Competes with: Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the rest of our Luxury Sports Sedan Challenge field and, now, the Genesis G70
Looks like: A 2019 Jaguar XE with subtle front and rear styling updates
Drivetrain: Two turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines; eight-speed automatic transmission; P250 makes 247 horsepower, and P300 296 hp
Hits dealerships: Summer
Jaguar’s smallest sedan gets some subtle exterior updates for 2020 while dropping the optional diesel four-cylinder and 380-horsepower V-6 engines in North America, though global markets will still be able to purchase a diesel. It also adds some useful interior tech and some that we at Cars.com find … less desirable.
Related: 2019-2020 BMW 3 Series First Drive: Is the Mojo Back?
The saddest news is that the 380-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 in 2019 S models is dead. Our judges found the 240-hp turbo four in the 2017 XE that competed in our cross-class comparison a little underpowered despite the fun they were able to have with it in autocross testing. Will the current base engine’s 247 hp be enough? If not, you’ll only be able to upgrade to 296 hp. Inside, the XE gets the optional ClearSight Rear View Mirror that turns the rearview mirror into a display for a rear-facing camera. Also available is the InControl Touch Pro Duo dual-screen infotainment system, which we’re not huge fans of because of its lack of physical controls; instead it relies on touch-sensitive ones for most tasks.
Exterior
The exterior changes to the 2020 XE are pretty subtle: revised front and rear bumpers help the car look a bit wider and lower. Front bumper openings are wider, with S models having a horizontal bumper piece dividing side inlets while R-Dynamic models lack that divider for a truer sports sedan look. The grille is now wider and features a new mesh design. Redesigned LED taillights look similar to those on the all-electric I-Pace.
Interior
Jaguar claims that “every aspect of the cabin has been enhanced for increased convenience, improved storage and better passenger comfort.” The interior certainly looks more modern, with ambient lighting adding a splash of color and boldness that was missing from the previous XE’s interior. It still appears somewhat cramped, retaining the high beltline, wide pillars and “bathtub” ledge below the front windows.
While it looks modern, the optional InControl Touch Pro Duo drives us crazy with its touch-sensitive features — but at least that hasn’t extended to the steering wheel controls or window controls like it has in other Jaguar Land Rover models. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The rotary gear selector from previous models has been replaced by a more traditional-looking joystick-shaped SportShift selector first seen in the F-Type sports car.
Under the Hood
Regular S models have the P250 247-hp turbo four paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission delivering power to the rear wheels or through an optional all-wheel-drive system. R-Dynamic S models get the P300 engine, a 296-hp turbo four, and the same transmission with standard AWD. P300 models also get revised software programming and other upgraded internal components to provide improved throttle response and what should be a sportier driving experience.
Safety
The ClearSight Rear View Mirror is an optional safety feature that allows the rearview mirror to turn into a video monitor and display an image from a rear-facing camera in the event that the traditional rear view is blocked. A driver alertness system, which monitors vehicle and driver behavior to notify the driver of the need to take a break, is now standard. Automatic high beams are also standard. Additional safety features like blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control are optional, as is a head-up display.
Pricing
The 2020 Jaguar XE will go on sale in the summer with a starting price of $40,895, including a $995 destination fee (AWD adds $2,000). That price will also include a five-year/60,000-mile warranty, as well as five years or 60,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance and 24/7 roadside assistance, in addition to five years of Jaguar’s InControl Remote & Protect connected car services. The R-Dynamic S model, meanwhile, starts at $47,290 with destination.
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