375bhp Jaguar XE S Review: JLR’s Almost-M3?

From the moment I drove the most powerful Jaguar XE - the S, then packing 335bhp from a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 - it was clear an angrier, probably V8-powered ‘XE R’ would be incredible. But, two and a half years on from the launch of Jaguar’s BMW 3-series rival, it still hasn’t happened. It doesn’t look like it will either, with the one consolation being the ultra-limited, ultra-expensive Project 8. Which doesn’t have much XE left in it.

What Jaguar has done though, is make XE S quite a bit more powerful. It still has the same V6, only now it’s been brought in line with the S versions of the XF and F-Pace with a healthier 375bhp on offer. Sure, this has only knocked a tenth down on the 0-62mph time (five seconds dead down from 5.1), but that 40bhp boost is definitely noticeable.

There’s an added in-gear urgency the pre-update XE S we once ran didn’t quite have. The linear, responsive delivery of the supercharged V6 is just that little bit more potent, and the muted F-Type soundtrack belted out of the exhaust pipes is as satisfying as ever.

The chassis has been left alone, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The steering’s nicely weighted and feels natural, the ride’s smooth and comfortable, and there’s a nice sense of balance to the whole shebang.

A stiffer suspension option might be nice as you don’t have to push too hard before the XE starts to lean more than you’d like, but it’s still an entertaining thing to drive quickly - particularly since it’s surprisingly happy to light up its rear tyres both off the line and mid-corner. It could maybe do with a proper limited-slip differential, as opposed to an open diff with a torque vectoring by braking system trying to imitate the former.

The added power isn’t the only thing that’s new. The added In-Control Touch Pro infotainment system is a world away from the crummy unit ‘our’ old XE S was lumbered with, and although it’s still not quite BMW I-Drive good, the gap has been closed significantly.

Elsewhere, there’s a new digital cockpit which does make me pine for the old physical dials, but it’s packed full of features and is easy to customise. The build quality is still - frustratingly - not close to being level with the German big three’s compact execs as you’d want, but it’s an interior you’ll enjoy spending time in thanks to cool details like the ‘riva hoop’ that wraps around the cabin.

The XE S is the closest thing to an M3 Jaguar builds right now, and although it’s still a long way off, it’s easily the most appealing XE. Not to mention a car I’d find a far more tempting option than the all too serious Audi S4 or the ageing BMW M340i if I was in the market for a brisk compact exec saloon.

So, well done Jaguar for successfully tweaking an already good, moderately sporty saloon. Now can we talk about that V8 version…?