Jaguar XE diesel thoughts
Discussion
Hi there, I don't post on here much but looking to see if anyone has an XE and see what their thoughts are on it. I've just ordered one as a company car, but it's not too late to cancel!
I originally started thinking a Mercedes C350e estate was the car I wanted - but at the grade I'm on in the company I couldn't get it. You can only add so much cash towards the lease costof the car. I think annoyingly it would have ended up a similar cost to the XE due to the lower bik tax rating but hey ho.
I then looked up all the estate contenders in diesel (no other hybrids available bar the auris /Prius) and was underwhelmed. Saw Jaguar XE on the list and the looks and driving reviews got me tempted despite it being a saloon. I wanted an estate as we have a little dog and a baby on the way. I've tried quoting on all sorts of random things like focus st estate / Passat estate etc but they come out almost as expensive, and no quicker.
The model I've ordered is a 2 litre diesel 163 auto r-sport. I can't get the 180 version in r sport spec, I'd have had to drop to prestige for that engine. I really wanted the Xenon headlights of the r sport and it just looks nicer. I wanted an auto for the first time on a car I've had as with the job I do I sit in traffic a lot and the clutch is boring me (never thought I'd hear myself say that). The only option I could afford in my allowance was split folding rear seats- at least then I can fit long stuff in when doing diy tasks. Although I will also be getting roof bars as I do a lot of biking and I can borrow a roof box from my dad for family trips away.
I've currently got a 2 litre diesel Citroen DS5 with about 160bhp in manual. I'd say the handling is competent but dull. It feels heavy to throw around but is very comfortable on the motorway. A few weekends ago I did Bristol to Bangor straight and got out still feeling fresh.
So if anyone has an XE in similar spec:
How punchy have you found the engine?
Is the auto good - how responsive are the paddles on the steering wheel?
How practical have you found boot space - especially with putting prams in / kiddy nonsense etc?
Does the car really handle as well as the reviews online suggest?
Thanks
I originally started thinking a Mercedes C350e estate was the car I wanted - but at the grade I'm on in the company I couldn't get it. You can only add so much cash towards the lease costof the car. I think annoyingly it would have ended up a similar cost to the XE due to the lower bik tax rating but hey ho.
I then looked up all the estate contenders in diesel (no other hybrids available bar the auris /Prius) and was underwhelmed. Saw Jaguar XE on the list and the looks and driving reviews got me tempted despite it being a saloon. I wanted an estate as we have a little dog and a baby on the way. I've tried quoting on all sorts of random things like focus st estate / Passat estate etc but they come out almost as expensive, and no quicker.
The model I've ordered is a 2 litre diesel 163 auto r-sport. I can't get the 180 version in r sport spec, I'd have had to drop to prestige for that engine. I really wanted the Xenon headlights of the r sport and it just looks nicer. I wanted an auto for the first time on a car I've had as with the job I do I sit in traffic a lot and the clutch is boring me (never thought I'd hear myself say that). The only option I could afford in my allowance was split folding rear seats- at least then I can fit long stuff in when doing diy tasks. Although I will also be getting roof bars as I do a lot of biking and I can borrow a roof box from my dad for family trips away.
I've currently got a 2 litre diesel Citroen DS5 with about 160bhp in manual. I'd say the handling is competent but dull. It feels heavy to throw around but is very comfortable on the motorway. A few weekends ago I did Bristol to Bangor straight and got out still feeling fresh.
So if anyone has an XE in similar spec:
How punchy have you found the engine?
Is the auto good - how responsive are the paddles on the steering wheel?
How practical have you found boot space - especially with putting prams in / kiddy nonsense etc?
Does the car really handle as well as the reviews online suggest?
Thanks
Good to hear - makes me think I've made the right choice. Was pondering colours for paint and leather again earlier, but think I'll leave what I have. Had to have one of the free colours so ebony black or Polaris white. Gone with black, with a black interior, but with the light stitching. Was tempted with white paint, and the black / red interior, but perhaps that is bordering on chav, and the back end looks a bit dumpy in white with small wheels (17"). If I had the option I'd prefer bigger wheels, but no budget for that :-(
akadk said:
i had one for 8,000 miles
in short - LOVE'd IT
best handling car in its class by miles
I took it to Swiss Alps, Black Forest, Scottish Highlands - amazing fun, given its a diesel rep mobile
would definitely recommend
Completely agree.in short - LOVE'd IT
best handling car in its class by miles
I took it to Swiss Alps, Black Forest, Scottish Highlands - amazing fun, given its a diesel rep mobile
would definitely recommend
Great chassis, plenty fast enough, gearbox works well in all modes and gives enough control in sport with paddles to select and hold the exact gear that you want.
Nice combination of a relaxed, quiet cruiser that you emerge calm from, together with a lively companion when you find entertaining roads.
Much much better than the Citroen in my view.
All comments are good to hear, and making me pleased with my choice. The DS5 is good at what it does - forcesgting up and down the motorway. The interior also feels a special place to be. Just my inner petrolhead is disappointed with the drive. While the jag isn't going to be amazing performance wise I'm hoping it's a more satisfying drive.
I've had 1 black car before and didn't find it too bad for getting dirty - although it was a metallic black (Suzuki Swift Sport). My wife had a white Mazda 3 and now has a white Mini Countryman Cooper S - I hate washing both. I see tar spots and something inside me dies. Hideous to get off!
I've had 1 black car before and didn't find it too bad for getting dirty - although it was a metallic black (Suzuki Swift Sport). My wife had a white Mazda 3 and now has a white Mini Countryman Cooper S - I hate washing both. I see tar spots and something inside me dies. Hideous to get off!
Interesting, I had one for 2 days as a loan car whilst my XJ (old shape 2003) was in for repair.
