Autocar: Jaguar XJ 3.0D v Mercedes S-class S350L CDI
03-22-10, 11:38 AM
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Autocar: Jaguar XJ 3.0D v Mercedes S-class S350L CDI
Jaguar XJ v Mercedes S-class
The new Jaguar XJ has been pitted against the Mercedes S-class in the latest Autocar head-to-head.
Writer Matt Saunders pitted the Jaguar XJ 3.0D Portfolio LWB against the Mercedes S350L CDI for the test.
Saunders first gets behind the wheel of the S-class, concluding that it is unflappably stable. "it consumes long distances with breathtaking calm," he says. "Its steering is weighty, a little inert but perfect for performing unhurried,, sweeping lane changes.
"And its throttle and brake pedal allow you to mete out just enough acceleration or stopping power to deal with traffic lights without disturbing the stillness on board."
The next morning he's handed the keys to the Jaguar XJ.
"It explodes your expectations of what a big Jag saloon should look like," he says. "It's a fresh and attractive take on a luxury four-door that's as graceful as it is athletic-looking. Aesthetically the Jag XJ has got this contest sewn up."
The interior is just as good: "It's one of the most special cabins of any British saloon of teh past 20 years - Bentleys and Rolls-Royces included."
Comfort sat in the back is the next test. "In the Jag you feel very slightly more confined than you do in the back of the S-class. But there's still generous space to stretch out . The rear bench is fixed, so your seating position isn't as adjustable as it is in the Merc, and although you have seat heaters and coolers, there are no massagers."
The Jaguar XJ's ride also impresses with its "pleasingly controlled high-sped compliance". The Merc beats it on cobblestones and sharp ridges, though.
Behind the wheel, and the Jaguar again defies expectations. "It's unexpectedly responsive and agile," says Saunders. "While Mercedes has engineered in a softness to the S-class's major controls, the XJ's are sports car sharp."
That's not to say the XJ can't be driven smoothly, though - it does 'comfy and laidback' extremely well too.
Out on a challenging bit of road, and with the dynamics set to sport, the XJ excels. "getting back into the S-class and driving down the same piece of road feels like stepping back in time," notes Saunders. "Where the XJ felt poised, eager to please the driver and always willing to go faster, the S-class is unwieldy and unwilling."
Where the Merc does exceed expectations is with all its toys and impeccable material construction, its unerring motorway manners and a more pillowy low-speed ride.
Spec matched, the Merc is almost £2k more expensive.
The conclusion? The Merc is refined, luxurious and effective. But the Jag is a paradigm-shifter. It can be plush and soothing one moment, composed, precise and entertaining the next.
To read the full comparison buy this week's Autocar magazine, on sale now.
Source: http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...llCars/248316/
The new Jaguar XJ has been pitted against the Mercedes S-class in the latest Autocar head-to-head.
Writer Matt Saunders pitted the Jaguar XJ 3.0D Portfolio LWB against the Mercedes S350L CDI for the test.
Saunders first gets behind the wheel of the S-class, concluding that it is unflappably stable. "it consumes long distances with breathtaking calm," he says. "Its steering is weighty, a little inert but perfect for performing unhurried,, sweeping lane changes.
"And its throttle and brake pedal allow you to mete out just enough acceleration or stopping power to deal with traffic lights without disturbing the stillness on board."
The next morning he's handed the keys to the Jaguar XJ.
"It explodes your expectations of what a big Jag saloon should look like," he says. "It's a fresh and attractive take on a luxury four-door that's as graceful as it is athletic-looking. Aesthetically the Jag XJ has got this contest sewn up."
The interior is just as good: "It's one of the most special cabins of any British saloon of teh past 20 years - Bentleys and Rolls-Royces included."
Comfort sat in the back is the next test. "In the Jag you feel very slightly more confined than you do in the back of the S-class. But there's still generous space to stretch out . The rear bench is fixed, so your seating position isn't as adjustable as it is in the Merc, and although you have seat heaters and coolers, there are no massagers."
The Jaguar XJ's ride also impresses with its "pleasingly controlled high-sped compliance". The Merc beats it on cobblestones and sharp ridges, though.
Behind the wheel, and the Jaguar again defies expectations. "It's unexpectedly responsive and agile," says Saunders. "While Mercedes has engineered in a softness to the S-class's major controls, the XJ's are sports car sharp."
That's not to say the XJ can't be driven smoothly, though - it does 'comfy and laidback' extremely well too.
Out on a challenging bit of road, and with the dynamics set to sport, the XJ excels. "getting back into the S-class and driving down the same piece of road feels like stepping back in time," notes Saunders. "Where the XJ felt poised, eager to please the driver and always willing to go faster, the S-class is unwieldy and unwilling."
Where the Merc does exceed expectations is with all its toys and impeccable material construction, its unerring motorway manners and a more pillowy low-speed ride.
Spec matched, the Merc is almost £2k more expensive.
The conclusion? The Merc is refined, luxurious and effective. But the Jag is a paradigm-shifter. It can be plush and soothing one moment, composed, precise and entertaining the next.
To read the full comparison buy this week's Autocar magazine, on sale now.
Source: http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...llCars/248316/
03-22-10, 12:11 PM
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ill give the win to XJ
looks like the perfect all around exec saloon for a car enthusiast
cant wait for the 385hp 5L to come to NA. (470hp and 510 are too powerful for me haha)
looks like the perfect all around exec saloon for a car enthusiast
cant wait for the 385hp 5L to come to NA. (470hp and 510 are too powerful for me haha)
03-22-10, 12:26 PM
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I will take the S-class. Simply amazing, that interior is in a league of its own, well BMW 7 series is close. I haven't sat in the new A8 yet.
I love all the attention to detail on this thing, the centre part of the steering wheel is now leather as the plastic part of the steering wheel is now gone.
Also the ambient lighting can now be customized instead of the standard amber that was only offered before.
I love all the attention to detail on this thing, the centre part of the steering wheel is now leather as the plastic part of the steering wheel is now gone.
Also the ambient lighting can now be customized instead of the standard amber that was only offered before.
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