Prices shown are the prices people paid for a new 2020 Jaguar E-Pace P250 AWD SE with standard options including dealer discounts. A bunch of engines, including four-cylinder diesel and V6 petrol options, are now gone from the XE range, leaving just the single, four-cylinder petrol engine across the SE and HSE models. Over the SE variant we鈥檙e testing here, the $71,940 R-Dynamic HSE gains the Touch Pro Duo system that adds a lower 5.5-inch touchscreen including climate controls. HSE also adds electric steering column adjustment and a 380-watt Meridian audio instead of the SE鈥檚 125W no-name system. The steering agile and direct which makes the Z4 a good cruiser with a flexible ride and soft refinement at speed. The I-Pace electric crossover lends its ‘hidden until lit’ steering wheel controls and 10.0-inch central infotainment screen. While the engine itself sounds silky-smooth, only the most tech-savvy occupants will appreciate the high-pitched whir of the electric supercharger that provides instant throttle response before the exhaust-fed twin-scroll turbocharger spools up. The experts responsible for developing the electric powertrain have ensured it will be placed in precisely the same location as the XK engine. They were placed on both sides of the bonnet, approximately in the same location as the outside bonnet latches in the very early 1961 cars.
And the carmaker has succeeded to a large degree, even if the XE cabin鈥檚 overall execution falls short of that found in the Audi A4 and new BMW 3 Series – owing to some inconsistent tactility (plastic-feeling temperature and fan dials), and still the occasional example of loose fit and finish (sides of the centre console). To get the best response and aggression out of the drivetrain during enthusiastic driving, Dynamic mode needs to be engaged via a centre console switch and the gear lever nudged left for S(port). The video is the best VR infographic video I have ever seen. The XE was better to drive than the previous 3 Series, and it wouldn鈥檛 be found wanting against the new 3 Series, either (a twin test beckons to find out which is truly best). It鈥檚 communicative. This is how good it is: You don鈥檛 even think about it because you鈥檙e busy enjoying the drive. There鈥檚 otherwise plenty of upgraded materials and aesthetics to make an XE owner feel good about sitting in the car, even in what is now the entry-level model, the 2020 Jaguar P300 XE R-Dynamic SE priced from $65,670 plus on-road costs.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and there鈥檚 a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot built-in. Now the good folks at ALPINA – the Bavarian auto manufacturer that made a name for itself by reconfiguring high-performance BMW vehicles – have had their way with this big SUV and are introducing the all-new ALPINA XB7. The engine is quiet and smooth in general driving, and the eight-speed auto is far better at changing gears at low speed than the nine-speeder found in the company鈥檚 E-Pace compact SUV. But if you鈥檙e interested in one of the most joyous and involving compact sedans to drive, this British four-door may just be your type. An MY20 update reinforces the Jaguar XE鈥檚 position as one of the finest alternatives to Germany鈥檚 compact luxury sedans. Then find one of those roads that lights up a keen driver鈥檚 eyes, and the XE demonstrates superb body control and an entertaining agility that benefits from the car鈥檚 aluminium-intensive body. On some damp roads during testing, the quick rack also came in handy to correct small slides as the rear wheels momentarily lost traction.
It鈥檚 a good system with decently quick response, though it鈥檚 still not as intuitive to use as some rival set-ups. That鈥檚 partly because the car is unable to use its regenerative braking system on the motorway. The XE impressed with the way it drove when it was released in 2015. Key criticisms were the shortage of rear-seat space, interior quality/presentation, and an average infotainment system. Even allowing for the big dent SUVs are putting in passenger car sales, Jaguar four-doors are struggling even relative to key rival sedans. That鈥檚 roughly 50 miles less than the car had promised at the start of the day. Metcalfe started his journey with the battery of the I-Pace sitting at 100 per cent and the estimated range at 244 miles (392 km). Both a hugely capable sports car and long range continental tourer, inspired by the design genius of Malcolm Sayer. Like all electric cars, however, the range displayed on the vehicle鈥檚 digital instrument cluster can fluctuate greatly depending on usage. However, it’s when you put it through its paces that its athletic heritage shines delivering a ride worthy of its name. For whatever reason, however, the XE hasn鈥檛 had the desired effect of boosting sales of Jaguar sedans.