ROAR: Jaguar's 2015 XE Sports Sedan 'Murders the 3-Series in Terms of Driving Dynamics' and is a 'Heaven-Sent Savior'

Many publications are raving about the new Jaguar XE Sport Sedan, Jaguar's new entry into the crowded BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 and Lexus IS sport-segment. The reviews are exceptionally positive across publications. Some interesting quotes:

From Car and Driver: 'All of which makes the 2017 Jaguar XE an anomaly and a heaven-sent savior. We’ve just taken our first drive in Britain’s first car in this segment since the Ford Mondeo–based X-type, and it’s so good that we can’t think of a reason to mention that grim, four-wheeled disappointment again for the rest of this story.'

'The XE is proof that there’s at least one automaker still looking out for enthusiasts.'

From MotorTrend: 'The Porsche GT3 might have Jag's EPAS solution licked in terms of outright wowza, but I've never felt electrically assisted power steering of this caliber on a sports sedan. It's not only that the steering is weighted just about perfectly, but the feel stays excellent all the way through a corner, and that's no small feat.'


'Of course great steering without suspension to match is pointless, and luckily the XE delivers. Again, color me impressed." Then, crack the wheel and you're treated to about the best-handling small premium sports sedan there is. The only obvious competitor in terms of outright handling is the Cadillac ATS. But unlike the small Caddy, the XE isn't burdened by coarse engines or a dim-witted, inelegant transmission'


From Road and Track: 'The Jaguar XE murders the 3-Series in terms of driving dynamics...The big surprise is that it beats the current champs the Cadillac ATS and Lexus IS350 F-Sport' 'Steering precision makes the 3-Series feel like a Buick'

'Once enthusiasts drive the XE, it's game over for anything else in the class. You've been WARNED - start saving now'

CAR Magazine: 'The most-important new Jag in decades is brimming with potential'

Telegraph: 'Even so, there is no other car in this class in which you can sense so clearly all four corners working independently to round off every bump, soften every pothole and maintain the car’s ride height, probably the single most important determinant of both ride comfort and driver confidence. With the £800 adaptive suspension option, it’s better still. The best in a class including the hitherto unapproachable BMW 3-series? Without question.'


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BMWm4 - 1/29/2015 10:08:10 AM

+2 Boost

so german nut is promoting jaguar now? We will wait and see to how the head to head comparison works itself out. We have heard this before from audi, mercedes and other ...

cidflekken - 1/29/2015 12:53:03 PM

+7 Boost

No, he's promoting anti-BMW.

autopal - 1/29/2015 12:41:06 PM

+7 Boost

BMW's 3 series have a well earned reputation, built up over time, that keep driving people in droves, to their showroom. It's still a great car, fast, comfortable, and have more handling talents than 99% of buyers really need. It is, however, no longer the best car in this segment. We still owe a tremendous amount of respect to the 3 series thou, without it, the great cars we have available in this segment would probably not happen.

cidflekken - 1/29/2015 12:59:27 PM

+5 Boost

I think the luxury segment has proven that it takes more than a great-handling car to garner sales success. While many have maligned the 3 Series for going soft, it is still destroying the competition in sales and it's not really even close. The next-best is the C-Class which has been more luxury than sport since day one and the new C just elevates that notion further.

I like the fact that the reviews appear to make it clear that Jag did achieve what BMW used to be known for: phenomenal handling with ride refinement. So, it will be interesting to see what happens from here. The problem for Jag will be the baggage it continues to carry (reliability). Both the XF and XJ were both reviewed to be competitive in their respective segments, but neither made a dent on the sales front.

focal - 1/29/2015 1:52:41 PM

+4 Boost

just sell SUV/CUV's, big and small versions. it's what the luxury market wants

Personally, I'm still happy with the 3 series. Current F30 needed some small upgrades using BMW's own M Performance line and ditching the run flats, but it can still drive like a BMW of yore.

Terry989 - 1/29/2015 9:56:17 PM

+1 Boost

I agree, it takes a bit of effort and money, but you can claw back much of the handling BMW was famous for. I replaced the run flats and rims, lower front control arm bushings, rear subframe bushings, front swaybar and bushings, installed BMW performance springs and TC Cline double adjustable shocks. Drives great now, I'm just disappointed it doesn't drive properly out of the box.

CarCrazedinCali - 1/29/2015 3:50:27 PM

+2 Boost

I imagine this steering Jag has has harmed its fuel economy, as it is pretty clear that BMW has put a large focus on fuel efficiency and such systems have changed due to this focus.

balldoc54 - 1/30/2015 1:47:53 AM

+2 Boost

This makes me very excited! It's been depressing trying to find a good driver's car for a decent price after BMW went all soccer mom with the current 3 series. I can't wait to test drive one!