Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Jaguar XE review - Practicality, comfort and boot space

Great ride quality is tempered by a cabin that lacks space compared to rivals, and the boot has a similar issue

Practicality, comfort and boot space 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
Advertisement

Packaging is one of the XE’s flaws, as it feels a little cramped in the rear, particularly next to the Audi A4. There’s still more than enough space for four adults to sit in perfect comfort, however. A sliding panoramic roof is an optional extra on all XEs but it’s one that’s worth ticking to give the cabin a more spacious feel.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s slightly shorter and wider than a BMW 3 Series, but the Jaguar is no bigger inside, and it trails the Alfa Romeo Giulia in terms of rear seat space.

The XE gets comfort spot-on when it comes to ride quality, though. Regardless of wheel and tyre choice, it levels out most road surfaces in the spirit of a more expensive, more luxurious car. This is one of its most alluring qualities.

The driving position is pretty spot-on too, with plenty of adjustment – the wheel comes back some distance, and the chair is set low, again giving the XE the feel of a coupe. Taller drivers might find the roof lining a little too close for comfort, but it should accommodate all but the very tallest.

There is a decent amount of storage in the cabin, with good-sized door pockets and nets for rear passengers. The central storage bin is sizeable too, as is the glove compartment.

Size

The XE of course conforms to the conventional ‘three-box’ shape of the executive saloon segment, but it’s actually a little shorter and wider than the BMW 3 Series, while also being lower. The last of those properties explains the very slight headroom deficiency, and the coupe-like profile, although Jaguar could have perhaps squeezed a little more legroom and boot space from the cabin.

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

In terms of manoeuvrability the XE is fine, because despite the low seating position it’s easy to judge the corners thanks to its short overhangs and decent visibility.

Leg room, head room & passenger space

The XE is generally a lot more fun when you’re sitting up front. That wide centre console hides a thick transmission tunnel, which is most obvious in the back. It’ll make things uncomfortable for a third rear passenger in the middle, and amplifies the XE’s main problem – cramped rear seats.

You’d expect a car of this length (and in this class) to have more space behind the front seats. Anyone over six-foot might find their fancy haircut being flattened by the XE’s roof lining.

The doors open nice and wide at the front and back, making getting in and out easy, but that transmission tunnel means anyone sitting in the middle rear seat will have their knees apart and feet fighting for space with those of passengers sitting in the outer chairs.

Boot

The XE’s boot is a bit of a letdown – it’s a little awkwardly shaped with a narrow opening and measures in at 410 litres, which is down significantly on the Alfa Giulia, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Our latest car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,155Avg. savings £2,485 off RRP*Compare Offers
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £27,565Avg. savings £2,749 off RRP*Compare Offers
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £23,500Avg. savings £4,311 off RRP*Compare Offers
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,505Avg. savings £3,518 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: new MG4 long-range EV for a ridiculously low price
MG4 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: new MG4 long-range EV for a ridiculously low price

The MG4 is one of our favourite EVs on account of its sheer value for money. It’s our Deal of the Day for 11 December
News
11 Dec 2024
ZEV Mandate to spoil Christmas for 1,000s of petrol and diesel car buyers
Nissan Cube

ZEV Mandate to spoil Christmas for 1,000s of petrol and diesel car buyers

Got an ICE car on order? Don’t bet on collecting it before the New Year…
News
10 Dec 2024
Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage SUV is stunning value at just £260 a month
Kia Sportage - main image

Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage SUV is stunning value at just £260 a month

The Kia Sportage is a top-selling car and it’s easy to see why. It’s our Deal of the Day for 10 December
News
10 Dec 2024