The New 375bhp Jaguar XE S Is The Closest Thing To A BMW M3 That JLR Makes

At some point, we’re rather hoping Jaguar stuffs a load of power through the fine chassis that underpins the XE saloon. Whether they do so using the JLR’s angry 5.0-litre V8 (it will fit quite nicely, apparently) or a heavily boosted version of the Ingenium-based straight-sixes which are rumoured to be on the way, a jolly powerful XE would be a fine BMW M3 alternative. Sadly, we’re yet to see such a thing, and all chatter of an SVR’d XE seems to have quietened down.

The good news is the most powerful XE we’re yet to see - the V6-powered XE S - now has more poke. As part of a host of 2018 model year updates to the XE, XF and F-Pace, the range-topping XE S has been given a 39bhp boost, giving a new figure of 375bhp.

So, it’s now under 50bhp shy of the current F80 BMW M3’s power output. It’s also a lot heavier, so the BMW will still have no trouble showing it a clean pair of heels. C’est la vie.

Anyway, when we ran an XE S for five months, we found it to be a fine ‘junior’ sports saloon (some niggles aside), so more power is certainly welcome. On paper, the extra thrust is enough to drop the 0-62mph time from 5.1 to five seconds dead.

A little lower down the pecking order, 197 and 247bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol engines are now available in the XE and XF, as is a 237bhp, 369lb ft 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel which you can also spec in the F-Pace. Speaking of the SUV, it also gains a 161bhp diesel option, which we can’t help think will make progress a tad laboured.

Away from the engine bay, the XE gains the option of a 12.3 inch screen that replaces the dials (we’ll stick with the physical ones, thanks), while all three cars now have ‘dual-view’ tech that shows different displays for driver and passenger. Oh, and there’s also a new system that’ll let you pay for your fuel (at Shell garages only) using the infotainment system. Handy.

Want one? The 2018 XE range starts from £28,295, the XF from £32,490 and the F-Pace from £34,730. It’s available to order now.