As a sporty, compact executive car, the Jaguar XE is aimed squarely at the BMW 3 Series, and you might hope that it is therefore a splendid thing to drive. Some version undoubtedly are, but I'm not so sure about others. The 2.0 i4 Portfolio model tested here is in the latter category.
Its 237bhp petrol engine is the most powerful four-cylinder in the range (though nearly 100bhp short of the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 in the S model) but this isn't immediately obvious. It sounds ordinary no matter what you're doing with it, and although maximum torque is produced at under 2,000rpm it doesn't feel especially strong until you start revving it hard.
It's a similar story with the ride and handling. The test car had the optional 19-inch wheels and adaptive suspension (the latter available as standard only on the S) and in normal driving this set-up just doesn't gel. The steering feels ponderous, the ride lumpy and the handling subdued. XEs can also be specified with two non-adaptive suspension systems - one sporty, the other not - and for everyday use I would choose either of them over the adaptive one.
Again, though, things improve when you drive in a more spirited fashion. The XE then becomes much livelier and more interesting, and far more like the sports saloon we've been led to believe it should be. Slow down and it becomes very ordinary once more. Other cars in the range are enjoyable to drive at any speed, and I like them better for it.
The disappointing dynamics make it less easy to forgive a couple of other issues. There isn't as much room for rear passengers than there might be, the 455-litre boot is 25 litres smaller than those of the rival Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS and Mercedes C-Class, and access to that boot is restricted by the way the roof line ends so close to the back of the car.
Passenger room up front isn't great either. As a tall person I have limited headroom even with the seat in its lowest position because the seat squab is quite tall. R-Sport trim models, whose seats have smaller squabs, are more comfortable for me.
Running costs are likely to be high, since the car's official combined fuel economy is 37.7mpg, or slightly worse than some Range Rovers. CO2 emissions are 179g/km, and I suppose the resulting taxation (£225 Vehicle Excise Duty, 30 per cent Benefit In Kind) are part of the price you have to pay for being able to accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds.
Portfolio is the "luxury" specification in the XE range, and it includes cruise control, dual-zone climate control, DAB digital radio and leather upholstery. Jaguar is level with the premium German brands in being prepared to charge handsomely for a great many optional extras. The test car was worth more than £10,000 over the £33,740 list price, having been fitted with extras including Advanced Parking Assistance Package (£1,540), a sliding panoramic glass sunroof (£1,400) and a head-up display (£1,000).
