New Jaguar XE S 2015

With the supercharged V6 from the F-Type in the front, the 335bhp Jaguar XE S is a worthy range-topper.

 

Until Jag hands the XE over to its Special Vehicle Operations division, this S model is as racy as the new saloon gets. Fitting the V6 engine from the F-Type adds some spice to the XE’s calm and composed nature, making an already engaging car even more rewarding to drive. It’s quick, responsive and pretty, but against its closest opponents it does look pricey.

Jaguar's new XE has more up its sleeve than just class-leading running costs. For customers after something with a little more bark, the range-topping XE S should tick the necessary boxes.

All Jaguar XEs get the same front suspension as the F-Type, but transplanted under the skin of the top-spec S model beats the heart of an F-Type too. The 335bhp 3.0-litre supercharged V6 drives the rear wheels through Jaguar’s slick eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.Nudging almost £45,000 makes the XE S around £6,500 pricier than a BMW 335i and £4,500 more than an equivalent Audi S4, but neither executes the Jag’s combination of pace and comfort as well.

The XE S delivers its performance with a far greater sense of refinement. It never feels truly fast despite a 0-62mph tie of 5.1 seconds, as speed tends to build rather than arrive with a real shove. That’s not to say this isn’t a car you can’t enjoy – everything that’s true of the diesel model is still true here. We love the car’s agile nature, thanks to the Torque Vectoring system which subtly brakes wheels to enhance turn-in. Body control is good and there’s masses of grip, too.

The XE’s new set of lungs also provides a glorious soundtrack, even if it lacks the theatrics of the F-Type from the exhaust. Ride quality is equally impressive thanks to the adaptive dampers, even on standard 19-inch alloys. Each wheel is monitored 500 times per second and the dampers constantly adjust the car’s set-up to keep it in sync with the most rutted of surfaces. Its sense of agility and composure is amplified by the direct and responsive steering, with sudden changes in direction rarely feeling unsettled.

There’s little to set the S apart from other XEs inside (the two-tone interior is optional on all models), but deep-set bumpers, flared sills and unique 19-inch alloys give it far more attitude outside. At £44,870, the Jaguar XE S is pricey, but it gets a want-for-nothing kit list featuring heated leather seats, keyless entry and a brilliant Meridian sound system.  

 
Key specs

• Price: £44,870
• Engine: 3.0-litre supercharged V6
• Power/torque: 335bhp/450Nm
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• 0-62mph/top speed: 5.1s/155mph
• Economy/CO2: 34.9mpg/194g/km
• On sale: April 2015