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Dropped our F Type off for service and got an XE 35t for a loaner car. I am really digging this car. The build quality (fit and finish) are excellent and the ride quality/performance are superb.
Glad you like it.
I agree with performance and interior. Lots of people hate the interior design and fit&finish, I however, have no issues with it. I think it looks minimalist and modern.
Glad you like it.
I agree with performance and interior. Lots of people hate the interior design and fit&finish, I however, have no issues with it. I think it looks minimalist and modern.
I also really like the interior of the XE. It was one of the things that made us decide to get the car. However, I do wish they could have replaced some of the black shiny plastic with superior materials -- Dark wood, carbon fiber, metal?
I also really like the interior of the XE. It was one of the things that made us decide to get the car. However, I do wish they could have replaced some of the black shiny plastic with superior materials -- Dark wood, carbon fiber, metal?
Yes, that piano black insert should be the worst part of XE's interior. I would be happy to pay premium and have an aluminum insert...
I don't like the aluminum trim and door & window buttons are not as intuitively placed as previous Jags. That being said, I like the interior over all considering its price point.
Dropped our F Type off for service and got an XE 35t for a loaner car. I am really digging this car. The build quality (fit and finish) are excellent and the ride quality/performance are superb.
Nice ride.
Thanks for the comparison.. I'm curious.. how do you compare the overall handling/fun factor between the two? I still occasionally lust after an F-Type S..but the cost differential..yikes...I'm wondering if the difference in handling is a big as the price difference. I have My 35T tuned up to Ftype S HP specs.
Cheers
CRS
I've got the f type S and my missus the XE 25T. I've driven the XE S on the track (which has the 35T engine) and it is a cut above the 25T which can be a bit "surgey".
It is hard to say what is better to drive between the XE and the F Type. The F type is more tail happy, so around the track I got far more out of the XE S than I did out of the F Type R I drove that day.
The F Type S is quicker than the XE S (slightly different tune) and I would say a tiny bit more fun to drive because it is a touch more of a handful, whereas the XE is exactly where you want it to be, when you want it to be there. I also think that the transmission suits the slightly more powerful engine better, and the engine note the the F Type is much better for the bogan (redneck) in me. The steering is about the same though the XE is better on twisty roads, I think - at my skill level. The suspension in the XE is slightly better, and the seats more supple.
Personally, I think the XE is the better car to drive all round, the F Type more fun. If my F Type rode as nicely as the XE, it would be a perfect car. Of course, the F Type looks so good that for a showoff like me it puts it ahead by a nose, though I love the looks of the XE too.
I've got the f type S and my missus the XE 25T. I've driven the XE S on the track (which has the 35T engine) and it is a cut above the 25T which can be a bit "surgey".
It is hard to say what is better to drive between the XE and the F Type. The F type is more tail happy, so around the track I got far more out of the XE S than I did out of the F Type R I drove that day.
The F Type S is quicker than the XE S (slightly different tune) and I would say a tiny bit more fun to drive because it is a touch more of a handful, whereas the XE is exactly where you want it to be, when you want it to be there. I also think that the transmission suits the slightly more powerful engine better, and the engine note the the F Type is much better for the bogan (redneck) in me. The steering is about the same though the XE is better on twisty roads, I think - at my skill level. The suspension in the XE is slightly better, and the seats more supple.
Personally, I think the XE is the better car to drive all round, the F Type more fun. If my F Type rode as nicely as the XE, it would be a perfect car. Of course, the F Type looks so good that for a showoff like me it puts it ahead by a nose, though I love the looks of the XE too.
Thank you for a great comparison. Well...I'll just have to win the lottery and have both cars I have to admit that the XE 35 T really amazes me with its handling....just when I think it's going to get loose, it works its suspension magic and tightens things up. I'm learning to trust it more and more. I also agree with you on the F Type exhaust note being a bit more satisfying. I'm hoping that a good third party alternative for my XE will be available soon. I tried the Quicksilver, and the drone in the cabin almost made my head explode. Spires says they have a stage one and two system coming out soon, but they too are working on taming the drone with the V6.
Cheers
CRS
Thanks for the comparison.. I'm curious.. how do you compare the overall handling/fun factor between the two? I still occasionally lust after an F-Type S..but the cost differential..yikes...I'm wondering if the difference in handling is a big as the price difference. I have My 35T tuned up to Ftype S HP specs.
Cheers
CRS
Originally Posted by BruceTheQuail
I've got the f type S and my missus the XE 25T. I've driven the XE S on the track (which has the 35T engine) and it is a cut above the 25T which can be a bit "surgey".
It is hard to say what is better to drive between the XE and the F Type. The F type is more tail happy, so around the track I got far more out of the XE S than I did out of the F Type R I drove that day.
