Jaguar XE

Jaguar is known for building stunning cars that stand out from the crowd. But the 2017 Jaguar XE falls short, blending in a bit too much. There is some family resemblance to the ferocious F-Type sports car in its headlights and grille, but the rest looks rather ordinary.

Same goes for the generic-looking interior. You sit down low as the rather dark and somber cabin engulfs you, especially in all black. Nothing seems particularly plush nor premium. Compared to the interior of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, whose generous wood and chrome grant a sense of occasion inside, the 2017 Jaguar XE interior just gets the job done. Given its brand heritage and the not-insignificant price, one would expect a new Jaguar to be a bit more fetching, inside and out.

The front seats are comfortable, but it's really tight for back seat passengers. Your friends will probably choose to ride with whoever owns the 3 Series in the crowd. Getting in and out of the low-slung car might require some flexibility.

Familiar corporate Jaguar and Land Rover elements create some compromises. The rotary knob gear-shifter is so grandly presented that there is no room to put anything, like keys, in the center console. The company's new InControl Touch infotainment system feels behind the curve in terms of response speed and intuitiveness. A larger, fancier 10.2-inch touch screen is optional.

Where the 2017 Jaguar XE clearly stands out from the crowd is in ride and handling, where it capably channels the same engaging DNA savored in the F-Type sports car. There is no question: The XE is a driver's car. Behind the wheel, it feels small, agile, and frisky with quick turn-in response and tight body control. Based on our initial experience, we think it might rival the Cadillac ATS as being one of the most fun-to-drive sports sedans.

And yet, ride comfort is also commendable, with the suspension serving a firm, yet absorbent ride that nicely cushions occupants from bumps.

Our borrowed 2017 Jaguar XE came with the top-level engine, a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with 340 horsepower--a potent powerplant that loves to rev and sounds invigorating in the process. Other engine offerings include a Ford-sourced gasoline-powered 2.0-liter turbo, which will be replaced with a Jaguar-designed engine at a later date, as well as a 2.0-liter diesel.

All engines are mated to a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available, but not on the gasoline four-cylinder for now.