2020 Jaguar XE R-Dynamic Review

This week we’re taking a look at the all-new 2020 Jaguar XE R-Dynamic, a midsized luxury sedan that competes with cars like the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class.

Powertrain

There is only one engine offered in the XE, a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic that has shift paddles. However, there are two available horsepower choices. The base choice has 247-horses, but the upgraded engine like the one I am reviewing has 296-horses and 295-pound feet of torque. My tester is also all-wheel drive.

Exterior

The exterior of the XE is refreshed with new LED headlights and taillights, 20” wheels, dual exhaust, and overall this Jag has a sleek yet aggressive look. This is an extremely attractive sedan.

Interior

As much as I like what was done with the exterior, it is actually the all-new interior that really gets your attention. You are greeted by bolstered and double-stitched 16-way power adjustable heated and cooled seats. The seats are as comfortable as they are beautiful.

The gauge cluster is bright, colorful, and easy to read. Between the speedometer and tachometer is an interactive driver display that allows you to change many of the settings, or you can do what I do and position a navigation map there.

As you look through the windshield you see a color head-up display with traffic sign recognition.

The overall interior is well done with carbon fiber on the door panels and on the center console. The old round shifter dial has been replaced with a more conventional joystick shifter. Around the new shifter you can choose drive modes from Eco, Comfort, or Dynamic. You should leave it in Dynamic all the time by the way. You can turn off the start/stop system and there is wireless phone charger there.

Above the shifter you’ll find two screens. The top one is a 10” touch screen. From the home page you operate the navigation system, the media, and the Bluetooth. You can swipe to the left for additional pages. The Jaguar comes with an 825-watt Meridian sound system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and HD radio.

Under the big screen is a 5.5” screen that is for climate control operated by round knobs on each side to set the temperature. You push the buttons to activate the front seat climate control, and pull them to change the fan speed.

Utility

Back seat legroom is pretty tight, headroom is OK for people up to about 6-feet tall, and there is a nice-sized trunk with a temporary spare. The trunk lid is power operated from the key fob, or you can wave your foot under the bumper for opening and closing.

Standard Equipment

Notice that there are no options on this car, everything you see is included in this package. Most notable features include a power moon roof, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, keyless entry, power tilt steering wheel that is heated, and ambient lighting.

For your safety, you get blind-spot assist, high-speed emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and a 360-degree rear camera.

One cool feature is the rear-view mirror that becomes a rear camera. The view is terrific thanks to a camera mounted inside the satellite radio antenna on the roof. This is especially helpful with people in the back seat blocking your view.

Drive

The driving characteristics of this car are terrific, especially in Dynamic Drive mode, which tightens the steering and suspension, and makes the transmission shift harder and faster. The acceleration of this 4-cylinder was a real shocker, it will get up and go. There is a slight turbo lag, which is typical of high-horsepower 4-cylinder engines, but once the blower kicks in, it’ll pin you to the seat.

Verdict

If I have a complaint on this car it is the infotainment screen. As with all Jaguars and Land Rovers, even the one I own, it is very slow to change screens, so you’ll need a little patience.

Fuel economy is 22 in town, 30 highway for a combined 25 overall. Total MSRP is $47,290 which is a good price point in this segment when you start comparing equipment on sports luxury sedans.