The F Type S is quicker than the XE S (slightly different tune) and I would say a tiny bit more fun to drive because it is a touch more of a handful, whereas the XE is exactly where you want it to be, when you want it to be there. I also think that the transmission suits the slightly more powerful engine better, and the engine note the the F Type is much better for the bogan (redneck) in me. The steering is about the same though the XE is better on twisty roads, I think - at my skill level. The suspension in the XE is slightly better, and the seats more supple.
Personally, I think the XE is the better car to drive all round, the F Type more fun. If my F Type rode as nicely as the XE, it would be a perfect car. Of course, the F Type looks so good that for a showoff like me it puts it ahead by a nose, though I love the looks of the XE too.
I agree with this completely. The F Type S has the edge in looks and exhaust note. The XE definitely has the edge in ride quality and comfort. The XE is very capable and yet refined.
I was told that the 8 speed transmission makes removing the drone difficult; the car is more often in the drone range.
Yeah, that drone.... It feels like the engine is begging for a downshift sometimes.
I drive in the city a lot and through traffic, in Normal mode, I often see transmission use 5th and 6th gears instead of 3rd and 4th. I understand this helps the fuel economy but sometimes it almost bogs down the engine. The revs often drop to 1000-1200rpm.
If the would have calibrated it in a way to keep revs in 1500-1700 range, it would feel much zippier through traffic.
Yeah, that drone.... It feels like the engine is begging for a downshift sometimes.
I drive in the city a lot and through traffic, in Normal mode, I often see transmission use 5th and 6th gears instead of 3rd and 4th. I understand this helps the fuel economy but sometimes it almost bogs down the engine. The revs often drop to 1000-1200rpm.
If the would have calibrated it in a way to keep revs in 1500-1700 range, it would feel much zippier through traffic.
I 100% agree with both of you. I find myself using the paddles to downshift to 3 or 4th gear around the city. I'm wondering if there is a gearbox remap solution to this? "Begging for a downshift" describes it well. Sport mode helps, but it's not a perfect solution for that city type driving. I wish there was a "driving in the city non bog down mode"
I was able to try out the XE back in March at a Jaguar promo event where we were able to drive them out on the street and also on a small autocross course. I found the XE Sport to be very toss-able and fun. It reminded me of my 2001 BMW 330CI (not convertible) back in the day. It felt nimble and light on its feet. I am bringing my F-type in for some warranty repairs this weekend and I have a feeling that I'll have the XE as a loaner to report more impressions.
My XE is in for updates and they gave me a Disco Sport and I had to give it back as I felt it was very poor and missed my XE. They gave me a Evoque and I have to say even though it looks ugly on the outside the inside is very nice and drives great! I like the fit and finish better than my XE and this Evoque only has a few option in it and it kicks ***! My only complaint is I can't see crap out the windshield at night due to the heated windshield lines deflecting light, that is 1 option I would never get in any car now that I seen it first hand.
My XE is in for updates and they gave me a Disco Sport and I had to give it back as I felt it was very poor and missed my XE. They gave me a Evoque and I have to say even though it looks ugly on the outside the inside is very nice and drives great! I like the fit and finish better than my XE and this Evoque only has a few option in it and it kicks ***! My only complaint is I can't see crap out the windshield at night due to the heated windshield lines deflecting light, that is 1 option I would never get in any car now that I seen it first hand.
My dealer always gives me Evoque for a loaner. They do drive surprisingly well and feel nimble for a crossover/SUV.
What about that engine though? It has one of the worst turbo lag I've ever experienced. From a dead stop at full throttle, it takes at least 2 seconds for it to spool up...
My only complaint is I can't see crap out the windshield at night due to the heated windshield lines deflecting light, that is 1 option I would never get in any car now that I seen it first hand.
Really? This is my 2nd car with heated windshield and it is a must've have option for me. I love it and never experienced any vision impairment; night or day.
Me too, my X-Type had it my and S-Type doesn't (originally from LA, who'd figure...), I miss it every icy morning.
This morning was particularly bad. It was below freezing but dry so no frost on the outside of the windshield. However, when I got in and started to drive my windshield frosted over with the water vapor from my breathing. Right as I turned into the direction of the rising sun!!!
Instant opaque windshield. I had to immediately pull over without being able to see the side of the street and wait until the defroster started up (after the engine had warmed up a bit) and the frost slowly disappeared.
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Jaguar: Grace, Pace, and Space - Sir William Lyons
2015 JCNA National Slalom Champion Class M
Current: '08 Jaguar S-Type 4.2 "Satin Edition" (250.06 whp / 259.67 torque)
Past: '05 X-Type 3.0/auto Jaguar Racing Green
XE loaner
I have to admit that the XE 35 T really amazes me with its handling....just when I think it's going to get loose, it works its suspension magic and tightens things up. I'm learning to trust it more and more. I also agree with you on the F Type exhaust note being a bit more satisfying. I'm hoping that a good third party alternative for my XE will be available soon. I tried the Quicksilver, and the drone in the cabin almost made my head explode. Spires says they have a stage one and two system coming out soon, but they too are working on taming the drone with the V6.
