In the executive luxury sedan market, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz square off with five-passenger opulence and all the trimmings you’d expect in a car of this class. But that surface assessment is where the comparison ends. Both Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz have decades of history in this class, but the Jaguar XF delivers dozens of reasons to shatter the conventions of what a luxury car can offer.
The comparison begins with some raw, objective numbers. The Mercedes-Benz E350 comes in at 191.7 inches long, while the Jaguar XF stretches the tape to 195.3 inches. That length comparison might not seem important, but it’s partly what allows the Jaguar XF to provide almost two feet more of interior cargo volume, which you’ll appreciate when you’re stowing a couple of golf bags or a week’s worth of luggage. The Jaguar XF also has a longer wheelbase, which helps contribute to more legroom for both front and rear passengers.
If the numbers appear to be relatively competitive in exterior dimensions, the data comparing the powertrains aren’t. The Mercedes-Benz E350 is equipped with the same 302 hp, 3.5-liter V6 it’s been equipped with for years. The Jaguar XF, on the other hand, arrives on the scene with an overwhelming advantage of two additional cylinders and 83 more horsepower. The all-aluminum, direct-injection 385 hp, 5.0-litre V8 what propels the Jaguar XF to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, while the Mercedes-Benz takes 6.1 seconds. In the XF, the quarter mile arrives in 13.8 seconds, crossing the traps at 102 mph. The Mercedes-Benz takes its time at 14.7 seconds at 95 mph.
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Yet those statistics aren’t as impressive as the torque figure in the Jaguar XF. The standard V8 in the Jaguar XF also provides a staggering 107 lb/ft torque advantage over the Mercedes-Benz. Torque is what provides the usable acceleration when entering an on-ramp or overtaking slow-moving vehicles. It’s not a number that’s only recognized on a drag strip or a road course: It’s a difference you’ll appreciate in the XF in all of your daily driving activities.
Taking a glance at the standard equipment on the cars also shows a clear and significant advantage for the Jaguar. Leather seats, satellite Navigation, a glass moonroof, and 17-inch alloy wheels are all standard in the XF. Adding those to the base E350 will require an additional $6,710 in options. At Jaguar, we feel that luxury should be standard.
Then there’s the subjective comparison. The Mercedes-Benz E350, being a fixture in this segment struggles to move beyond its traditional, conservative image. The Jaguar XF is a wholly modern luxury car from every angle. Its design recognizes the great Jaguar automobiles of the past, but reinvents them for the 21st century. Its design, its performance and its amazing attention to ride quality is what landed the Jaguar XF on Car and Driver’s 10Best list when it arrived in 2009.
Finally, owning a Jaguar offers peace of mind. Both the Jaguar and the Mercedes-Benz offer 48 month, 50,000 mile basic and powertrain warranties, however, the Jaguar XF offers a significantly better corrosion warranty of 72 months and unlimited mileage, while the Mercedes suspends coverage at 48 months or 50,000 miles. And while you’ll be paying for all your scheduled maintenance at the Mercedes- Benz dealer, Jaguar covers all of your scheduled maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles.
The objective and subjective comparisons are clear: while the Jaguar XF and Mercedes-Benz E350 are competitive vehicles within their class, the XF comes out ahead in the significant metrics most drivers are interested in. Visit with us today to learn more about these advantages for yourself.
