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Jaguar XE 2.0 (A) vs Lexus IS250 2.5 (A) vs Volvo S60 T5 Drive-E (A)

11 Nov 2015|42,507 views

We weigh three delectable compact executive sedans, the Jaguar XE, the Lexus IS250 and the Volvo S60 against each other to find out which one harmonises the perfect blend of form and function.

Jaguar's new kid on the block is one sexy kitten

Exterior

The XE is Jaguar's foray into the compact executive sedan market since the 2009 X-Type and the British marque has done a mighty fine job shaping it.

As told by the British manufacturer, the XE was designed to redefine the concept of a sports sedan and although not as aggressively fashioned as the IS250, it bears strongly-sculpted lines that are easy on the eyes and are easier to fall in love with.

For something this decorous, the Jag does sorely require a slightly more ostentatious set of wheels. The ones that are fitted on the test car don't quite do it justice.

Like a shark, the sharp angular lines on the Lexus IS250 give it the most aggressive appearance

Volvo cars are generally known for prioritising build quality and safety over ostentation. Looking back, most Volvos are remembered as no-nonsense-looking metal boxes on wheels driven by equally serious older folks.

Although this notion somewhat remains, the S60 today has evolved to become an impressively good-looking car that even us millennials would love to own.

The Jaguar XE's alluring black interior is well-crafted and makes you not want to leave

In the IS250, Lexus' attention to fit and finish really shines through. Easily the best of the three, the cabin confines of the IS250 are abundant with soft leather materials and quality stitching.

Again, it stands out not just for its design but because all that flamboyance is created with a functional sense of ease and fluidity.

If you are a sucker for expensive-looking and feeling interiors, the IS250 is sure to set your heart on fire. There are however, points lost for the lack in roominess at the rear compared to the other two cars - but that is a small price to pay for how good everything else in the IS250 is.

Only when compared to the XE and IS250, does the S60's cabin styling come across as a little dated and uninspiring. But we have to bear in mind that swanky designs were never Volvo's first order of business.

Priorities in the cabin are, instead, placed heavily on all things functional. Most of the controls are neatly fitted into the centre console, allowing for little or no clutter elsewhere.

A cosy interior makes up for the S60's lack of flair

Making up for the lack of flair found in the other two cars, the S60's digital instrument cluster provides important driving information while doubling up as a visual treat.

Quite surprisingly, the sedated-looking S60 (right) is the fastest and most powerful of the lot

On the road, the IS250 is a joy even though it is the slowest of the three (8.1 seconds) to reach 100km/h. The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre V6 under the hood (the only naturally aspirated car in the group) churns a healthy 205bhp and 252Nm of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels.

Looking past the fact that the steering feel is a tad reticent, the IS250 handles securely and precisely, finding its way around bends with ease.

At the helm of the S60, you are in control of 245bhp and 350Nm of torque from Volvo's turbocharged four-cylinder motor.

Although the Lexus IS250 (middle) has the least power, it has the smoothest and most responsive transmission

Conclusion

Having spent some time with them, we concluded that the Lexus IS250 was without a doubt a fantastic piece of automotive art. It's beautifully styled and exceptionally detailed. Be that as it may, the downside of this luxury is a hefty $239,000 (as of 6^th November 2015) - making it the most financially painful of the lot.

On the other hand, the Volvo S60 is a lot more wallet-friendly - $175,000 (as of 16^th October 2015) but doesn't really leave you with a burning desire for one.

What did manage to seduce us is Jaguar's latest offering to the compact executive segment. The sexy and sassy (according to Associate Editor Julian) XE has 'all the right moves and all the right faces' that will shake up the segment and threaten the competition. At a price of $204,999 (as of 23^rd Oct 2015), it leaves you with a little spare change (as opposed to buying the IS250) for a nice watch to wear on a nice drive for a nice meal.

That, to us, deserves adoration.

Compact executive sedans like the Jaguar XE, the Lexus IS250 and the Volvo S60 are adored by a diverse range of drivers - from young professionals to retirees. Cars like these not only look good but also serve as great daily drivers, thanks to the generous amount of cabin and storage space that come along with them.

With the new XE and the latest generations of the IS250 and S60, it is obvious that these automobile manufacturers are targeting a much younger demographic. Aside from the IS250, the earlier iterations of said cars were beautifully functional but not so appealing in the design department to most.

Things are different now though. With them looking as pretty as pictures and as comfortable as old shoes, we took on the prickly task of pitting them against each other to determine which harmonises the perfect balance of form and function.

