Used Jaguar XE 2015-2024 review

The Jaguar XE might take a backseat on your initial used executive saloon search, simply because competition is incredibly fierce.

Critically and commercially, the rival BMW 3 Series is a powerhouse, plus fellow segment stablemates, the Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class, are very popular. Those three models take up most of the limelight, but the XE is still worth a good look.

Engines & Performance: Petrol options start with a 197bhp 2.0-litre model, followed by a 237bhp and 296bhp version. None of those should leave you wanting for pace, but if you really want to lean into the XE's sporty nature, you can buy a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 model (dubbed the S) that possesses 335bhp, or 375bhp in post 2017 form.

Diesel options include three 2.0-litre engines: there's a slightly lacklustre 161bhp one, a punchy (but gruff) 178bhp version and a 237bhp option with four-wheel-drive model that's swift but thirsty.

Handling & Ride: The 3 Series is king of the hill here, but the XE is still great to drive. There's plenty of balance, poise and grip in the corners, plus the steering feels suitably meaty: R-Sport, R-Dynamic and S models are the sharpest handlers. The auto gearbox could be quicker to react (less of a problem in Dynamic mode) and the engines a little smoother, but our complaints are few and far between.

The XE's firm suspension takes a toll on comfort, unsurprisingly. The ride is tolerable, but the Skoda Superb, for instance, is cushier by some margin. Even the sporty 3 Series is slightly more compliant.

Interior & Practicality: The XE's interior looks and feels suitably upmarket for the most part, with high-quality materials used throughout. Build quality is lacking, mind you. The A4's interior feels better screwed together.

Passenger space is subpar next to rivals, too. Front-seat folks will be fine and long legs are reasonably well catered for in the back, but rear head room is tight. Boot space is bested by the A4, 3 Series and C-Class.

Trims & Equipment: Entry-level SE cars come with 17in alloys, dual-zone climate control, automatic lights and wipers and cruise control. Step up to Prestige for leather upholstery and heated front seats. R-Sport models get xenon headlights, a sports styling kit, 18in alloys and sports seats, while Portfolio adds an upgraded sound system and fully electric seat adjustment.

In 2019, the XE received a major facelift, with styling tweaks inside and out, as well as new touchscreens and upgraded materials for the interior. The engine range was reduced to a single diesel, the 178bhp D180, and two petrols, the 247bhp P250, and the 296bhp P300, all available in rear or four-wheel drive forms.

In 2020, a 201bhp 2.0-litre mild-hybrid diesel, the D200, joined the range, replacing the D180. The trims were revised to R-Dynamic S, SE, HSE and Black. Sport trim was available with the P300 petrol only.

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For an early, 100,000-mile-plus, diesel model, you can spend as little as £5000. Around £10,000 gets you a petrol XE (in an entry-level trim) with less than 70,000 miles. If you'd like a facelifted car, have around £20,000.

The V6 S starts at around £15,000, but prices go above £19,000 once you focus in on the 380 version.

If you'd like a 2022 or 2023 XE, have at least £30,000, rising to around £35,000 for nearly new 2024 examples.

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MPG: The XE's lower powered engines are relatively economical, if not below par by today's standards – the 161bhp 2.0 diesel has the best official figure, that being 55.4mpg. Both the 197bhp and 237bhp 2.0 petrol officially average 37.7mpg. There is a four-wheel drive option for the XE, but this naturally takes its toll on economy, with the 237bhp 2.0 diesel dropping to 47.9mpg, although the 296bhp petrol only suffers a tiny amount to 37.2mpg.

In our experience, the 296bhp petrol and four-wheel drive is a thirsty combination. We saw 35mpg on the motorway, but this quickly dropped to 25mpg on more rural roads.

On paper, the 3.0 doesn't seem so bad at 34.9mpg, although this will plummet considerably if you plan to drive it with gusto. The later D200 averages a highly respectable 57.9mpg.

The least powerful diesel has emissions of a mere 106g/km, with the faster 178bhp versions putting out 137g/km. Both the 197bhp and 237bhp petrols emit 179g/km, while the 3.0-litre supercharged S model has the worst emissions of 194g/km.

Road tax: Buy an XE registered before April 2017, and you'll enjoy cheaper car tax due to low CO2 emissions. Those registered after that date will pay annual car tax (VED) at the standard rate, currently £180 per year for all petrol and diesel cars. Beware of XEs costing over £40,000 new, as these will attract a supplementary luxury car tax of £390 per year for years two to five.

Insurance and servicing: Service intervals for the 2.0 diesel cars are two years or 21,000 miles, which is good news, while the petrol engines need a service every year or 16,000 miles. Fixed-price servicing plans are available that cover the XE for up to five years or 75,000 miles. Insurance groups range from a reasonable 22 up to 31 for the faster models.

Reliability

Our 2023 Reliability Survey reveals frequent issues for Jaguar XE owners, particularly with electrical systems, faulty infotainment units, and malfunctioning warning lights. Engine problems like oil leaks and turbocharger failures were also common, leading to expensive repairs.

Jaguar dealership experiences varied. Some owners praised the courteous and knowledgeable service, with efficient and satisfactory repairs. However, many expressed dissatisfaction due to long wait times for appointments, delays in obtaining parts, and high repair costs. Multiple trips to the dealership were often required to resolve issues.

Discover more about used Jaguar XE reliability and common problems on our dedicated reliability page.

We’d go for the 178bhp 2.0-litre diesel – it feels usefully quicker than the lower-powered version, yet is almost as economical and efficient. Go for the automatic gearbox if you can, because it's more relaxing and just as enjoyable to drive.

The XE can be had with four-wheel drive, but we'd suggest that you think very carefully about whether you really need this, because a normal XE has sweeter steering and lower running costs with just the rear wheels driven.

The petrol models are smoother and quieter than the diesels, so they're even more pleasant to drive, but fuel economy suffers. If you can afford the bills the 237bhp 2.0-litre petrol is worth a look.

All XEs get plenty of equipment, but of the earlier cars, Prestige models feel a little bit more premium than entry-level SE to make it our choice.

Our favourite Jaguar XE: 2.0d 180 Prestige auto

The Audi A4 is impressively refined, has plenty of pulling power, whichever engine option you find, and has a supremely classy interior and excellent fuel economy. It’s a superb motorway cruiser and offers the quality of far pricier cars, and there’s also a host of on-board tech to enjoy.

The BMW 3 Series has been the class leader for so many years they’ve even named the group category after it. It’s not surprising. It’s great to drive, in almost any version, with a range of strong and economical engines and it also has a wonderful infotainment system. Balanced against that, the lower-powered diesels can be a little gruff, just like the XEs, and the interior, while well screwed together, doesn’t look or feel especially classy.

The Mercedes C-Class has had its nose bloodied by the Audi and the BMW over the years, but it has always been a classy and efficient offering, if not being quite as sporty to drive, or even to look at, as the other two. It might not be able to match the other two dynamically, but it’s still a relaxing car to drive and it has a lovely and well-equipped interior.

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Interested in buying a used Jaguar XE? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.