Here are my thoughts of the X260 after 6 months of ownership and 8,000 miles covered. Apologies for the length.
Looks
I must admit to being smitten by the shape of the X260 when I saw it in the flesh. I preferred the squat stance of the car over my X250 – which seemed slightly bulbous compared to the squarer, sharper lines of the new car. I went for the Portfolio spec in Ultimate Black with the Light Oyster interior, as I love my Jags to be cloaked in a dark exterior contrasted by a light interior. Combined with the 19” Diamond Turned Contrast wheels she looks sleek and purposeful.
Handling
Excellent. This is where the X260 really does score over the X250. The handling is crisper, more direct all of which exudes confidence to the driver. I was very pleased to discover that the ‘dynamic’ mode was not just a gimmick. You can immediately sense the change in suspension and steering providing the grin factor when the driver is in ‘spirited driving mode’.
Comfort
The X260 handles the worst of British road surfaces with aplomb. In normal mode the car’s architecture delivers effortless wafting along the highway, just as a Jag should. The interior is roomier than the previous model, yet feels more cosseted. Seats are comfortable and supportive both front and rear. The sound system is excellent having the standard Meridian, as I did not elect to have the Incontrol Touch Pro upgrade (I was put off by the rumours about gremlins on early models). I was a little concerned that the 19” alloys would provide too firm a ride but this has not proved to be the case.
Engine & MPG
As with all my modern day Jags I went for the four-pot diesel, the 180PS version. I was impressed with the 2.2 & 6 Speed auto in the last of my X-Types and naively thought this engine had been carried over into the X250 XF. I was never really satisfied with the 2.2 engine of my X250 XF, the main reason for swopping it up earlier than planned. I since discovered the X-Type 2.2 was not the same lump as in the XF. So it was with a little trepidation that I took a punt on the new Ingenium engine. I needn’t have worried, as the new power-plant is an incredible piece of engineering. Perfectly quiet, very responsive and refined, delivering more than adequate power I have been very impressed. After 8,000 miles I am returning over 60mpg on the motorway and mid-high 40’s during normal driving.
What I really like
The looks (obviously), just love those Diamond Turned wheels against the black paint; I love the way the dials turn red in dynamic mode; and how she can turn from luxury tourer to sports saloon and back again in a wink of the eye…
What I don’t like
No CD, really? It’s not a big deal as my iPod now has a use since I stopped jogging but it does feel a bit mean-spirited of Jaguar; and that’s about it. I’ve had no problems and not even had to top up the AdBlue as yet, although the 2-year service interval doesn’t feel comfortable – call me old fashioned.
Finally, my thanks to Guy Salmon Jaguar in Maidstone who, for more than a decade, have provided me with an excellent service both on sales and after care.
Looks
I must admit to being smitten by the shape of the X260 when I saw it in the flesh. I preferred the squat stance of the car over my X250 – which seemed slightly bulbous compared to the squarer, sharper lines of the new car. I went for the Portfolio spec in Ultimate Black with the Light Oyster interior, as I love my Jags to be cloaked in a dark exterior contrasted by a light interior. Combined with the 19” Diamond Turned Contrast wheels she looks sleek and purposeful.
Handling
Excellent. This is where the X260 really does score over the X250. The handling is crisper, more direct all of which exudes confidence to the driver. I was very pleased to discover that the ‘dynamic’ mode was not just a gimmick. You can immediately sense the change in suspension and steering providing the grin factor when the driver is in ‘spirited driving mode’.
Comfort
The X260 handles the worst of British road surfaces with aplomb. In normal mode the car’s architecture delivers effortless wafting along the highway, just as a Jag should. The interior is roomier than the previous model, yet feels more cosseted. Seats are comfortable and supportive both front and rear. The sound system is excellent having the standard Meridian, as I did not elect to have the Incontrol Touch Pro upgrade (I was put off by the rumours about gremlins on early models). I was a little concerned that the 19” alloys would provide too firm a ride but this has not proved to be the case.
Engine & MPG
As with all my modern day Jags I went for the four-pot diesel, the 180PS version. I was impressed with the 2.2 & 6 Speed auto in the last of my X-Types and naively thought this engine had been carried over into the X250 XF. I was never really satisfied with the 2.2 engine of my X250 XF, the main reason for swopping it up earlier than planned. I since discovered the X-Type 2.2 was not the same lump as in the XF. So it was with a little trepidation that I took a punt on the new Ingenium engine. I needn’t have worried, as the new power-plant is an incredible piece of engineering. Perfectly quiet, very responsive and refined, delivering more than adequate power I have been very impressed. After 8,000 miles I am returning over 60mpg on the motorway and mid-high 40’s during normal driving.
What I really like
The looks (obviously), just love those Diamond Turned wheels against the black paint; I love the way the dials turn red in dynamic mode; and how she can turn from luxury tourer to sports saloon and back again in a wink of the eye…
What I don’t like
No CD, really? It’s not a big deal as my iPod now has a use since I stopped jogging but it does feel a bit mean-spirited of Jaguar; and that’s about it. I’ve had no problems and not even had to top up the AdBlue as yet, although the 2-year service interval doesn’t feel comfortable – call me old fashioned.
Finally, my thanks to Guy Salmon Jaguar in Maidstone who, for more than a decade, have provided me with an excellent service both on sales and after care.