Spent time with a Jaguar XE R-SPORT AWD today

**nricci** · 06-10-2016 04:38 PM

Guys,

I had the opportunity to test the XE R-SPORT AWD today and I'd like to share my impressions with you.

Looks
The car is beautiful! The one I drove was race green with light interior. Really beautiful. Audi is still one step ahead in terms of interior finish but the XE is quite nice. It is just that Audi really knows how to do this stuff, so it is hard to compete.

Interior space and feel
For the driver it is very similar to the S4. Very comfortable seats. Very driver focused. The rear seat is a level below. There is less legroom and it is not very comfortable for adults, specially if the driver is 6"1 like I am.
The trunk is smaller than what we have in the S4. It is not as deep.
The steering wheel feel is a wash. The hidraulic 2012 S4 wins in feel and feedback, but the XE steering wheel itself is better, with more buttons that allow you to control lots of functions in the car. As we know, the S4 steering wheel is very simple in that regard.
I didn't like the fact that the XE does not have a console gear shifter as I enjoy using it in my s4 (instead of the paddles). In the XE all you have is the paddles and they are made out of plastic! Aluminium paddlers are available as an accessory.

Suspension
I really liked the XE suspension. One of the highs of this car. My 2012 S4 rides on 19". The XE I drove had 18". It was very compliant, more comfortable than my car (probably due to the wheels, I don't know), and still very good when pushed hard. I loved it.

Handling
The XE is better than my S4. The XE feels lighter, more nimble and very composed. It is one step above the S4 imho. The torque vectoring works wonders, it was easy to feel the electronics turning the car when pushed hard. I wonder how this car handles/drives with 19" wheels and rear wheel drive.

Engine
Quite a surprise here. My car is stock, with no mods whatsoever, and it is still way more powerful and faster than the XE. I was not expecting this. The S4 clearly has more torque and power from the start/low revs. It pulls much stronger.

Transmission
The ZF 8 speed transmission is the best auto I have ever used. It is impressive. I would not mind at all having a car with this transmission. Having said that, the dual clutch in my car is a tiny faster and sharper.
One advantage the XE has is that the ZF transmission allows you to hold the rpm close to the red limit and does not shift up in sport mode, unless you command it using the paddles. I wish the S4 would do that.

Brakes
Same as my S4, really good, good feel and power. Easy to modulate. Bottom line: amazing brakes.

Sound System
I have BO in my car and it is one step above the XE premium. The XE Meridian system (not Meridian Pro) is still very good and should please anyone looking for good quality and full sound.

Other facts
I like the XE's 5 years/60k miles warranty.
I will drive the rear wheel drive version soon. I'm curious to see how that version handles.
Didn't care much for the head-up display. It was a little bit annoying to be honest.
Didn't spend time/play too much with the entertainment system. I checked the sound quality and that was it.
Star/stop technology is a pain in the behind. Easy to turn off. Hated it.

Would I buy the XE instead of a 8.5 S4? Probably not. If I was pressed to pick one car, I would probably still get the Audi, unless I had some good financial incentives to get the XE.
Would I be unhappy if I had a XE? Absolutely not. It is an AMAZING car with stellar suspension and handling with a strong engine.

**Batman0424** · 06-10-2016 04:56 PM

Nice write-up, thank you. This is one of the cars that has always sat on my radar, but never had an opportunity to drive one. The one thing I really do not like is the hood line. I cannot, for the life of me, understand the appeal of this straight line across the hood; it does not flow at all.

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**stereojorge** · 06-10-2016 05:39 PM

As an employee of Jaguar of Tampa, and fully modded B8.5 S4 owner, I couldn't agree more with everything stated here!

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**maverickvii** · 06-10-2016 08:11 PM

Really love this car but went with an s4 because wanted the awd and 6MT combo. Drove an xe recently though and completely agree with your assessment.

**hotleadsingergu** · 06-10-2016 11:34 PM

I'm sure it's an awesome car, but you're comparing a car that costs like $20k less than the S4. It's still valid to see how the thing does, but I'd dearly hope that it doesn't compare equally.

**palmor** · 06-11-2016 05:26 AM

Originally Posted by hotleadsingergu

I'm sure it's an awesome car, but you're comparing a car that costs like $20k less than the S4. It's still valid to see how the thing does, but I'd dearly hope that it doesn't compare equally.

XE R-sport AWD and V6 starts 52,695. Not sure what you paid for your S4 but mine wasn't north of 70k

**pdqgp** · 06-11-2016 05:56 AM

Good write up. IMO the Jag is a sharp looking sedan. Not one that I would consider but still very nice.

**nricci** · 06-11-2016 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by palmor

XE R-sport AWD and V6 starts 52,695. Not sure what you paid for your S4 but mine wasn't north of 70k

And this is the problem, imho. The prices are very evenly matched. So why should one get the XE instead of the S4? We need to see what the B9 S4 price will be. If it is true that we will see a substantial price increase, then I will change my mind. As they stand, with similar prices, the S4 is still the natural choice.

The only justification to get the XE today, imho, is if you really(!) prioritize handling over engine. If this is the case, the XE is the best option even with both cars in AWD configuration.

Like I said, I will test the XE RWD soon. It is possible that this cars handles even better and changes the game. Let's see.

One thing is clear: the XE V6 is clearly better, way better than the BMW 3 series. There is no comparison. Between the two, I would not hesitate to go the jag way (M3/4 not included)

**hotleadsingergu** · 06-11-2016 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by palmor

XE R-sport AWD and V6 starts 52,695. Not sure what you paid for your S4 but mine wasn't north of 70k

Woopsie daisy. Didn't realize it was the R-Sport, despite reading the post twice.

Still, no chance lol I'd say it might be worth it for low- to mid-40s, but definitely not mid-50s. The handling is supposedly one of the best around in the price range, but there's no chance I'm going to trust a Jag at that level. They can't seem to get their **** together.