Exterior

The XE is Jaguar's foray into the compact executive sedan market since the 2009 X-Type and the British marque has done a mighty fine job shaping it.

As told by the British manufacturer, the XE was designed to redefine the concept of a sports sedan and although not as aggressively fashioned as the IS250, it bears strongly-sculpted lines that are easy on the eyes and are easier to fall in love with.

For something this decorous, the Jag does sorely require a slightly more ostentatious set of wheels. The ones that are fitted on the test car don't quite do it justice.

Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, Lexus' construction of the current generation IS250 continues to give the rest in its segment a good run for their money.

Of the three, the IS250 is easily the most intimidating and will probably attract buyers from the lower end of the age spectrum. Credit for this goes to the car's distinctively carved sheet metal, fronted by the 'hate-it-or-love-it' Lexus signature spindle grille - a conception that Lexus terms 'aggressive elegance.'

Volvo cars are generally known for prioritising build quality and safety over ostentation. Looking back, most Volvos are remembered as no-nonsense-looking metal boxes on wheels driven by equally serious older folks.

Although this notion somewhat remains, the S60 today has evolved to become an impressively good-looking car that even us millennials would love to own.

Interior

Cabin designs play a colossal role in the decision-making process when it comes to buying a car - to us at least. Just like its 'easy on the eyes and easy to love' outwardly appearance, the cabin of the XE covers pretty much all bases - shape, placement, surfaces and materials.

Design is simple, modern and classy, in turn giving the IS250 a run for its money. Boot space in the XE is a decent 450 litres, losing out marginally to the IS250's 480 litres but triumphing over the S60's modest 380 litres.

In the IS250, Lexus' attention to fit and finish really shines through. Easily the best of the three, the cabin confines of the IS250 are abundant with soft leather materials and quality stitching.

Again, it stands out not just for its design but because all that flamboyance is created with a functional sense of ease and fluidity.

The Drive

With 197bhp and 280Nm at your disposal, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot motor in the Jaguar XE propels you rather linearly from 0-100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

We say rather linearly for the fact that most turbocharged cars surprise you in the middle of the rev range but the XE's refined powertrain accelerates consistently and smoothly.

Don't misinterpret that refinement for anything slow or boring becasue the XE drives as beautifully as it looks. Best described as confidence-inspiring, the well-engineered dynamics of the car tempts you to push it a little more each time you sweep it through a corner.

Jaguar hasn't sacrificed comfort for fun either - whether you are gunning it down the highway or navigating your way through the heartlands, the XE's reasonably firm and steady suspension setup will prevent most bumps and ruts from feeling intrusive.

On the road, the IS250 is a joy even though it is the slowest of the three (8.1 seconds) to reach 100km/h. The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre V6 under the hood (the only naturally aspirated car in the group) churns a healthy 205bhp and 252Nm of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels.

Looking past the fact that the steering feel is a tad reticent, the IS250 handles securely and precisely, finding its way around bends with ease.

At the helm of the S60, you are in control of 245bhp and 350Nm of torque from Volvo's turbocharged four-cylinder motor.

In true Swedish sleeper guise, this tame-looking sedan bolts from standstill to 100km/h in just 6.3 seconds. Similar to the Jaguar, the S60's power doesn't sneak up on you. Power delivery is steady as the gears climb smoothly through an eight-speed auto box.

Although the S60 is fast, its front-wheel drive architecture lacks that fun factor found in the XE and IS250. It handles well enough for an executive sedan but isn't particularly engaging or communicative. Buyers looking for something powerful yet comfort-biased will surely appreciate this sort of car.

Conclusion

Having spent some time with them, we concluded that the Lexus IS250 was without a doubt a fantastic piece of automotive art. It's beautifully styled and exceptionally detailed. Be that as it may, the downside of this luxury is a hefty $239,000 (as of 6^th November 2015) - making it the most financially painful of the lot.

On the other hand, the Volvo S60 is a lot more wallet-friendly - $175,000 (as of 16^th October 2015) but doesn't really leave you with a burning desire for one.

What did manage to seduce us is Jaguar's latest offering to the compact executive segment. The sexy and sassy (according to Associate Editor Julian) XE has 'all the right moves and all the right faces' that will shake up the segment and threaten the competition. At a price of $204,999 (as of 23^rd Oct 2015), it leaves you with a little spare change (as opposed to buying the IS250) for a nice watch to wear on a nice drive for a nice meal.

That, to us, deserves adoration.