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When they released the Jaguar SE S, the carmaker has set their eyes on competing with the BMW 3 Series. Some said that this would be a disaster (the lack of success for the Jaguar X-Type as case in point). Taking from the success of the Jaguar XE, did Jaguar finally figure out how to beat BMW in its own game? To find out, CarThrottle put the Jaguar XE S and the BMW 340i face to face.
In their respective model lines, they are most powerful. The two models have almost the same size, rear wheel drive, same forced-induction 3.0 liter six-cylinder engines, both have ZF-sourced eight-speed automatics, and 0-62 mph for both of them is 5.1 seconds. It is time to break the tie.
In the middle of the test, the folks at CarThrottle immediately recognize that there is a difference in performance. The Jaguar XE S has a powerband that’s more linear while the BMW 340i is faster to the feel. Thanks to its 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 engine that has torque that comes in more suddenly and continues to boil throughout the rev range. The impression that the BMW 340i gives is alert and sudden. Anotherarea where the BMW wins is the automatic gearbox. Oth have ZF eight-speed, but the BMW has better calibration that allows it to take on shifts more smartly. The Jaguar XE S take quicker shifts.
The interior is better with the BMW while the infotainment system of the Jag definitely needs more improvement. However, comfort and steering goes to the Jaguar here. Somehow, the competitors may have focused on each specific area because where one lacks, the other excels at.
CarThrottle says that the Jag won this test, but many consumers may also like the BMW more. It really depends on the preference. The fight is too close to call and it all depends on preference.
