Experimental benchmark intensity ratios for the angle-differential scattering intensities for electron-impact excitation from the xenon ground state 5p6 1S0 to its lowest five excited states 5p56s[3/2]2, 5p56s[3/2]1, 5p56s′[1/2]0, and (combined) 5p56s′[1/2]1+5p56p[1/2]1 are reported and compared to predictions from a full-relativistic B-spline R-matrix close-coupling model as well as earlier experimental work. The above ratios, which provide a stringent test of theoretical electron scattering models, are presented for this heavy rare gas with particular emphasis on the role of spin-exchange and direct excitation processes affecting their angular dependence.