty driving experience, you’ll have to look at other options.
I-Pace Inspired Interior
The 2020 Jaguar XE benefits from unique interior elements found in the Jaguar I-Pace such as climate control knobs, second multimedia screen, and a highly reconfigurable and fully digital gauge cluster.
One can’t help but fall in love with the steering wheel on the 2020 XE, it will certainly be a collector’s item one day. The metal trim coupled with the electronic buttons makes it look like a classic wheel without sacrificing usability.
Quality is on par with most of the segment but cars like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and all-new BMW 3-Series offer a bit more refinement. However, some will enjoy the simplistic multi-layered styling of the XE’s interior.
Plenty of Tech
The XE offers a full suite of technology such as a HUD (heads up display), ClearSight rearview mirror which includes a high-definition display screen for added rearward visibility, wireless device charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto and a digital instrument cluster.
This 2020 XE was the first JLR vehicle I’ve driven which features their 2020 multimedia system and thankfully performance has been increased. I didn’t experience any issues and even the backup camera works now.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sports sedan that aims to dazzle with good looks and a classic Jaguar esque interior design, then the XE could be a great option. However, if performance is at the top of your list then you might want to consider the all-new BMW 3-Series too.
Thankfully, Jaguar has worked out a lot of electronic kinks with the 2020 XE so now you can enjoy the unique look of Jaguar electronics without all of the headaches. While it’s still not the fastest multimedia system out there, at least there were no issues.
It’s nice to drive a sports sedan which isn’t German as they are incredibly common. Sure, they’re good but if one is looking for something that’s more unique the XE is a great option with lots of British charm.
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