2021 Jaguar XE R-Dynamic BLACK AWD

Jaguar is as British as the Bank of England, Fish and Chips, and the union Jack. It is the preferred carriage of royalty, and in the 60’s, the Kray twins.

Like the Kray twins, Jaguar XE many moods and personalities, from suited gent in a bowler, to knuckle-dustered thug in a vest. That’s all down to superb engineering that keeps all the oily stuff tucked out of the way until it’s needed.

XE isn’t a particularly old model, but in 2021 it got updates to make it even more beautiful, and more potent. The Kray twins favoured the MK II Jag in a 160kw 3.8L, so they’d have felt at home in the 221kw/400Nm XE

The Black Pack XE costs $64,704, and our car came with tasty extras like a glass opening roof, heads up display, a smart LCD screen rear view mirror, wireless charger, privacy rear glass, and a split folding rear seat, adding up to $69,874.

Sir Bill Lyons said that Jaguar was known for Space, Grace, and Pace, and that is as true today as it was 50 years ago. I’d add “Class, Speed, and Handling,” but hey, that’s just me.

Get the BROCHURE, PRICING and Spec Guide HERE: 21MY_Jaguar XE_Spec Guide_V2_260421_5YW_tcm642-867379

Luxury cabin:

The exterior looks spectacular, possibly best in class, but it is the restful cabin that treats passengers like kings.

There is nothing worse than tacky plastic ruining the ambience and although there is plastic, it feels like quality. White perforated leather was as soft as butter, and adjusted for just the right fit. All the surfaces are soft touch adding to the posh feel.

Rear space is snug, but it always is in small luxury cars. Those in back would want to ask those in the posh pews to move forward a smidge, depending on the mood up front. There are USB outlets in the front console, with a couple of 12v outlets for good measure.

Ambient lighting can be set to your mood colour to create just the right atmosphere.

Last but not least, all 4 doors have smart access keyless entry.

Above: This Week – 2021 Jaguar XE BLACK P300 AWD Sports Sedan

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ABOVE: 2021 Jaguar XE R Dynamic BLACK P300 AWD

Comfort:

Much of the comfort comes from fancy suspension that adjusts depending on drive mode. The rest is from sensational sound deadening to make you feel like you’re wafting along in regal magnificence.

Then, there is the climate control that filters out all but the tiniest of nasties. It is operated by a touch screen and dials, with the rest of the settings up in the main touch screen. Jaguar claims the system is intuitive, and that certainly seems true.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and DAB come through Meridian speakers, and the sound is great, but needs the bass boosted, for an extra bit of thug-ness.

The Drive:

The engine fires up with a button. It isn’t the spluttery, farting, hot-mess that Modders are going to want. The turbo doesn’t hiss at you, and the exhaust isn’t a couple of soup cans stuck on with Blue Tack.

The Head up Display and LCD driver dials give a good amount of data without having the viewing overloaded. The drive display has many different views, but they’re under a menu on the lefthand steering wheel scroll button. I’d prefer a single button push.

The centre screen configures the rest of your controls,

Steering is beautifully light, but changes mood with the drive modes. Drive modes also change the feel of the suspension, but it is way too hard for my liking. I like light steering, soft suspension, and brisk throttle.

Even in comfort mode, the engine is a firecracker. It is teamed with a smooth 8-speed automatic, and sure-footed All Wheel Drive.

You never know when you’re going to need AWD grip, and it all happens in the background, with Jaguar XE taking care of any wayward behaviour.

0-100 is dashed off in 5.9 seconds, and that’s brilliant in any language. I think of Jaguar XE as a hot hatch for posh people. The turbo doesn’t slap you upside the head, but rather, gently insists you shift your arse, please.

One thing you don’t see often is the camera in the rear shark fin that puts a live streaming video in the rearview mirror. I find it a bit hard to focus  on, so leave it turned off most of the time. The surround view cameras on the other hand, are sheer genius. Use them for pin-point parking, and to see if anyone is hiding, to do you harm.

Is Jaguar XE as Good as a BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, of Mercedes C class?

In a word, yes. There is a 5 year warranty, and 6 years on corrosion. Cars don’t rust away like they used to, perhaps because we don’t keep them for as long.

I’ve no doubt brand loyalty will keep some in a car just because is has 4 rings, and blue roundel, or 3-pointed star, but it doesn’t make them better cars, just better advertised.

I’d rather something different, and Jaguar’s looks appeal. Perhaps a left-over from models designed for Americans, some see Jaguar as slightly old fashioned and stuffy. But not a bit of it. XE looks deliciously evil, hunkered down for a fight, wearing a dinner suit.

Jaguar XE competes for attention from BMW M’s and Mercedes AMG, and Audi RS, but Golf R buyers would also be surprised by the subtle luxury and overt performance. The drive is as refined, but wins on looks alone.

Audi is lovely, but a little conservative. BMW, oh dear. Mercedes, nice, but one Merc looks pretty much like any other car on the road.

As always, google for any known issues, no matter how much you’re spending.

Conclusion:

I’m hands-up a Jaguar fanboy, and always have been.

Does that make me biased? Perhaps. That doesn’t mean I’m wrong. I love XE Black and would make it my choice should I be in the market for a small, fiesty, four-door sedan/hothatch.

Price: $64,704

Engine: 4 cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 221kw/400Nm

Trans: 8-speed auto

Econ: 6.8L/100k

CO2: 157g/km

0-100: 5.9 seconds

Tags: gay jaguar, gay hot hatch, jaguar xe review, 2021 jaguar xe black r dynamic review AWD, luxury car review, sports car review,

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