Jaguar XF Luxury 3.0D vs Mercedes E Class

From Auto Express, 24-30th June 2009

“How do you improve on perfection? That was the question facing Jaguar this year, because the British manufacturer’s XF Saloon currently reigns supreme in the executive market. In 2008 it scooped our prestigious Car of the Year award, and in April it was named the overall champion in our Drive Power 2009 owner satisfaction survey.”

“To cement its place at the top of the heap, the prestige brand has introduced a pair of diesel engines to replace its old 2.7-litre unit. The new 3.0 powerplant is available in 238bhp and 271 bhp forms.”

Nothing has changed on the outside, but that’s no problem as the handsome Jaguar is already one of the most distinctive cars in its class. A contoured bonnet and pronounced haunches gives the XF a taut and muscular stance.”

“New E-Class needs to hit the ground running, but it’s the Jag that comes out all guns blazing”

“But it sounds coarse next to the smooth 3.0-litre Jaguar.  And with fewer cylinders and a smaller capacity, it lacks the XF´s outright punch too.  Our car took 8.5 seconds to cover 0-60mph – that’s 1.9 seconds slower than its British-built rival.”

“Its five-speed auto is slow on upshifts, and has one less ratio to play with – so the car is less relaxed at the motorway speeds than the Jaguar”

“Doesn’t deal with bumps as effectively as the XF. It also lacks its rivals agility and body control on more demanding roads.”

“The British car is faster and more responsive that its competitor, and its slick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission helps provide quieter high speed cruising.”

“Styling - * * * *

The Pretty Jaguar Boasts real road presence

Interior * * * * *

After sitting in the E-Class the XF feels like a car from the sector above

Driving * * * * *

Smoother and more powerful than the rival and is more composed, fun and comfortable on the road”

“Verdict –

The XF is more desirable to look at and sit in, plus better equipped and more powerful. In Sport trim, you can forgive the Mercedes for not riding with the same composure as the Jaguar. Yet it’s not as sharp or fun to drive either. Lesser models are cheaper, and-without our cars sports suspension- promise greater comfort. But the uninspiring looks and bland cabin leave the E-Class lagging behind the undisputed class leader”