Skip advert
Advertisement

New Jaguar XE 2.0T review

We drive entry-level Jaguar XE with its new 2.0-litre turbo Ingenium petrol engine

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Jaguar XE
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Before now, there wasn’t much to recommend the entry-level 2.0-litre petrol version of the XE, but that has all changed for the 2018 model year. The new 197bhp engine is stronger, more economical and cleaner, and is a perfect match for the Jaguar’s sweet chassis and fun handling. The diesels do make a little more sense, even if they are less refined, but at last you can confidently buy a 2.0-litre petrol XE and not feel disappointed.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since the Jaguar XE burst on to the compact executive scene waving the Union Flag with pride. But the most important Jag in a generation has passed its second birthday, and in this time it has picked up three Auto Express awards and firmly banished memories of the X-Type.

Back in 2015 the XE was launched with just a small handful of engines, with the big news being the new Wolverhampton-built Ingenium four-cylinder diesels. The rest of the range were Ford-related petrols.

Best executive cars to buy

Now, though, the line-up has widened and the 2.0-litre blue oval turbo petrol has been quietly replaced with a new Ingenium unit – and this is our first drive of it. It’s the same cubic capacity as the old Ford motor and makes the same amount of power; it’s badged in the continental style of ‘200PS’, but it’s 197bhp in old English. The engine is also hooked up to an eight-speed automatic box, just like before. Yet that’s where the similarities stop because the new engine is better in every way.

Firstly, the numbers. There’s 40Nm more torque with the new 2.0-litre. It doesn’t sound a lot, but it makes a huge amount of difference with in-gear acceleration; as a result, the XE is now over half a second quicker from 0-60mph, taking 6.7 seconds. The new engine is also more economical (45.1mpg vs 37.7mpg), as well as much cleaner, emitting 144g/km of CO2 against 179g/km. This finally means the Jag 2.0 is comparable with German and Italian rivals.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Arona

2025 SEAT

Arona

45,377 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £11,200
View Arona
ProCeed

2021 Kia

ProCeed

14,687 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £17,200
View ProCeed
Q2

2026 Audi

Q2

31,500 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £21,094
View Q2
Mokka

2022 Vauxhall

Mokka

26,944 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £14,034
View Mokka

On the road the news is even better. Before the old 2.0-litre felt lethargic and wasn’t well matched to the gearbox, but the new engine revs cleanly and is far better suited to the auto. Changes are smoother than before and also as quick as in a BMW 320i. There’s even a slightly rorty sound, although if you switch to ‘Dynamic’ mode the engine is a little coarse at the rev limiter.

The new motor is also noticeably quieter and smoother when cruising compared with the old 2.0 and the XE’s 2.0 diesels. You don’t get the same level of punch as from the Ingenium 180 diesel, although it’s more refined and a good match to the Jag’s sweet and balanced rear-wheel-drive handling, and crisp steering and turn-in.

The new engine also sweeps in a raft of new tweaks and improvements to the XE. While the car of two years ago was slightly rough round the edges, the new 2018 models have interiors that are better screwed together, ride slightly better and generally better reflect their price tags.

There’s more tech than before, too. Our car had a new 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and while it’s not as impressive as an Audi A4’s Virtual Cockpit, it provides the XE with a much-needed dose of modernity. There’s also a dual-screen infotainment system fitted in the centre of the dash and a powered and gesture-controlled bootlid.

Slightly cramped rear seats and an awkwardly shaped boot remain, though, so if space is an absolute priority an A4 is still a better buy.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £11,922
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £12,200
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,966 off RRP*Used from £7,250
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,670 off RRP*Used from £15,158
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK
Toyota GR Corolla - front cornering

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK

The success of the GR Yaris has persuaded Toyota that there’s room in its UK range for the high performance Corolla
News
19 Jun 2025
New Audi A3 e-tron proves the brand isn’t turning its back on smaller cars
Render of the Audi A3 e-tron - front static

New Audi A3 e-tron proves the brand isn’t turning its back on smaller cars

Audi has confirmed it’s bringing a posh all-electric take on the MEB platform to market, and in good time
News
18 Jun 2025
Groundbreaking Nissan solid-state EV batteries due on sale by 2028
Nissan Leaf - front cornering

Groundbreaking Nissan solid-state EV batteries due on sale by 2028

The industry is in a race to bring solid-state to the market, and Nissan isn’t too far behind the leaders
News
17 Jun 2025