2016 Jaguar XE Is Sincerest Form Of Flattery

IT ALL started with the XF. Out went the long, low silhouette with spring-board like rear end; in came conventional architecture with full hood, fast windscreen and tall trunk deck. Everything you would find on any other mid-sized saloon. Purists baulk at the thought of a Jag being pumped up to an SUV; truth is Jags already are pumped up. This metamorphosis permitted the CX-17 concept, and has now been used to bear the XE. (You try creating a long, low short, tall car).

Despite the glamour of the F-Type (and Jag, like Merc, is a brand that just has it), sales are not up to Land Rover heights. The XE aims to rectify that, so if it looks like a BMW 3-series, don’t be surprised, Jag is targeting that discerning only-a-German-will-do customer with a vengeance.

The front looks like it would avenge. It also mimics a 3-series. Why? Because that's where the eye rests most when looking at a car. Rest your eyes on the rear, however, and Audi will spring to mind before any feline associations (marketing has requested both a leaping cat and JAGUAR spelled out in case anyone draws similar conclusions). 

It is at the back however that you will find the closest link the car has to any other Jaguar. The tight fillet blending cabin to shoulder and trunk deck faithfully apes the Mark II. It is a useful little feature than means there is more sky-facing surface to break up the volume and reduce the visual height of the car. It may be a bit snick-snacky with the swage-flare, but it is distinctive, and distinction is hard to find in a class whose values are so convergent.

Speaking of convergence… the interior. Sorry, but Jag really needs to sort this out. The basic counter-sunk volume is fine (the dashboard sits below a wrap-around cowl), but the detailing and organization of the vents and switchgear and trim is just so underwhelming. A lot of this has to do with money: there is only so much, and engines, new platforms and marketing will have eaten great chunks of Tata’s dowry. But spare a thought for the place where you sit. Indeed spare a thought for Jags of yore with wood and chrome, not cheap leather with miserly scrim. I don’t want to sound bearded: the BMW i3 shows how this can be done in a contemporary manner.

Maybe there could have been more sculpture; maybe a little –just a bit –more originality, but this was always going to be business case first, designer whim second. It doesn’t matter. Nepotistic British press will ensure the car sits (wins!) in every group test, and there is enough Bavarian to lure the rest.