Specs: 2017 Jaguar XE Sets BMW 3-Series in its Sights

It just needs to refine the interior and give it the performance cred to keep with the German.

Jaguar and many other luxury automakers have been trying to crack BMW’s 3-Series secret sauce. The 3-Series has been the pinnacle of luxury performance. Jaguar is reentering the segment with the 2017 XE.

Performance: Three Engines, Including a Supercharged Jaguar XE 35t

2017 Jaguar XE rear
2017 Jaguar XE. Photo: Jaguar
  • Jaguar XE 35t: 340hp supercharged 3.0L V6 engine with a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds(1)
  • Jaguar XE 20d: High-efficiency 42mpg(7) 180hp 2.0L Ingenium diesel
  • Jaguar XE 25t: 240hp 2.0L GTDI engine

The Jaguar XE features a longitudinally mounted engine powering the rear wheels as standard, though the all-wheel drive will be an available option. Undetermined four-cylinder engines will power the majority of XEs.

Related2017 Jaguar XE R-Sport Review: 2.0d R-Sport Vs. 3.5t R-Sport

The XE 35t leads with a robust 340 hp supercharged 3.0L V6 engine, achieving a brisk 0-60 mph acceleration in just 5.1 seconds, combining sports car performance with sedan practicality. Spec for the Jaguar XE 35t:

  • Engine: supercharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V6
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
  • Displacement: 183 cu in, 2995 cc
  • Power: 340 hp @ 6500 rpm
  • Torque: 332 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
  • Zero to 60 mph: 4.8 sec
  • Top speed (governor limited): 123 mph
  • Wheelbase: 111.6 in
  • Length: 183.9 in
Red Jaguar-XE-20d rear driving in snow
2017 Jaguar XE 20d. Photo: Jaguar

For those prioritizing fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance, the XE 20d offers an impressive 42mpg from its 180hp 2.0L Ingenium diesel engine. The XE 25t rounds out the range with a proven 240hp 2.0L GTDI engine, offering a balanced mix of power and efficiency, ensuring that there’s a Jaguar XE model to meet the demands of any driving enthusiast.

2017 Jaguar XE Interior Is Nothing to Write Home About

2017 Jaguar XE. Photo: Jaguar

Styling out front is typical Jaguar – nothing surprising that differentiates from the company’s current design language. The compact sedan looks long and low and svelte, with a haunched and sporty rear end. The particularly low hood is what really gives the car its luxurious look.

Even though the outside is handsome, the inside of the 2017 Jaguar XE is quite pedestrian. No risks were taken with the interior, appearing to come from almost any generic luxury car.

It’s nothing to write home about, but stately enough for Jaguar, even if it can’t compare to the competition. Plus, a revamped 2020 XE model steps it up even more with a more refined exterior, new interior, and advanced technology.

2017 Jaguar XE. Photo: Jaguar

Expect performance versions of the XE in the form of the XE-R and XE-RS sometime in the future, as well as a possible hybrid, as the platform has been designed to accommodate a partial electric powertrain.

The XE sedan is an important sedan for Jaguar, and it certainly has the looks to compete. It just needs to refine the interior and give it the performance cred to compete with the BMW 3-Series and the luxury performance sedan competition.

2017-jaguar-xe-sports-sedan-topview
2017 Jaguar XE. Photo: Jaguar
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Author:
Anthony Alaniz
Anthony Alanizhttps://anthonyalaniz.com/
Born and raised in the shadows of Detroit, Anthony has been writing about the automotive industry since 2008 — before the bailouts, bankruptcies and buyouts. Industry news and car reviews are Anthony's ammunition and working for outlets including CarandDriver.com, Revvolution.com, The Daily Telegram is the vehicle to deliver them. J-school graduate, weekend mechanic, car enthusiast and open-road connoisseur.