Jaguar XE 2021 Review

In Malaysia's luxury mid-size sedan market, the RM300,000 to RM400,000 price range has long been dominated by German brands. However, recently, the facelifted version of the Jaguar XE has gradually entered consumers' view, and many people are curious whether this British luxury sedan can disrupt the existing segment. The 2021 XE, as the brand's key contender in the luxury mid-size sedan category, focuses on the core selling points of "sporting DNA + technological upgrades"—it retains the traditional rear-wheel-drive platform's handling fundamentals while enhancing smart configurations to keep up with new trends. We received a test car with the primary purpose of assessing whether its dynamic performance still lives up to the label of "British sports sedan" and whether the new upgrades can meet the local users' demand for a sense of technology.

From a distance, the overall styling of the 2021 XE still leans towards compact sports design, featuring a well-balanced body proportion and a standard three-box sedan silhouette. The most striking element of the front is the reduced yet sharper honeycomb front grille, accompanied by redesigned LED headlamps on both sides. The headlamp chambers use double L-shaped daytime running lights, providing significantly higher recognition compared to the previous model. The side profile features sleek lines, with a waistline extending from the fender to the rear and running through the door handles. The 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels add a more dynamic look, though the tire specifications remain at 225/45 R18, which is considered standard for this class. At the rear, the small ducktail spoiler on the trunk lid and the dual exhaust layout enhance the sporty feel. The horizontally arranged LED taillights light up in harmony with the front lamps, resulting in a simple yet not monotonous design.

Sitting inside, the first thing noticeable is the enhanced interior materials. Most areas on the upper part of the dashboard and the inner side of the door panels are wrapped in soft-touch plastic and leather, offering a more refined feel compared to the previous model. The central layout revolves around a 10-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with decent operational smoothness. However, there aren't many physical buttons left, so adjusting the air conditioning needs to be done through the screen, which might take some getting used to initially. In terms of configuration, it comes standard with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, keyless entry, power-adjustable seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The high-end test model we reviewed also featured a Meridian sound system and a panoramic sunroof. Overall, the configuration level is above average for this class. Regarding space, the vehicle dimensions are 4678mm×1850mm×1416mm with a wheelbase of 2835mm. The front row provides ample seating space, and with a passenger of 175cm, there is still one fist's worth of headroom after seat adjustment. The rear row has about two fists of legroom and nearly one fist of headroom, making it sufficient for daily family use. For storage, the central armrest box and door panel storage compartments are moderately sized, and the trunk offers 455 liters of standard volume, which can fit two 28-inch suitcases with space remaining, demonstrating good practicality.

In terms of performance, the model we tested is equipped with a 2.0T Ingenium four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering a maximum power of 250PS and a peak torque of 365N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the throttle response is lively, with smooth power delivery in the initial acceleration phase. When the throttle is pressed deeply, the turbo kicks in with significant burst power. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 6.5 seconds, and our actual test results showed minimal variation, offering a reassuring experience when overtaking. There are three driving modes available: Comfort, Sport, and Eco. Switching to Sport mode makes the transmission's shift logic more aggressive, maintaining higher engine RPMs for more immediate power delivery. Handling is one of the highlights of the XE. The rear-wheel-drive platform, combined with the firm suspension setup, ensures excellent body roll control during cornering. The steering wheel offers precise handling with minimal play, giving the driver a high level of confidence. However, the stiff suspension setup means that when going over speed bumps or uneven roads, rear passengers will experience noticeable vibrations, which slightly compromises comfort.

In terms of fuel consumption, the tested fuel consumption under mixed road conditions is about 8.5L per 100 kilometers, which can drop to around 7L under highway conditions. The fuel economy is at a normal level among luxury mid-size sedans with the same engine displacement. As for noise control, wind and tire noise are well suppressed during highway driving. Only during sudden acceleration does the engine noise become clearly audible inside the cabin, but it does not affect normal conversations. Regarding seat comfort, the front seats provide excellent support and wrapping, making long drives not tiring, while the rear seat padding is slightly firm, which might cause some discomfort on long trips.

Overall, the core highlights of the 2021 Jaguar XE lie in its dynamic performance and improvements in interior quality. Compared to the BMW 3 Series in the same class, its driving fun is on par and its configuration and space performance are more balanced. When compared with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, it likely holds a price advantage (although the specific pricing has not yet been announced, referring to the pricing of the older model). This car is suitable for consumers who value driving experience while also needing to consider family usage, such as young families aged 30-40, or individuals who prefer a sporty style but do not want to compromise on practicality. If you are looking for a luxury mid-size sedan that offers driving enjoyment, sufficient features, and adequate space for daily needs, the 2021 XE is worth considering.