2023 XE 300 Sport Arrives

The Jaguar XE sedan range has been cut back to one model grade, the new, more expensive 300 Sport – which gains some, and loses other features compared to 2022 models. Priced from $79,825 before on-road costs. The 2023 Jaguar XE luxury sedan line-up has been trimmed to one sporty model grade – with a higher price tag than both cars it replaces, and a reshuffled feature list.

Following similar ‘Sport’ versions of the E-Pace, F-Pace and XF, Jaguar has introduced a 300 Sport version of its mid-size XE, with a range of black styling elements, typically-optional chassis parts, and a carry-over turbopetrol engine. Available to order now, prices start from $79,825 plus on-road costs – $3955 more than the most expensive variant in the 2022 XE range, the $75,870 plus onroad costs P300 R-Dynamic HSE. Compared to the R-Dynamic HSE, the 300 Sport gains as standard 20-inch alloy wheels, the Black Exterior Pack (with black exterior trim), a 17-speaker Meridian surround sound system, adaptive suspension, and configurable drive modes.

However, it drops the 12.0-inch full digital instrument cluster for a 7.0-inch display with analogue dials, matrix LED headlights for ‘premium’ standard LED headlights, perforated Windsor leather seats for ‘DuoLeather’ synthetic trim, and a power-adjustable steering column. These removed features now all cost extra to buy, as optional extras: $1350 for matrix LED headlights, $1170 for Windsor leather upholstery, $650 for the 12.0-inch instrument display and $650 for the power steering column (or $3820 combined). The range of option packages across the XE range has been cut from five to two – while there’s an array of standalone options and colours to choose from. The price of the Convenience Pack has risen from $750 to $1630, as it now includes the power-adjustable steering column previously standard on the 2022 R-Dynamic HSE – however the Activity Key, formerly available on 2022 vehicles, is not offered for 2023.

Power comes from the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine as before, sending 221kW (or 300 metric horsepower, thus the 300 Sport badge) and 400Nm to all four wheels via an eight-speed conventional automatic transmission.

Jaguar claims a 5.9-second sprint from zero to 100km/h, a 250km/h top speed, and a fuel economy claim in combined driving (urban and highway) of 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres. The 2023 Jaguar XE 300 Sport is available to order now. .

Information for this story from Drive Australia.