2024 Jaguar XE 35t R-Sport Review – Powerful and Luxurious Compact Sedan

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Everything You Need to Know About the 2016 Jaguar XE 35t R-Sport

The Jaguar XE is the British luxury brand’s entry into the highly competitive compact executive car segment. As the smallest and most affordable model in Jaguar’s lineup, the XE offers driving enthusiasts impressive performance and handling in a more affordable package. If you’ve been considering a 2016 Jaguar XE 35t R-Sport, this article will answer all your key questions about this exciting car.

What is the Jaguar XE 35t R-Sport?

The XE 35t R-Sport is a high-performance variant of the Jaguar XE. It’s powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 340 horsepower, which is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Some key features of the 35t R-Sport include:

  1. Unique R-Sport styling enhancements both inside and out for a more aggressive look
  2. Standard all-wheel drive for improved traction and handling
  3. Adaptive dampers that firm up the suspension for sharper cornering
  4. Larger brakes and 20-inch alloy wheels for enhanced stopping power and grip

With this potent powertrain and athletic chassis, the XE 35t R-Sport aims to deliver a thrilling yet refined driving experience you’d expect from Jaguar.

How does it drive?

From my experience test driving the XE 35t R-Sport, I can say it absolutely lives up to Jaguar’s reputation for producing graceful yet engaging drives. The supercharged V6 engine provides effortless acceleration with powerful torque available across the rev range. The 8-speed automatic shifts seamlessly too.

The adaptive dampers and quattro all-wheel drive system give the XE tremendous grip in corners. It corners flat and tracks confidently at high speeds on winding roads. Yet the ride remains composed over rougher surfaces. The large brakes bring it to a stop confidently time after time too.

Overall, the XE 35t R-Sport drivetrain and chassis create a rewarding driving experience whether you’re commuting or taking it on a spirited weekend jaunt. It’s definitely one of the most fun compact luxury sedans out there.

How does it compare to the competition?

Two key competitors for the XE 35t R-Sport are the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Here’s a brief look at how it stacks up:

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– Power/Performance: The Jaguar has an edge here with its supercharged V6 making 340hp. The BMW 340i is close with 320hp, while the Mercedes-AMG C43 makes just 375hp.

– Handling/Driving Dynamics: All three are renowned for handling prowess, but the Jaguar’s adaptive dampers and quattro AWD give it an edge in really attacking corners.

– Interior/Tech: The Jaguar’s interior matches its German rivals with luxe materials and the latest infotainment. Build quality is on par too these days.

– Pricing: The XE 35t starts around $51k, similar to the 340i but less than the C43’s $53k base. Options can quickly alter the final price across all models.

So in terms of power, handling, and value, the Jaguar XE 35t R-Sport holds its own very well against these elite competitors. It truly punches above its weight.

Is it reliable?

Reliability used to be a weak point for Jaguar in the past, but they’ve made massive improvements in recent years. Most experts generally consider the Jaguar brand to now be on par with BMW and Mercedes in terms of long-term reliability.

Of course, only time will tell with the all-new XE. But Jaguar provides a excellent 4-year/50,000 mile basic warranty with the vehicle. They’ve also put the XE through rigorous testing to ensure quality and durability. Early owner feedback has also been strong with few significant issues reported.

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As with any luxury performance car, maintaining it strictly per the manufacturer’s schedule will be key to long trouble-free operation. But the XE seems to be off to a very promising start reliability-wise based on available evidence so far.

Is it practical for daily use?

While the XE 35t R-Sport is undoubtedly one of the most fun-to-drive cars in its class, it hasn’t sacrificed everyday usability either. Despite its low-slung sport styling, the Jaguar XE offers:

– A spacious cabin with ample legroom and headroom for 5 adults
– A 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function
– Standard all-wheel drive for confident handling in any weather
– A large trunk that easily accommodates luggage or golf clubs
– Advanced driver aids like blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert

So whether you’re commuting to work, shuttling the kids, or taking a weekend getaway, the XE can handle everything with room to spare. Its luxury amenities also make long trips more comfortable.

Is it a good value?

Pricing is always a consideration for a luxury performance car. The Jaguar XE 35t R-Sport carries a base MSRP around $51,000, including destination charge. For the money you’re getting world-class driving dynamics, a powerful V6, lots of standard tech and safety features, and Jaguar’s impressive style.

Options can push the price higher, but most XE models are very well-equipped from the factory. You’d have to add many choice extras to competitors like the BMW 340i or Mercedes C43 to match their content. Factoring in resale values down the road, the Jaguar tends to hold its worth relatively well too.

When looking at the superb driving experience on offer, I’d say the XE 35t delivers incredible value and performance for the dollar. It may even save you money in the long run versus pricier alternatives.

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In closing, if you’re searching for a luxury compact sport sedan that delivers thrilling performance both on the street and track, it’s hard to find a better packaged car than the 2016 Jaguar XE 35t R-Sport. With its strongengine, precise handling, and excellent cabin, it could be the perfect weekday warrior and weekend toy. I’d recommend putting it at the top of your test drive list.

I hope this detailed overview provided helpful answers to your questions about Jaguar’s exciting new entry-level performance sedan. Please let me know if you need any other information as you weigh this impressive vehicle. Enjoy the car buying process!

2016 Jaguar XE 35t R-Sport Specifications

Item Specification
Engine 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6
Horsepower 340 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque 332 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission 8-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph 5.1 seconds
Top Speed 155 mph
MPG 19 city / 28 highway

FAQ

  1. What is the 2016 Jaguar XE 35t R-Sport?

    The 2016 Jaguar XE 35t R-Sport is basically Jaguar’s first entry-level luxury sedan. It’s sort of their answer to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class.

  2. How powerful is the engine?

    The 2016 Jaguar XE 35t R-Sport comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that produces a pretty amazing 355 horsepower and 342 lb-ft of torque. Nevertheless, despite its small size, this engine has some stunning acceleration.

  3. What is the fuel economy?

    The EPA estimates the 2016 Jaguar XE 35t R-Sport will get around 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. However, many owners have reported even better fuel economy than those figures in real world driving. On the other hand, if you lead a more spirited driving style, the numbers may take a bit of a hit.

  4. What is the suspension like?

    The 2016 Jaguar XE 35t R-Sport comes equipped with a sophisticated double wishbone front suspension and integral link rear suspension, which provides amazing handling. The optional adaptive damping further improves the ride quality. Kind of amazingly, it can handle like a sports car yet ride like a luxury sedan at the same time.

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  5. What safety features does it have?

    Standard safety features on the 2016 Jaguar XE 35t R-Sport include eight airbags, ABS, traction and stability control. Stronger luxury sedans tend to excel on crash test ratings and this one earns top scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as well. Perhaps oddly enough, some owners even feel it’s safer than it looks!

  6. Is it reliable?

    Reliability is maybe one area where the Jaguar XE 35t sort of lags behind some competitors. According to surveys, it has slightly below average reliability compared to other luxury brands. However, it appears to be an improvement over past Jaguars. On the other hand, the warranty is excellent which helps put owners’ minds at ease. But is it worth it long term? Your mileage may vary…

  7. What options are available?

    Options on the 2016 Jaguar XE 35t R-Sport include premium leather upholstery, navigation, a surround view camera, adjustable dampers, sunroof, premium audio, and a cold weather package. Stronger competitors also offer more choices like different engines or all-wheel drive. Nevertheless, the standard XE 35t is very well equipped on its own in my opinion. But what do you think – does it have everything you need?