Vs AutoExpress: Jaguar XF 2.7D vs BMW 525d vs Mercedes E280CDI

[KokkenTor]

1st Jaguar XF 2.7D Luxury
It looks great, but is the big cat good enough overall to beat the best?
2nd BMW 525d M Sport
Class leader is under threat - yet it's still a very strong proposition
3rd Mercedes E280 CDI Avantgarde
Classically styled three-pointed star is the comfort-oriented choice.

Verdict:
"WE have a new executive class leader. The XF is brilliant: superbly designed inside out, as well as fantastic to drive in all conditions and cost effective to buy and run. Jaguar should be immensely proud of its achievement.

In comparison, the Mercedes is a bit plain. While it’s comfortable and easy to live with, the E-Class has none of the Jag’s sense of occasion. The lines are starting to age, it’s expensive to buy and run, and lacks personality.

The BMW comes closer to rivalling the Jaguar. It has a great engine that helps minimise running costs, plus a spacious, well built cabin and real driver appeal. Yet it’s let down by an austere interior and intrusive ride.

But the sleek, stunning Jag hasn’t won because of its rivals’ failings. It surpasses our high expectations by being the best to drive, look at, live with and own. We’re proud to say that the XF is a British world-beater."















XF vs rivals | Car Group Tests | Car Reviews | Auto Express

 

[EnI]

So, the Jag wins due the British pride?

Just like some other "British" cars have been pronounced better than their respected German rivals. By British mags, of course.

XF is a great car though. A great progress over the S-type.
And of course the Jag is MUCH MORE exclusive than MB or BMW.
So, with XF you get a great & an exclusive executive sedan.

 

[Merc1]

I don't have a problem with this result really. I'm pulling for Jaguar and the XF. It looks great. Too bad those cars look so retarded with their steering wheels on the wrong side!

M

 

[coolraoul]

I like the XF a lot. Only the Lexusish side is not so good.
I'never sat in it though, so can't say if it is really that good, but it sure looks awesome! Jaguar nailed it this time.

 

[DeDe]

I think this is the ugliest Jag ever BMW for me, with that manual gearbox, anyday!

 

[Monster]

In comparison, the Mercedes is a bit plain. While it’s comfortable and easy to live with, the E-Class has none of the Jag’s sense of occasion. The lines are starting to age, it’s expensive to buy and run, and lacks personality.

This is yet another automotive cliché that journalists use, and it is starting to annoy me. Is it because the E-class is such a good all round package that it lacks personality? Or is it just too boring, too safe, too conservative? If people can have a boring personality, why not a car ? Does the Jag have personality because it has the fancy gear selector, or the motion sensitive air vents in the car ?

 

[CorpusCallosum]

Couldn't agree more with monster. The Mercedes certainly does not lack personality. It is the well tailored suit of the class. The others maybe more flashier but the Mercedes has that timeless look of luxury.

Also,

Inside, the cabin simply can’t match the warm and welcoming opulence of the XF interior. Where the Jaguar has the feel of a trendy cocktail bar, the BMW is more like an austere office.

Well obviously, the Jaguar has beige leather and woodgrain. The BMW has black leather and aluminium. The BMW looks just as classy with the same interior combo as the Jag. The Jag's interior is however a better looking design and uses it's plastics in a better way. IMO

 

[Tarek]

Well very expected result IMO the jag takes the last place till i see it in real.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

The Jags interior looks disgustingly 90's!

A new E and 5 are just around the corner to steamroll the Jag.

 

[ree]

Thanks for sharing!! Love the E-Class (especially we drive one), but I also love the XF!! I went to the Jaguar dealer in our town today - will go there in march again...

 

[Kowalski]

Jaguar for me.

 

[PHYBENZ]

The Brits are pushing the new Jag hard, because if it isn't successful, bye bye to their pride and company.

The E to me has the best interior of the trio. It is starting to show some age on the exterior though. I never liked the 5's interior but the headlights and tailghts are pretty nice. The XF interior looks like a cross between a lincoln and an A8.

 

[martinbo]

Despite the fact that it's bad form to quote oneself, I'll do just that to add my two cents to this discussion:

Of the Jaguar XF:

A fine effort all round and (at last!) the one near-as-dammit beautiful vehicle in this class.

 

[cawimmer430]

Well as someone who has an E-Class in the family and drives it on a daily basis, I can't agree with their "lacks personality" assessment. The E-Class has personality, but it isn't of the sporty nature of the 5-Series and perhaps the new XF. Just yesterday I was in Freising all day since I had a day off and I drove my dad to one of his annual beer drinking conventions (don't ask ). On the way home my dad was literally passed out and snoozing in the front passenger seat with the seat reclined all the way to the rear. I drove home in a somewhat sporty yet elegant manor and I found myself still enjoying this car. It's not as sporty as the facelifted W211 E-Class but it feels plush, sporty enough and is very comfortable. I'd say this speaks for itself. The engine is a bit on the rough side compared to current MB 3.5 V6 but its reasonably refined and has a nice sporty snarl to it when pushed. I don't know, but to me this is a nice personality.

My biggest problem with the Jaguar XF is that it looks like a Lexus GS copy from several angles. I don't think it was blatantly copied, as such styling cues are also appearing on other cars and just seem to be a natural evolution on many designs, but in this class with the Lexus GS being a close competitor, I find this a bit alarming.

 

[bmer]

I have to admit the XF easily has the best-looking interior.

 

[Mr Robert]

I have to admit the XF easily has the best-looking interior.

Looks like the Volvo S80, stylish and clean.

 

[bmer]

Looks like the Volvo S80, stylish and clean.

Yes, but I think the XF interior is more futuristic yet also more elegant.

 

[Amo]

I'm glad the XF has been getting good reviews, I really like it. I personally love the interior, and would feel right at home with it. However, the comments about the E-class, I dont agree with. The E-class has one of the finest interiors ever - I still love it. It's clean and tidy, looks luxurious and looks very 'comfortable' and warm to sit in. I doubt the next E-class interior will be as good as the current one, its just flawless.

 

[ateekt]

I think this is the ugliest Jag ever BMW for me, with that manual gearbox, anyday!

Hell yeah ...!

 

[KOENTJES]

I've seen and inspected the car in the flesh and was very underwhelmed by the build quality. Compared to my V70 III it was clearly inferior.

Seats were poor (especially front ones)

For me it was the most disappointing car on the Brussels Car Exhibition of last month.
I admit I had high expectations, but this is not going to be an Audi or BMW beater at all.