Galahad

Thought I would share the following results from 3 of the most recent reviews by the motoring press on compact sports saloons

Car : June 2015

1) Jaguar XE
2) Mercedes C Class
3) BMW 3 Series

Auto Express : Special Issue

1) Jaguar XE
2) BMW 3 Series
3) Lexus IS

Autocar : July 2015

1) Jaguar XE
2) BMW 3 Series
3) Mercedes C Class

A bit of bias from the British press, perhaps, but I have test driven a 240bhp 2.0 litre RSport XE, and it's a very, very nice car yet I still have a C200 on order (dealer rang today to say delivery window has slipped backwards) but what swung it for me was the cabin environment, Jag is good but not as good as the C Class and a tad cheaper too on like for like basis but the Jag does have it beaten on performance and handling.

True101

not a bit, but a LOT of nationalistic smokin bias here, as if Czecks arguing its Skoda is the #1.

rmc76

The cabin environment was the clinching factor for me too. It still feels like a treat to get into the car . The 3 series I tested was way short in terms of luxury . I bought the car before the xe was on
on the market but I have now sat in one and the c class trumps it.

CorradoJr

For the US, the XE will not go on sale until early 2016 as a 2017 model I believe. MotorTrend had a recent review compared to a BMW 335i and preferred the Jag as more sporting in character. It's certainly more of a driver's car than the Mercedes C-Class.

The initial engine will be a 340HP supercharged V6. I'm sure there will be other reviews coming out soon comparing the XE to the (facelifted- refreshed) F30/F32 BMW with the new 340 (straight 6) engine, and perhaps the C450. C300 will not be in the same class power-wise.

Nothing yet on the "less sporty" options for the US. I'd be excited to see a diesel on our shores but not going to bet the house on it.

The US Jaguar website has black cloth seats prominently displayed on the XE, yet the configurator only has Leatherette or Leather. I love cloth seats, but I doubt they decide to offer them in the US...it's a snobbery thing as cloth is seen as decidedly downmarket.

CornishPasty

Do you have links to the reviews?

HorshamRebel

Looked into the XE when deciding on my next car and the C250 came out way in front for me.


The cabin is a lot better and Mercedes don't screw you on the post sale costs as Jaguar seem to do.


In England it can be 50%-70% more in costs owning a Jag to a Merc

Galahad

All magazine reviews, sorry no links.

Steve71

Found these...

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-rev...t-review-2015/

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/jaguar/...2015-jaguar-xe

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-categories/compact-execs

I think these must be the articles Galahad mentioned.

Galahad

Spot on Steve71 - these were the abridged articles from the magazines. I do prefer the front of the XE over the C Class, but prefer the C Class rear. Internally C Class wins hands down. Jaguar gone a bit too cheap on some of the finish and materials used.

Yeti575

Out of curiosity: would British press still consider Jag to be English ? Along that presumption is that Czecks no longer consider Skoda to be anything but German

Galahad

Very much so, designed and built in the UK by Brits but company owned by TATA together with new engine factory currently building Diesel engines with all new petrol engines following next year. Would you consider a Citreon to be Dutch if owned by a Dutchman?

Seeing that Skodas are using VW platforms, so I believe, I can understand Czechs do not consider it their own.

laz81

I for one can't wait for the XE to come here (Canada). I've been eyeing this car for a while