The New 375bhp Jaguar XE S Is The Closest Thing To A BMW M3 That JLR Makes
At some point, we’re rather hoping Jaguar stuffs a load of power through the fine chassis that underpins the XE saloon. Whether they do so using the JLR’s angry 5.0-litre V8 (it will fit quite nicely, apparently) or a heavily boosted version of the Ingenium-based straight-sixes which are rumoured to be on the way, a jolly powerful XE would be a fine BMW M3 alternative. Sadly, we’re yet to see such a thing, and all chatter of an SVR’d XE seems to have quietened down.
The good news is the most powerful XE we’re yet to see - the V6-powered XE S - now has more poke. As part of a host of 2018 model year updates to the XE, XF and F-Pace, the range-topping XE S has been given a 39bhp boost, giving a new figure of 375bhp.
So, it’s now under 50bhp shy of the current F80 BMW M3’s power output. It’s also a lot heavier, so the BMW will still have no trouble showing it a clean pair of heels. C’est la vie.
Anyway, when we ran an XE S for five months, we found it to be a fine ‘junior’ sports saloon (some niggles aside), so more power is certainly welcome. On paper, the extra thrust is enough to drop the 0-62mph time from 5.1 to five seconds dead.
A little lower down the pecking order, 197 and 247bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol engines are now available in the XE and XF, as is a 237bhp, 369lb ft 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel which you can also spec in the F-Pace. Speaking of the SUV, it also gains a 161bhp diesel option, which we can’t help think will make progress a tad laboured.
Away from the engine bay, the XE gains the option of a 12.3 inch screen that replaces the dials (we’ll stick with the physical ones, thanks), while all three cars now have ‘dual-view’ tech that shows different displays for driver and passenger. Oh, and there’s also a new system that’ll let you pay for your fuel (at Shell garages only) using the infotainment system. Handy.
Want one? The 2018 XE range starts from £28,295, the XF from £32,490 and the F-Pace from £34,730. It’s available to order now.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
A 5.0 V8 Jaguar XE would be easy for JLR to make. The AJ126 V6 engine is essentially a modified AJ133 V8 engine but with 6 smaller cylinders. The block is the same length, so since the V6 fits in the XE so will the V8.
When you have to do something to make everyone forget that someone stole millions worth of engines from you….. twice
get those stupid outdated V6s out. Theyre literally the V8 but six holes instead of eight. same block
Taking delivery of mine next month. Super excited!