Personally I hated it, but only as it was so uncomfortable/firm ride.
I'm not sure if it has "run-flats", as my wife has subsequently bought a Mini. With run flats, and it's a similar sensation.
It was quick enough, loads of tech etc....just not for me.
Personally I hated it, but only as it was so uncomfortable/firm ride.
I'm not sure if it has "run-flats", as my wife has subsequently bought a Mini. With run flats, and it's a similar sensation.
It was quick enough, loads of tech etc....just not for me.
rswift said:
Interesting, I had one for 2 days as a loan car whilst my XJ (old shape 2003) was in for repair.
Personally I hated it, but only as it was so uncomfortable/firm ride.
I had the same experience moving from a 'proper' Jag to the new breed of so-called Jaguars (XF). I had a former Jag test driver try to work out what the heck they've done to make the ride so bad; he was as aghast as me, took a look and found the suspension components compromised spring travel, so forcing the use of short, very stiff springs. Or maybe it was deliberate. The seats aren't so good either. Anyway, lots of people seem to like them.Personally I hated it, but only as it was so uncomfortable/firm ride.
I have a XE Portfolio 2.0d 163 ps (manual) bluefire Oyster . I tested both the 180 and 163, didn't find a great deal of difference. Now driven 1000 miles and I've only visited the petrol station once and that was for 45 litres of diesel. I'm averaging 67 mpg, mainly motorway in eco mode during the week. At weekend dynamic mode gets switched on.
The infotainment could be better, albums on USB sticks (can't select by album picture?, you pick from a list!), but a software upgrade is due across the Jaguar range. The car handles really well and I like the steering feedback, finish is good. One area of concern and many XE owners have noticed it is 'road rash' on the sills in front of the rear tyres. Mudflaps don't work, the spray from rain appears to send the crap of british roads onto the splayed sill and I can see white spots of under coat already. If you can get the clear film protection then do so, otherwise a sill respray may be necessary in 2-3 years.Remember the XE uses ADblue and the 163 engine only has a 9 litre tank of ADblue, it uses 1 litre of adblue per 1000 miles!
The infotainment could be better, albums on USB sticks (can't select by album picture?, you pick from a list!), but a software upgrade is due across the Jaguar range. The car handles really well and I like the steering feedback, finish is good. One area of concern and many XE owners have noticed it is 'road rash' on the sills in front of the rear tyres. Mudflaps don't work, the spray from rain appears to send the crap of british roads onto the splayed sill and I can see white spots of under coat already. If you can get the clear film protection then do so, otherwise a sill respray may be necessary in 2-3 years.Remember the XE uses ADblue and the 163 engine only has a 9 litre tank of ADblue, it uses 1 litre of adblue per 1000 miles!
Interesting mixed feedback.
I've never been in an older Jag - I'm guessing the focus on the XE has moved from plush comfort to more of a sporting drive. Compared to 3 series it's meant to be comfortable, but maybe marginally less comfortable than a c class Merc.
My comparison is my existing DS5 which in reviews suggested was very harsh suspension (but maybe reviewed as such against the sir sprung older big Citroens). I've found it the most. I've found it the most comfortable car I've ever had!
Never had a car that needs adblue- as it's a company car I assume I can charge it to the company. 9000 mile top ups don't sound outrageous.
I've never been in an older Jag - I'm guessing the focus on the XE has moved from plush comfort to more of a sporting drive. Compared to 3 series it's meant to be comfortable, but maybe marginally less comfortable than a c class Merc.
My comparison is my existing DS5 which in reviews suggested was very harsh suspension (but maybe reviewed as such against the sir sprung older big Citroens). I've found it the most. I've found it the most comfortable car I've ever had!
Never had a car that needs adblue- as it's a company car I assume I can charge it to the company. 9000 mile top ups don't sound outrageous.
Not sure about the road rash on rear arches problem - not sure I'm allowed to add the clear film stuff to protect it as I'm not allowed to do any modifications.
Glad the feedback about the difference between the 2 engines (diesel) is that there isn't a huge difference.
Just waiting on a delivery timescale at the moment!
Glad the feedback about the difference between the 2 engines (diesel) is that there isn't a huge difference.
Just waiting on a delivery timescale at the moment!
Joebristolgym said:
I've never been in an older Jag - I'm guessing the focus on the XE has moved from plush comfort to more of a sporting drive.
Yes, I've no doubt that it's aimed at luring drivers of small/midrange BMWs, Audis and Mercs over. In that case you're likely to be fine. If you're coming from the XJ6 end they are quite frightful! I haven't driven the current XJ, it's too big and fugly to be of interest, but I wonder if that is a bit more tolerable? What are the boardroom chairmen supposed to drive these days other thsan Bentleys?
Maybe I'll look into that film protection and see how much it costs then. I'm not sure who bears the cost of sorting any paintwork like that at the end of the 4 year agreement.
A relatively low powered diesel in an F-type - yuk! Unless they are planning to wind the power up a bit - but even still I don't like the idea of a diesel pump in such a good looking coupe.
A relatively low powered diesel in an F-type - yuk! Unless they are planning to wind the power up a bit - but even still I don't like the idea of a diesel pump in such a good looking coupe.
Fuel economy also sounds good. The DS5 seems to average (according to the onboard computer) just under 40mpg. That's a mixture of commuting and some long journeys to customer appointments. I tend to set the speed limiter on when on a motorway at about 75mph so I don't get caught speeding. I'd have thought that should get good economy, but it's not brilliant. My previous Seat Leon tdi (140bhp pd engine) used to do better than that and I drove that harder as it was a better handling car. Appreciate it was lighter than the DS5, but it was a much older design of engine.
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