Are you in the market for a new Jaguar and find yourself torn between the XF and XE? The choice may seem like a challenging one because, at first glance, they appear to be rather similar. Handily, we’re about to put these two exquisite models head to head in order to highlight their key differences and help you to decide which model is ultimately the right one for you.
DESIGN
The XF and the XE are fairly alike in their external appearance. Both models are curved and sleek, making them fantastically aerodynamic; and their headlights, which feature the ‘J’ blade daytime running lights, give them that signature Jaguar look. In addition, they both have lightweight aluminium architecture which is highly beneficial when it comes to fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. So what is the difference between these two cars in terms of design?
Well, the core differences lie inside. The XE is much more compact with a sportier and edgier air to it. This is partially due to it sitting lower than the XF, which results in more of a cockpit feel. Whereas the XF, which is available as a Saloon or as an estate-style Sportbrake model, has a more classic, luxurious and, to an extent, a more dramatic feel to it.
Conclusion: Both designs are attractive, but the atmosphere you want to achieve inside your Jaguar will heavily influence whether you choose the XF or the XE. Sport or luxury? The choice is yours.
SPACE
Space is the key component that sets these cars apart, so you should consider your spatial wants and needs when deciding between the two. Firstly: passenger space. The XF provides more headroom than the XE (2cm extra in the front and 3cm in the back, to be precise), which is due to the XE being shorter in length with a more slanted roof. Owing to its longer wheelbase, the XF also has more legroom in the rear which makes passenger journeys more comfortable, given that there’s extra space to stretch out.
Now, let’s look at load capacity. Again, the XF leads the charge in this area with the Saloon providing an enviable 540 litres of boot space, compared to the 455 litres offered in the XE. Plus, if you opt for the 40:20:40 rear seating configuration, this will increase to 885 litres. The Sportbrake offers up to a whopping 1,700 litres of space when the rear seats are down, so this gives you even more flexibility.
Conclusion: The bottom line is, the XF is bigger. If space is essential for you, and a key consideration when looking for a new car, then the XF is for you. The Sportbrake model in particular will give all the room you desire, and then some.
ENGINE
Engine-wise, the XE and the XF are fairly evenly matched seeing as, generally, the same engines are offered for both cars. The bigger size and extra weight of the XF slows things down slightly in the 0-60 department, but the differences are minimal. One thing that is worth bearing in mind is that the XF has 3.0 litre diesel engines available, but the XE does not. See the table below for a direct comparison based on a 2.0 4-Cylinder Turbocharged Diesel engine.
| ASPECT | JAGUAR XE | JAGUAR XF |
| Top Speed (mph) | 132 | 132 |
| Acceleration 0-60 (seconds) | 8.9 | 9.3 |
| Capacity (cc) | 1,999 | 1,999 |
| Maximum Power (PS) | 163 | 163 |
| Maximum Torque (NM) | 380 | 380 |
| Transmission | Manual | 6-Speed |
Conclusion: As you can see, engine performance is very similar when the XF and the XE go toe-to-toe, but if extra diesel power is important to you or essential in your driving life, the availability of bigger diesel engines for the XF may tip the scales slightly.
TECHNOLOGY
The XE and the XF both provide many of the same technological features, the main difference is that the XE has the Touch Pro Duo displays and the XF does not. This is due to the XE being slightly newer, so no doubt the XF will feature new tech just like this when the newer model is launched later this year. A potential issue with the current XF being older, is that all the tech that comes with the XE as standard currently remains as optional extras with the XF. These top of the range features include: InControl Apps, Navigation Pro and 4G WiFi, which allows you to connect up to eight devices at any one time.
Safety and efficiency features are the same, so Autonomous Emergency Braking, 360 Parking Assist and Pedestrian Contact Sensors (to name but a few) are all available in either of the models.
Conclusion: The newer XE arguably has the technological edge, but it really depends on how important tech features are to you and whether they are going to play a role in your decision making.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
These cars are both Jaguars, so either way the driving experience is going to be fantastic. The XE and the XF both have Adaptive Dynamics, meaning that the car automatically responds to your driving style and external conditions. They also benefit from sophisticated suspension systems, so you’re guaranteed comfortable journeys, and the aluminium architecture mentioned earlier, gives both cars a lightweight and borderline sporty feel when you’re out on the open road.
A notable difference could come in the form of the engine size. As we said, the XF has bigger diesel engine options available so a larger engine could enhance your driving experience by giving you a louder and more powerful ride.
Conclusion: Ultimately, your driving experience is what you make it, and in either of these cars you’ll have a great time. The aforementioned factors of power and space could make your experience in the XF that little bit better, but overall, they’re on the same, high level.
PRICE
The XE starts from £31,510, and the XF from £34,950. With the XF, you’re of course paying for the extra size and the more luxurious feel that it offers, so your needs will determine which price you’re happy to pay.
Conclusion: These cars run pretty much neck and neck in many areas, so you could argue that you’re getting better value with the XE. However, you need to choose the car that best fits your lifestyle, and the subtle yet crucial differences between the two models will likely help you to make a decision.
OVERALL
So, Jaguar XE vs XF - which one do you choose? From our perspective, you can’t go wrong with either; ultimately it comes down to your personal requirements and preferences. To sum up:
The XE...
- Has a slight technological edge
- Has a sportier vibe
- Rolls in at a lower price
- Is smaller and lighter, and therefore quicker off the line
Whereas the XF...
- Feels more luxurious
- Has much more space
- Is available with a more powerful diesel engine
- Comes in two variations (Saloon and Sportbrake)
Yes, it’s a tough call, but the best thing to do if you’re feeling indecisive is to think about your priorities and what you want from the car, and that will guide you towards the best model for you.