I have a XE 35t AWD loaner this week. Very nice looking, lower than A4, C class. This is top end version a little over $55k which is questionable. Drives great, newer infotainment better. Interior is where this car is a let down. Even with leather in this version it is not near Audi or Merc. The models that compete with this version are S4 and C43. Both have much nicer interiors standard. I doubt they sell many at this price because of interior, too bad because it is quick and comfortable.

 

xe-s is above the 35t. the interior gets much nicer in the s trim. i had the same experience when looking at the f-pace as a potentional replacement for the wife. the 35t interior is ****. the s model is 100x better

 

S is '18 and seems to replace 35t which has 340hp. Seats seem nicer but dash and door trim look to be the same, very cheap looking. Also S starts at $55k!

 

the dash is leather (faux?) wrapped in the S models. and the door gets some additional leatherish pieces as well if i recall correctly.

The S is a step above the 35T. It was that way last year as well

 

I was given a strip-down loaner (XE 2.5) and while the steering and the ride-handling compromise was spot-on, the rest of the car felt...well, cheap as you said. 3.0 S/C V6 is a much better engine than the 2.0T, which has the most pronounced turbo lag of ANY modern engine I've sampled too. Not good. Granted, a nicely equipped XE V6 can be had for under $400/month on a lease, which is a MUCH better deal than either Audi S4 or Mercedes "AMG" C43 (my friend is leasing one for $750/month)

 

Wow, didn't know dealers accepted those as trade ins.