Executive Luxury in the Jaguar XE

Executive Luxury in the Jaguar XE

By Megan Busch

I’m not a girl who knows a ton about cars. I’ve driven Jeeps all my life (as has my mother), and I really haven’t veered off that track—ever. So, I’ve teamed up with the group at Baker Motor Company to try new things, namely cars outside my norm. A few times each month, I’ll be driving one of Baker’s cars and letting you know what I think. This isn’t going to be a series of Car and Driver or Motor Trend reviews. It’s just a girl sharing her honest opinion about some nifty vehicles.

___________________

Just the second Jaguar that I’ve taken for a spin, the XE didn’t fail to disappoint as I slid into the driver’s seat. The sedan was sleek and fast, but most importantly, it had a professional, executive feel all the way around. Secretly, I was pretty thrilled that I had worn a blazer that day because my outfit matched the car. I felt like I could tote clients around in the XE or arrive at a business meeting creating a striking first impression.

Connected to Clients on the Road

I see, most predominately, an executive driving the Jaguar XE (although it’s totally appropriate for all drivers considering a sedan). Because of this the technology and integrated connectivity have to be on-point. I know how dangerous it is to drive down the road, attempt to check an email, answer the ringing phone while turning down the radio volume, and search for someplace to write down notes. Sometimes, a client’s call just can’t wait and you need an office on the road.

Jaguar has created the InControl Touch system, which provides hands-free Bluetooth connectivity with a smartphone and offers a text-to-voice option to read emails and texts aloud. Plus, you’ll never be late for a meeting with the precise navigation system at your fingertips. If you add the optional Head-Up Display, directions (along with the vehicle speed and other important information) are projected onto the windshield, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road at all times.

To add more productivity elements, an upgrade to InControl Touch Pro provides a built-in hotspot for convenience.

Luxe Feeling

I couldn’t help but notice the supple leather inside the XE. It had that softness of a new Italian leather purse. You can literally touch the luxury. That’s how it felt sitting inside the XE. The crisp interior coupled with the dark exterior made the car seem debonair. Jaguar describes the first-generation model as “built to exceed all expectations.” It did exceed mine with its exquisite elegance.

The luxury feel does not merely come from the design of the vehicle, but from the power you feel when you press the gas pedal. The model I drove featured a supercharged V6 engine (the same in the F-TYPE). The 8-speed automatic transmission shifted quickly and smoothly, giving the car a sports-car feel, although it’s a more practical sedan.

Drawing Conclusions

In many respects, the XE is the car for the powerful CEO, or it’s the car for James Bond (minus the otherworldly gadgets). Most surprisingly, though, it’s the car for everyman. With a base price of just $34,900 MSRP, it’s in the same camp as a Toyota Avalon (starting at $33,300) or the Hyundai Azera (starting at $34,100). I feel as though the decision between a Toyota or Hyundai versus a Jaguar is a no-brainer. The luxury entry-level sticker price makes owning a Jaguar an attainable goal.

About this 2017 Jaguar XE 35t Prestige

340 Horsepower 3.0L V6 Supercharged Gas Engine

8-Speed Automatic Transmission

“Ultimate Black” Exterior

“Jet” and “Latte” Interior

10-Way Heated Front Seats

Leather Seating Surfaces

Driver Memory

Smart Key with Keyless Entry

Moonroof

Rearview Camera

Meridian Sound System

Blind Spot Monitor

InControl WiFi

Suggested Retail Price: $53,218.00

For more information, visit Baker Motor Company’s Jaguar West Ashley.