Jaguar XE review - Interior, design and technology

Jaguar facelifted its XE in 2019 to keep pace with the latest Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class  – all of which combine modern styling with plush, high-tech interiors. Thankfully the handsome exterior was only subtly tweaked with the arrival of a sharper front end and re-styled bumpers but the biggest changes came inside, where the XE benefits from big steps forward in quality, design and infotainment.

It’s not exactly spacious in the XE, but there are certainly worse cabins to spend your time in. The facelift introduced a new steering wheel, an F-Type-style gearlever and a range of high-quality plastics and decorative trim pieces have helped to lift what was an ageing interior.

Even entry-level S models get ambient interior lighting, dual-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 12-way electrically-adjustable front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Leather upholstery is standard.

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Step up through the XE’s trim levels and even more equipment gets lumped in. Improved leather, online connectivity, plus a wealth of driver assistance and safety kit. There’s a hefty options list too – it’s possible to spend a huge amount of money on items such as memory-function heated and cooled seats, a remote heating system or a premium Meridian audio set-up.

Overall, the level of quality, fit and finish matches that of a BMW 3 Series or Mercedes C-Class and the XE’s design and interior certainly feels worthy of its price.

Those after the most ostentatious XE are pointed towards the supercharged V8 XE SV Project 8, with its huge bumpers and massive rear wing. They all sold out pretty quickly, given their extensive performance appeal – despite the price tag of £150,000.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

The most important addition to the XE’s specification following its 2019 refresh was the adoption of uprated infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. All models get the latest Pivi Pro system – which looks elegant but is easy to use. This comprises a 10.2-inch touchscreen mounted on the dashboard, with a second touchscreen lower on the centre console: the former is used to control functions like media and sat-nav, while the latter allows easy access to car settings like climate control, heated seats and drive modes.

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The system works well – especially the lower screen and its sensible collation of key functions, along with physical rotary dials whose function changes according to which sub-menu is selected. Pivi Pro is well-presented and is easy to use once you’ve become used to its unique design. Other systems are a little snappier and once you’ve got your head around it; Mercedes’ MBUX system is more impressive.