To the untrained eye, there’s probably no telling if there is a massive difference between this new Jaguar XE and the first XE, which arrived in Malaysian showrooms some time in 201.
A 2.0L version good for 200PS was priced at RM340,000 and a 3.0L Supercharged version good for 340PS was priced at RM580,000.
But there’s a new XE in Malaysia this year, and after getting behind its new, stylish steering wheel, this latest version is very different — albeit in subtle ways.
We first encountered the latest XE in January 2020 when it was unveiled at the Singapore Motor Show. Then, a year later in January 2021, the new XE arrived at Malaysian Jaguar showrooms.
Priced at RM395,831 (plus sales tax exemption), only the XE R-Dynamic variant is available in showrooms nationwide.
Yes, the immediate eyebrow-raising reaction will be towards the selling price, for which you can also get rather special models from Mercedes, BMW and Audi.
At RM423k, you can buy a locally assembled BMW M340i xDrive which will deliver a 4.4 seconds 0-100km/h acceleration time.
Then there is the locally assembled Mercedes-AMG C43 which will do the 0-100km/h run in 4.7 seconds and cost much lower at RM386,000, or the latest and fully imported Audi A5 Sportback which retails at RM376k and does the 0-100km/h run in 5.6 seconds.
Let’s also not forget the Swedish, locally assembled Volvo S60 T8 which retails at RM295k and does the 0-100km/h run in just 4.4 seconds.
All four sports sedans are fun to drive and come with a good build and quality materials around the cabin. So, can this Jaguar compete head-on with these other powerhouses?
Physical appearance
This latest Jaguar XE appears wider and lower than before, with a larger, bolder and muscular form.
New all-LED headlights with a striking ‘J’ blade daytime running light signature create a more purposeful look.
The rear of the car also features a new bumper design and slender all-LED tail lights with updated signature graphics, which accentuate the visual width of the car.
The cabin
Open the door and the low slung coupe-like interior continues with sports-style seats, Satin Chrome gearshift paddles and R-Dynamic tread-plates.
The beautifully crafted all-new interior features extensive use of soft-touch materials, premium materials and all-new door trims that improve usability and practicality.
This XE’s luxurious and technology-packed interior delivers more comfort, quality and connectivity.
The influence of Jaguar’s F-Type two-seater sports car is evident as both the SportShift gear selector and JaguarDrive Control switch shared with the F-Type are on the revised centre console.
A new steering wheel, shared with the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE crossover, features hidden graphics and tactile switches for intuitive control of key functions.
The new Jaguar XE is also the smartest and most connected yet. Jaguar’s Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, shared with I-PACE, is also available for the first time, delivering instinctive control through a pair of seamlessly integrated high-resolution touchscreens.
However, you don’t really get much space in the XE. Front occupants sit low and have a great outward view, but rear passengers (two is best, three is a crowd) are caught in a tight space. The driver gets a 16-way electric seat.
The 410L boot is longer than it looks because of the way the car is shaped, but it does have a rather high floor. A couple of golf club sets should fit in with no problem at all.
The XE Drive
So, what makes this XE so interesting? It all starts when you sit behind the wheel. The seating position is close to perfect and you sit in a comfortable figure-hugging seat.
The pedal placement is perfect and all controls are in good reach. Machine milled paddle shifters sit behind the beautifully designed sports steering wheel and they enhance the ‘driving’ experience.
You get four different drive mode systems. ‘Dynamic’ mode amplifies the car’s sporting character, with faster gear shifts, sharper throttle response and increased steering weighting. There are also ‘Comfort’, ‘ECO’ and ‘Rain’ modes.
In dry conditions, we can’t think of any situation that would unsettle this XE. It is one of the most neutral and pure handling sedans to touch our palms in a long time.
It is immediately clear that the XE is primarily a driver’s car. A huge amount of power is delivered smoothly throughout the rev range in ‘Dynamic mode’.
This is a sedan that forces you into the drive rather than letting a computer do the work. Still, it has a level of composure, balance and inherent grip that inspires confidence.
Meet a tight corner? Just chuck it in, as hard as you like, and marvel at how a car with 400Nm can do exactly what you ask of it.
Even better if you have a series of fast-flowing corners. Its engine response is immediate and this is thanks to the engineers at Jaguar motorsports who have gifted this car with a sublime suspension tune.
The ride quality is very good even on rather unsettling roads around Petaling Jaya.
The combination of quick and direct steering and well-defined suspension means you are getting all the feedback you could ask for.
Take it for a test drive, do not drive slow, do not play with the touch screen and do not waste your time testing the audio delivery. Just drive it and drive it hard.
Jaguar XE R-Dynamic Specifications
Engine: 4-Cylinder Supercharged
Capacity: 1998cc
Power: 300PS @ 5500rpm
Torque: 400Nm @ 1500rpm – 4500rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto with manual sports
0-100km/h: 5.7 seconds
Top speed: 195km/h
Price: RM395,831
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