Test drive Jaguar XE P250 and Volvo S60 T5: elite middle class sedans
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Test drive Jaguar XE P250 and Volvo S60 T5: elite middle class sedans

Test drive Jaguar XE P250 and Volvo S60 T5: elite middle class sedans

Testing two first-class vehicles for connoisseurs of traditional sedan bodies

If you've retained good taste and are interested in classic sedans, here's why the Jaguar XE and Volvo S60 are a good choice - not just for private individuals.

Now we've caught you - it's understandable that you, as a connoisseur of refined taste, are interested in elegant sedans, because you are sure that they bring special joy. In addition, you prefer to stick to your own opinion, away from the general flow; By the way, we feel the same way. Here we bring you the Jaguar XE P250, which was recently updated, and the Volvo S60 T5, a new generation of which was launched last summer. If you have seen them, we will be happy to help you find a solution by reading our ratings.

On the body or loose?

The first noticeable feature of the new Volvo is that it has become larger than its predecessor. This is because the car uses the same platform as the 90 series. So the modern sedan finally gets a decent interior, including the rear seats. Until now, the S60 has furnished its passengers more like a body, the new one is more free. A little more width at the shoulders - and then you can comfortably ride in the second row.

Jaguar offers this lack of freedom in the shoulders, but still follows the narrow package philosophy of the old days. Those familiar with the newest history of the model are unlikely to be surprised, because the tight-fitting body is part of the sporty style that underlies the brand. This is why the XE feels like an integral part of the sedan, which creates an instinctive and direct attitude towards the car.

However, this compactness makes the headlining slightly closer to the head of the rear passengers than in the Volvo model. And the coupe-shaped roofline limits not only the rear view, but is also felt when landing. So here the rear seats are more of a refuge than a place of residence.

If we talk about the notorious first class, then here it can be enjoyed only in the front seats. There, after the last modernization, the XE model was furnished more hospitably, some plastic parts were replaced with better ones. Of course, this in itself is not yet an incentive to buy, rather impressive leather seats decorated with decorative stitching play such a role. You look at them with pleasure, caress them with your finger and, unfortunately, find that they have already begun to shed their hair.

We play pioneers

In any case, in XE, a person likes the overall impression more than the details. Especially in the trunk area, our advice is to limit yourself to the general view. If you try to check the details of the cladding by touch here, then you can unwittingly dismantle them. And if you like to play discoverer, you will see completely bare bolts.

The S60 contrasts with this sense of solidity, fueled not by the Swedish steel myth, but simply by meticulous workmanship. Even the engine compartment looks well organized.

Stylistically, the interior is also everywhere touched by the hand of the designer, without emphasizing the visual effects. Avoiding buttons improves the mood of accountants (it's cheaper to buy screens than beautifully flipping switches), but not consumers. They are tormented by small sensory fields and even smaller inscriptions to them. On the other hand, Volvo fans can take comfort in the fact that the Jaguar's function controls distract even more from what is happening on the road.

In general, the distraction factor in digital control is so unpleasantly highlighted because in XE, the person is usually willing to devote himself to careful driving and does not like to be pulled out of this state.

The counterargument here is that, after all, Jaguar confronts the danger of distraction with a number of helpful helpers who will prevent the worst from happening if necessary. But from a safety standpoint, Jaguar outpaces Volvo with only the best braking performance.

A Briton is losing points in the road safety section because his butt gets unexpectedly restless in a high-speed obstacle avoidance exercise on a training ground. Which, on the other hand, on a normal road, i.e. at a much lower pace, has an authentic charm - also thanks to the generous feedback from the running gear, the sedan turns easily in the corner and feels like a wing that carries points of pleasure on the road.

On the corners, the mid-range steering still feels like fun, but on the highway, it feels more like jittery. Another reason for criticism is that despite the adaptive dampers, the suspension reacts rather rudely to road irregularities.

Overall, Volvo manages its passengers more carefully, as not only is it more efficient at absorbing waves on the tarmac, but it is also more effectively insulated from aerodynamic noise and can additionally provide a rear seat climate with four distinct zones. regulation. And in traffic jams, the driver is saved not only by starting and stopping, as does Jaguar, but also by turning the steering wheel. Volvo protects the driver's back more effectively with its standard sports seats and, in case of boredom, entertains him with an endless array of music streaming services. All of this translates into clear superiority in terms of points in the comfort section.

Plain, but with a boxer's voice

The XE contrasts the rhythmically expressive sound of its analog four-cylinder engine with a range of digital sounds - although common, its noise is a bit like a boxing one. This applies not only to rough notes, but also to subtle vibrations at medium speeds. Similarly, the engine is more responsive to acceleration than Volvo's tired four-cylinder engine, which is also stalled by the transmission on acceleration out of a corner, giving the impression of some helplessness.

However, it shifts gears instantly at wide open throttle, so the S60 registers slightly better intermediate acceleration than the XE, although it is 53kg heavier. The latter probably also contributes to the slightly higher cost of Volvo and has minor environmental disadvantages. Nonetheless, the Swedish model won out in the assessment of qualities without encountering serious opposition.

Jaguar could change the result in the cost section. Indeed, the British have shown great generosity here, taking a three-year rather than a two-year warranty on their product and providing the buyer with the first three service checks, thus reducing maintenance costs. And the S variant is even cheaper at initial purchase.

But the Volvo S60 T5 is in the R-Design version and offers a higher level of equipment - and this probably makes it a little more attractive for connoisseurs.

Conclusion

1. Volvo (417 points)

With a rich security system and multimedia equipment, as well as more comfort, the S60 ensures the victory in the test. However, when stopped, it shows weaknesses.

2. Jaguar (399 points)

The XE impresses with its agility, but falls short of its promise of premium comfort. On the positive side, there is a three-year warranty and three free service inspections.

Text: Markus Peters

Photo: Hans-Dieter Zeifert

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