The all-new stylish Jaguar XE is already on sale in select markets around the world, but it won’t arrive in U.S. showrooms until later next spring. It will launch with three powertrains across four distinct trim levels. The XE will feature rear-wheel drive as standard, an optional all-wheel drive powertrain and luxury, performance and comfort easily compared to the likes of Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and also, the big seller BMW 3 Series.
In this comparison, we will take a look at the Jaguar XE compared to the BMW 3 Series LCI in the engines, pricing and performance areas. While the Jaguar doesn’t give out full specifications and pricing on the top models, the rest is available and can be compared directly to the 3 Series.
The XE model lineup will include four trim levels: XE, XE Premium, XE Prestige and XE R-Sport which will be selectively available with four-cylinder and V6 powertrains. The fuel economy leader of the lineup will be the 20d, which features a 2.0L turbocharged diesel engine delivering 180 horsepower and 318 lb-ft of torque, available in both rear and all-wheel drive.
Delivering excellent all-around performance, thanks to ample low and mid-range torque, the 25t models feature a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four GTDI engine producing 240 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque in a rear-wheel drive configuration. Topping the range is the XE 35t providing responsiveness and refinement using a 3.0L supercharged V6 engine which generates 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, available in both rear- and all-wheel drive.
Pricing is set for the 2.0L turbocharged 240 horsepower engine at $34,900, the 2.0L turbocharged 180 horsepower diesel variant will cost you a cool $36,400 and finally, the 3.0L Supercharged V6, delivering 340 horsepower will be priced at $41,700.
In comparison, the BMW 328i xDrive and BMW 340i xDrive are priced at $47,800 and $40,350, respectively. The BMW 328i xDrive comes with a 2.0 liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline-four engine developing 240 horsepower. The BMW 340i xDrive is available with a 3.0 liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline-six engine developing 320 horsepower. While somewhat less powerful than the Jaguar XE, the BMW offering comes with xDrive as standard, allowing for better all-weather driving.
If you decide to go with rear-wheel drive only for your BMW 328i and BMW 340i the pricing drops significantly. For the first, the MSRP is set at $38,350 and the latter will set you back just $45,800. It seems the BMW offering is somewhat higher, but you do get a more powerful engine in both variants. If you were to get a 180 horsepower model compared to the entry-level Jaguar XE offer, it will be the BMW 320i priced at $33,150 or the 320i xDrive priced at $35,150. If you were to go for a diesel variant, the BMW 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo Diesel engine delivering 180 horsepower starts at MSRP $39,850.
If pushing the envelope is your thing, a BMW M3 Sedan will set you back $63,200 for the base model, giving you a 3.0 liter BMW TwinPower Turbo engine delivering 425 horsepower. The BMW M3 is quite faster than a Jaguar XE in the acceleration run from 0-62 mph (0-100km/h) – 4.1 seconds.
Unfortunately the pricing for the Jaguar XE S has not yet been revealed, nor have the specs been released. Overall, the Jaguar XE is a well-designed vehicle, offering plenty of comfort, luxury and performance. But ultimately, it will be the customers who will decide on its appeal.
