Hey everyone. I'm going to be taking over the X-Type for a couple of years, as my significant other is going to be getting a new car, so you might see more of me here in the coming months.

Anyway, now that I will be in charge of this small cat, I've been pondering the X-Type and its "sporty" nature. Now, I know the car can't be described as fast by any means (former E46 M3 owner here), but I am continually surprised by how high the powerband is. Looking at it in context, I personally think that this makes the car really fun, and actually gives it an advantage at speed compared to low-powerband engines... especially when you're passing on the highway and kick down a couple of gears. Compared to other cars I've driven that make their power lower down, the Jag just keeps climbing and climbing and reaching for more. I tested it just about flat out a few times on the way to/from Las Vegas, and while I don't want to say how fast I got it, it felt like it had plenty left (didn't want to push the tires). I think it's an amazing little engine and definitely makes this Jag truly "sporty," if not fast. Oh yeah, and the VVT really helps with providing tolerable amounts of torque for just cruising.

I haven't driven the 3.0, but supposedly it makes peak power at the same RPM. I've also read that it's a "rougher" engine, though.

Not really sure if this has been discussed here before, but I think it is a great "plus" to bring up when talking about the X-Type with those people who may automatically just assume it's a Ford with a Ford engine. I think it will eventually be somewhat redeemed in Jag history.

Looking at the engine in context, what do you guys think? I don't know much about Jags and what makes one have "Jaguarness," but I imagine the lively nature of engine would play a role?

Jaguar X-Type 2.5: 194hp @ 6800rpm (some sources say 192)

I did a quick Google search and found some specs of its competitors back in the day (2003 since that's what ours is):

BMW 325i: 184hp @ 6000rpm

Saab 9-3 Linear: 175hp @ 5500rpm

Audi A4 1.8T: 170hp @ 5900rpm

Mercedes C240: 168hp @ 5700rpm

Am I missing anyone? Obviously I can't compare the sledgehammer that is the Cadillac CTS with the X-Type 2.5, lol. Oh, I guess the Acura TSX, but that debuted in 2004, with 200hp @ 6800rpm. My friend has one with a 6-speed manual. It has one of the worst clutch take-ups I've ever felt, and doesn't have the broad torque of the AJ 2.5. Nice car overall though, it was on our list but we obviously went with the X-Type instead. Sadly when I have enough money saved for a new car in a few years, I won't even be thinking of Jag, unless they bring back the traditional style... I'm not going to pay big bucks for an unreliable Lexus. The M4 is looking mighty good.

 

blackcat, I have one of the 3.0L engines. I like the lower power of the 3.0L engine as it doesn't have to downshift to pass. You simply step on the gas and away you go. Kinda like taking off from a light, I simply depress the gas pedal, the car naturally shifts at about 3,000 RPM and I am accelerating way faster than most cars. The only ones beating me are the ones you can hear the motors winding way up to get the "big power". Both motors are capable in the X-Type. The question simply comes, do you want your engine at 2500 RPM or 4,000 RPM when accelerating at a given rate.

 

When Porsche designs the engine, Cosworth the heads and Ford builds it in huge quantities you get a pretty good engine. I have a 2.5L with manual transmission and it has more than enough performance for me. It's fast but not fierce.

 

I have a 2.5 5 speed, the engine loves high rpms, from like 5 to almost 7k is where most of the power seems to be. I so wish it had more low end power for everyday driving. I actually got to "push" my car today on a very nice and curvy road, staying about 5 grand the car was very "sporty". I love my X...

 

You ever gone up against an XJR?

505 Nm / 372 lb ft @ 3600 RPM

 

What's wrong with yours then? Mine's doing 556Nm / 410lb-ft...

For the OP, i've only driven one 2.5L X-Type, and it was not inspiring, but it was in a pretty bad state compared to my old 3.0L...

 

Well plums has an X308 and you have an X350, the engine isn't the same :P