Skip advert
Advertisement

2019 Jaguar XE SV Project 8 review – interior and tech

Jaguar's XE SV Project 8 takes a rather extreme approach to the supersaloon recipe than most, but has an equally extreme price tag to match

Evo rating
RRP
from £149,995
  • Performance, poise and ability on track, usable on road, bombastic soundtrack
  • Cup 2 tyres struggle in the wet, a few levels above the usual saloon price point

The Project 8’s interior ambience changes somewhat depending on whether you opt for the Track Pack or not. If you do, then the rear bench makes way for a roll-cage, and the standard reclining buckets are replaced with fixed-back items with four-point harnesses.

This does seem slightly incongruous when staring at you from the other direction is a near-standard interpretation of the regular Jaguar XE dashboard. In common with some of Jaguar’s other high-end performance models, this does breed an environment that doesn’t quite match up with the price tag, though objectively and in isolation the XE’s cabin is perfectly reasonable.

Advertisement - Article continues below

One welcome touch is the Alcantara steering wheel rim, while Jaguar’s infotainment system is improving all the time, and the digital instrument cluster ahead of you is clear enough for quick driving. Minor controls are sensibly arranged and physical buttons still handle the heating and ventilation.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best used cars – the pre-owned fast car favourites to buy in 2026
Best used performance cars
Best cars

Best used cars – the pre-owned fast car favourites to buy in 2026

Want a used performance car that’s fun to drive and affordable? Whatever your budget, we’ve got some suggestions for you
12 Jan 2026
The Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 is finally here, and it costs close to £50k
Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 front
News

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 is finally here, and it costs close to £50k

Volkswagen is finally letting the Mk8 Golf GTI off its leash with a hardcore, track-honed version called the Edition 50. Now we know how much it will …
12 Jan 2026
Land Rover Defender Octa review – the super SUV that’s more fun than sports cars
Land Rover Defender Octa – front
In-depth reviews

Land Rover Defender Octa review – the super SUV that’s more fun than sports cars

Put aside your SUV cynicism. The Land Rover Defender Octa is a triumph, with 911 GT3 levels of engineering making it an unexpected thrill to drive
8 Jan 2026