Spec Comparo: BMW 330i vs Jaguar XE Portfolio

Competition in the premium sedan segment in India has gotten hotter with the introduction of BMW 330i. Previously offered in the 3 GT body style only, the 330i in the sedan guise ought to be a much more fun car to drive, now that it has less weight to lug around compared to the 3 GT. Interestingly, BMW discontinued the entry level 3 series, the 320i, with the introduction of the 330i, and the latter becomes the only petrol option if you want to get yourself a petrol 3 Series. Compared to its German adversaries, Mercedes-Benz C-Class in the C200 Avantgarde trim and the Audi A4 30TFSI are both underpowered compared to the new 330i 3 Series. The only real competition for it comes in the form of the British brute, the Jaguar XE. Here is how they both fare against each other. 

Engine and Gearbox

Let’s start with the powerplant. Both these premium sedans are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four cylinder gasoline unit mated to ZF-derived eight-speed automatic transmission. The Bavarian is the more powerful of the two making 248bhp of power at 5,200rpm and 350Nm torque between 1,450 - 4,800rpm. The Jag, on the other hand, produces 237bhp@5,500rpm of power and 340Nm@2,000rpm. BMW claims a 0-100kmph time of 5.8seconds (thanks to launch control function), while Jaguar will do the same in a leisurely 7.7seconds. The Beemer comes with four driving modes - comfort, eco pro, sport, and sport+. The XE gets an ‘eco’ mode as well.

Exterior and Styling

The Jaguar is a looker with its sleek yet appealing, LED-adorned headlamps. The hallmark mesh grille up front and the F-Type inspired tail lights add a dash of British styling to the XE. The 3 Series, on the other hand, is a typical no-nonsense BMW. The kidney grille dominates the fascia while the new LED signature lamps add a touch of freshness both fore and aft. The XE is the bigger of the two, however, the BMW is a tad taller. The wheelbase of the XE is longer as well. The 330i, on the other hand, is heavier of the two and has a bigger boot space. Both the sedans ride on 17-inch wheels.

Interior and Features

Both, BMW and Jaguar, being luxury cars they get all the creature comforts in that segment. Also, they are pretty evenly matched in terms of equipment, with climate control, leather seats, infotainment system, electrically adjustable seats, smartphone connectivity, parking cameras, multiple airbags and innumerable storage space all around. Jaguar comes loaded with 380W music system compared to 205W in the BMW. Driving aids include cruise control, hill start assists, stability and traction control, assisted steering and braking to name a few. You could give or take a feature or two in either case but at the end of the day, both are evenly matched.

Pricing and Conclusion

The BMW 330i has been priced at Rs 42.40 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), while the 330i M Sport Edition can be had at Rs 44.9 lakh. While the Jaguar XE Portfolio will set you back by Rs. 47.99 lakh. Both the cars are being assembled locally through the CKD route in India. With the Beemer, you get an ‘ultimate driving machine’, but if the British brute is what you require to stand out from the Germans, then the Jaguar XE is your best bet.