XE First Impressions
Discussion
Just returned it, and to the serenity of my petrol (well LPG) X350.
I did 100 miles in the XE. It averaged (computer reading) 47 mpg. Mixed rural roads and a few miles of motorway, but no speed or congestion involved, so not outstanding.....also this model had the "Ad Blue" tank in the boot. I don't know how often it needs topping up, but the handy location makes it appear that you'll be using it regularly.
It's not an unpleasant motorway cruiser, but is still noisy....not helped by a very average sounding radio. lots of tech and options with the Sat Nav, Phone, Dab radio etc.....just not very nice sounding.
The 8 speed auto always seemed a bit slow to change, and not too smoothly.
The stop start feature was really intrusive just emphasising the harshness of the diesel in traffic.
I really didn't enjoy the ride, too harsh for me. Handling was good, I quite like the looks, especially the front.
I've never driven a 3 series diesel, but guess this is the market it's aimed at, or maybe I'm too old (50). My wife's 2 Litre diesel C5 is certainly a nicer place to be, and more pleasant to drive....similar price when new I think, I enjoyed the experience of a long and good test drive....but won't be changing anytime soon unless they do an old mans comfortable version.
I did 100 miles in the XE. It averaged (computer reading) 47 mpg. Mixed rural roads and a few miles of motorway, but no speed or congestion involved, so not outstanding.....also this model had the "Ad Blue" tank in the boot. I don't know how often it needs topping up, but the handy location makes it appear that you'll be using it regularly.
It's not an unpleasant motorway cruiser, but is still noisy....not helped by a very average sounding radio. lots of tech and options with the Sat Nav, Phone, Dab radio etc.....just not very nice sounding.
The 8 speed auto always seemed a bit slow to change, and not too smoothly.
The stop start feature was really intrusive just emphasising the harshness of the diesel in traffic.
I really didn't enjoy the ride, too harsh for me. Handling was good, I quite like the looks, especially the front.
I've never driven a 3 series diesel, but guess this is the market it's aimed at, or maybe I'm too old (50). My wife's 2 Litre diesel C5 is certainly a nicer place to be, and more pleasant to drive....similar price when new I think, I enjoyed the experience of a long and good test drive....but won't be changing anytime soon unless they do an old mans comfortable version.
I think coming from a petrol XJ, you're going to find any diesel harsh, especially a 4-pot. My mrs has just gone from a 4-pot diesel to a 4-pot petrol and can't believe the refinement and quietness. So you really do get used to what you've got.
Also the XJ is going to be very wafty compared to modern Jags (post classic XF), so again, it'swhat you're used to.
Also the XJ is going to be very wafty compared to modern Jags (post classic XF), so again, it'swhat you're used to.
I agree, and I'm not expecting the XE to compete with an XJ, different markets/prices.....but we have a few cars, and I guess my Wife's 2 Litre HDi Citröen C5, and exclusive spec tourer....2008, and 100k on the clock is a far more pleasant place to be, re the ride and engine noise.
I think I just expected the XE to be "more Jaguar like"...but I can't define what that is, but all my previous Jags....E Type/XJS/XJ6 etc, including my current one have maintained the "Grace/Space/Pace" thing. For me, the has lost its graciousness.
I think I just expected the XE to be "more Jaguar like"...but I can't define what that is, but all my previous Jags....E Type/XJS/XJ6 etc, including my current one have maintained the "Grace/Space/Pace" thing. For me, the has lost its graciousness.
The diesel is a bit noisy - I hate diesel cars though so the noise is secondary to how much I hate diesel power delivery. We very recently had a 2.0 diesel BMW X3 and 2.0 diesel XE on hire at the same time.
The X3 is a miserable, miserable car. The XE's electric power steering is the best I've ever used and really shades the BMW's very unnatural feeling equivalent.
The Jaguar audio systems are always good but usually need some tweaking through the setup controls. The BMW ones are fine too. I despise iDrive and therefore the BMW effectively doesn't have an audio system because I find iDrive dangerous to use when driving. Maybe if you're willing to lower your driving standards you can get used to it - but it's not for me.
The BMW ride was typically BMW - i.e. dreadful. It's only when you drive contemporary cars back to back that you realise how well the XE rides and handles. BMW can either ride well or handle qwll, but I've never been in a BMW that can do both at the same time. The X3 was alright around town but at extraurban speeds it takes on a fidgety combined pitch and rolling movement that wobbles the occupants' heads around rhythmically - it's infuriating and nauseating in equal measure.
The gearboxes on box are the same, and both make a s
tty 4-pot diesel tolerable. Gearchanges on both are sharpened up in dynamic/sport mode. They're supposed to be soft in normal mode and the programming does that well.
The X3 is a miserable, miserable car. The XE's electric power steering is the best I've ever used and really shades the BMW's very unnatural feeling equivalent.
The Jaguar audio systems are always good but usually need some tweaking through the setup controls. The BMW ones are fine too. I despise iDrive and therefore the BMW effectively doesn't have an audio system because I find iDrive dangerous to use when driving. Maybe if you're willing to lower your driving standards you can get used to it - but it's not for me.
