Jaguar XE S first UK drive - pictures

<span>Until Jag hands the XE over to its Special Vehicle Operations division, this S model is as racy as the new saloon gets.</span>

<span>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.</span>

<span>It’s quick, responsive and pretty, but against its closest opponents it does look pricey.</span>

<span>All&nbsp;</span>Jaguar<span>&nbsp;XEs get the same front suspension as the&nbsp;</span>F-Type<span>, but transplanted under the skin of the top-spec S model beats the heart of an F-Type too.&nbsp;</span>

<span>There’s little to set the S apart from other XEs inside - the two-tone interior is optional on all models.</span>

<span>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.</span>

Body control is good and there’s masses of grip, too.

<span>The XE S delivers its performance with a great sense of refinement.</span>

<span>Ride quality is equally&nbsp;impressive thanks to the adaptive dampers, even on standard 19-inch alloys.</span>

<span>Its sense&nbsp;of agility and composure is amplified by the direct and responsive steering.</span>

<span>The 335bhp 3.0-litre supercharged V6 drives the rear wheels through Jaguar’s slick eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.</span>

<span>For customers after something with&nbsp;a little more bark, the range-topping XE S should tick the necessary boxes.</span>