BMW 3 Series vs Jaguar XE - pictures

The ever-popular BMW 3 Series has been facelifted in a bid to keep up with our new class champ, the Jaguar XE. 

Here we've tested the 320d M Sport, priced at £33,635 and powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 187bhp. 

The muscular look of the M Sport suggests a decent drive, and it delivers. It's sharp off the mark and handles impeccably. 

As ever, the 3 Series is stylish and well built inside, with hidden cupholders one of few cabin tweaks. 

All 3 Series models come with sat nav as standard, as well as climate control, DAB radio and Bluetooth. M Sport trim adds leather and parking sensors. 

Steering and throttle responses can be adjusted through the four-stage Drive Performance Control system. EcoPro mode seriously blunts performance in the pursuit of economy, whilst the ride in Comfort mode is supple.

The 3 Series offers good rear head and legroom. 

The 480-litre boot is wheel shaped. 

BMW has tweaked the 3 Series' suspension and steering, so it handles and rides better than ever, while the overhauled engines still set the standard for performance. 

The 320d M Sport is well equipped, but if you've got the cash, there's a huge range of options to choose from. However, if you have to pick just one, then the £515 adaptive damper set-up is worth every penny. 

Subtle bodykit and five-spoke 18-inch alloys give the 3 Series a menacing look. 

Distinctive L-shaped LED rear lights are one of a few cosmetic changes to the exterior.

Redesigned LED running lights are an addition.

Five-spoke alloys look smart. 

The 320d is cleaner than before, but CO2 emissions of 116g/km are nothing to write home about in a class dominated by fleet sales.

The Jag is slightly bigger on the outside, but it's more cramped than the BMW inside. 

The Jaguar XE is our current compact executive champ, and here we test the 2.0-litre diesel R Sport model, producing 178bhp and costing £34,775.

The trade-off for the XE's sporty looks is a firm low-speed ride that undermines the car's otherwise excellent refinement. Softer SE, Prestige and Portfolio models soak up bumps without damaging the balanced handling.

Inside, the dash is slickly styled and dominated by large central touchscreen. Traditional Jag touches include the rotary gear selector that rises up from the centre console. While it all looks good, it;s not as user-friendly as the 3

Infotainment system dominates the dash, but the overall cabin layout isn't the easiest to get along with. Stitched dash contributes to upmarket ambiance, though. 

Rotary gear selector rises up from the centre console as in other JLR models.

One area where the XE loses ground on the rest of the class is space. Rear occupants get less head and legroom than in the 3 Series, while the middle seat is hindered by the transmission tunnel. 

The 455-litre boot is 25 litres down on the BMW's, and it isn't as well shaped and suffers from intrusions.

Despite 18-inch rims and auto gearbox, the XE is refined on the move. 

The steering is quick and direct, but there isn't as much feel as in the 3 Series and the car becomes more unsettled when you push hard through corners.

When it comes to head-turning kerb-appeal, the XE R-Sport takes some beating. A subtle bodykit, 18-inch alloys, gloss-black trim and a sprinkling of R badges give the Jag some visual menace.

While there are hints of the Audi A5 at the rear, the overall design is distinctive compared to German rivals.

Neat details like the front lights contribute to the XE's eye-catching design.

Smart alloys also boost the car's visual appeal.

The XE looks every inch the premium product, but our test car didn't feel as solidly built as you'd expect. The centre console surround wasn't properly fixed in place and the plastic cover for the tailgate latch came adrift.