The BMW ride was typically BMW - i.e. dreadful. It's only when you drive contemporary cars back to back that you realise how well the XE rides and handles. BMW can either ride well or handle qwll, but I've never been in a BMW that can do both at the same time. The X3 was alright around town but at extraurban speeds it takes on a fidgety combined pitch and rolling movement that wobbles the occupants' heads around rhythmically - it's infuriating and nauseating in equal measure.
The gearboxes on box are the same, and both make a s
tty 4-pot diesel tolerable. Gearchanges on both are sharpened up in dynamic/sport mode. They're supposed to be soft in normal mode and the programming does that well.My wife had her brand new xe prestige company car delivered Monday, it is now back in the dealer with less than 100 miles on the clock. There is a problem with the add blue system and the jag dealer do not know how to fix it. There is a issue with the tyre pressure warning system and i have noticed moisture in the drivers side headlamp, apart from that its cracking. I would never spend my hard earned on any new car
so roll me further bh said:
h said: ...There is a issue with the tyre pressure warning system ...
Do these generally cause problems?The ones in LadyB8's Merc give fault alarms from time to time and last week when I went to pick up a hire car in Dallas I was pleased to see a brand new VW 4 door coupe thing, until I tried to start it only to find the tyre pressure warning system playing up. The guys sorting the cars acted like that was a common occurrence.
a8hex said:
so roll me further bh said:
h said: ...There is a issue with the tyre pressure warning system ...
Do these generally cause problems?The ones in LadyB8's Merc give fault alarms from time to time and last week when I went to pick up a hire car in Dallas I was pleased to see a brand new VW 4 door coupe thing, until I tried to start it only to find the tyre pressure warning system playing up. The guys sorting the cars acted like that was a common occurrence.
21,21,26 and 32psi. He'd never checked the pressures since he bought the car
I duly inflated them all the the correct 35psi and cleared the alarms on the interface thingy.
Run flat tyres and lazy people are a dangerous combination.
V88Dicky said:
I borrowed a mate's car once and he was complaining that 3 out of 4 tyre pressure alarms were lit. Out of curiosity I went to the local supermarket petrol station to check the pressures.....
21,21,26 and 32psi. He'd never checked the pressures since he bought the car
I duly inflated them all the the correct 35psi and cleared the alarms on the interface thingy.
Run flat tyres and lazy people are a dangerous combination.
I'm not to fussed about the tyre pressure warning tbh, this came on as we were heading to the dealer to get the add blue issue sorted. It prob just needs air in the tyre, still you would not expect to put air in the tyres of a brand new car. This new jag has more issues than my 2001 tuscan.21,21,26 and 32psi. He'd never checked the pressures since he bought the car
I duly inflated them all the the correct 35psi and cleared the alarms on the interface thingy.
Run flat tyres and lazy people are a dangerous combination.
so roll me further bh said:
h said: I'm not to fussed about the tyre pressure warning tbh, this came on as we were heading to
If it came on while you were driving then it probably just needed calibrating. Shortly after changing tyres the Merc always displays the message and you just need to reset it. The tyre pressure warning system doesn't actually look at the pressure. I compares the rolling rate of the different wheels and reacts to any changes. If you swap two wheels around it will go off the next time you go for a drive.akadk said:
the XE is a Sports Saloon, and so is engineered as such
the XF is an Executive Saloon, and probably has more of the "Jaguar'ness" you were expecting
Exactly this. The XE has a stiffer set up to give you the control of a sports saloon. I'm awaiting delivery of a new xf and this is a mix between the smoothness of an XJ and the sports saloon the XE is.the XF is an Executive Saloon, and probably has more of the "Jaguar'ness" you were expecting
If you want smoothness, don't opt for a sport saloon
deanogtv said:
akadk said:
the XE is a Sports Saloon, and so is engineered as such
the XF is an Executive Saloon, and probably has more of the "Jaguar'ness" you were expecting
Exactly this. The XE has a stiffer set up to give you the control of a sports saloon. I'm awaiting delivery of a new xf and this is a mix between the smoothness of an XJ and the sports saloon the XE is.the XF is an Executive Saloon, and probably has more of the "Jaguar'ness" you were expecting
If you want smoothness, don't opt for a sport saloon
a8hex said:
Do these generally cause problems?
The ones in LadyB8's Merc give fault alarms from time to time and last week when I went to pick up a hire car in Dallas I was pleased to see a brand new VW 4 door coupe thing, until I tried to start it only to find the tyre pressure warning system playing up. The guys sorting the cars acted like that was a common occurrence.
Had similar on my 3 month old Vito. New tyre fitted now it thinks the pressure sensor is missing.The ones in LadyB8's Merc give fault alarms from time to time and last week when I went to pick up a hire car in Dallas I was pleased to see a brand new VW 4 door coupe thing, until I tried to start it only to find the tyre pressure warning system playing up. The guys sorting the cars acted like that was a common occurrence.
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