New Jaguar BEATS the BMW 5-Series in Latest Review?

I don't think I'm biased or anything, but no...
good effort from Jag, but I still cherish my BMW handling and sportiness too much

Ilove the XF. I love jaguar all together.

I will bet my life that the Jag isn't better.

showtime,

You might want to fill out this form, as you'll probably be requiring their services soon... Very Soon!

http://www.neptunesociety.com/maillist.asp?loc=mainmenu

You mean you prefer the pointlessness of the BMW.

This segment is the what segment? oh yes LUXURY segment. Now the bmw goes faster: so what how stupid. It handles better if you race it to an extreme: What an idiot thing to do. It look revolting does not have a magic ride and a cheap interior at this level. So what does it doe right?

Unless you were born and bred in a trailer park and won the lottery the bmw is the looser.

Me thinks AutoCar hasn't actually driven a 5 Series.

004,

Have You Considered Other Activities?

The Aforementioned 'Thinking' May Not Be Your Forte...

haha very funny DaHarder...listen man, i have nothing against Jaguar. they just haven't had much to offer up until now, it's that simple. I want to see them do much better though but it's very odd that they suddenly get it right with the XF let alone beat the 5 series.

The XF concept looked so good but they killed it with the production model. So nothing fancy about the looks. They said it would have an aluminum chasis and they made it steel instead. on and on and on...

If it handles better, brakes better, accelerates better, steers better, and has a better ride at the same time then I'll give it the crown, but since when were they known to be best at all this? Never.

"If it handles better, brakes better, accelerates better, steers better, and has a better ride at the same time then I'll give it the crown, but since when were they known to be best at all this? Never. "

Never - Huh?

Jaguar sedans were considered the best handling/performing sedans in the world long before BMW ever even considered development of the 2002, 3-series, 5-series et al.

The 1960's Jaguar S-Type and Mark II were both unlike anything ever conceived/seen/driven in the sedan/saloon market in their day, as were the 1970's Jaguar XJ6 (Series III) sedans.

Know This - Jaguar invented the great handling luxury sport saloon!

Helpful Hint: Next Time Do a Bit Of Research Before You Post Automotive Untruths!

ok ok, I'll admit that "never" is a strong word to use. 1960's was way before my time although with a bit of research I'd be able to find out some truth that you mentioned.

But since in my time around, because they haven't set any records , I quite frankly don't care what they did in the 60's. All I know is for the past 20 years BMW has held the title for "great handling luxury sport saloon" as u call it.

Don't get me wrong, I'd buy a Jaguar for its unique name and style and just to be different because you don't see too many on the road. However, I do have a problem with a magazine article stating that it drives and performs better than the 5 series sport.

Like I said before, if the testing records prove that the Jaguar XF outperforms the 5 series, then I will be convinced. It's that simple. As for driving feel and pleaseure, I'll leave it up to myself with a test drive. In the end, I highly doubt that the Jag will win in either case.

Now if Aston Martin owned Jaguar, then I'd start to believe in it more but that's a whole other topic.

that's a 2008 550i sport on the cover. I'm surprised they didn't test the 535i against the XF since the power output is "officially" very close between the two. However the 535i is only 0.1 seconds slower 0-60 than the 550i and handles slightly better (and gets better fuel economy). It's also a lot less expensive than either the 550i or XF V8 (in England anyway), despite offering much higher performance than the XF.

English magazines and shows do tend to favor English vehicles. I saw the XF at NAIAS yesterday, it looked decent. Interior wasn't as nice as I thought it would be from the pictures, the wood looked very plastic and there were a lot of switches and stuff that didn't look particularly upscale. Still, looked interesting enough to make it worth a look if shopping for something in this segment.

Might not be...in Europe and in the UK you can get the 500 sport kit on lower models

001

Not bland in person.

fine, the bodykit might not mean it HAS to be a 550i, but the article itself states they were comparing the non-supercharged XF to the 550i SE since the base prices were within hundreds of pounds of one another. So it would stand to reason the photo is a 550i. And regardless I still think they should have used a 535i for the comparison.

No, the XF does not have the XK's aluminum platform, as its styling suggests. The XF is literally the new S-type, as it uses the outgoing S-type's chassis.

You arent deserving of using obama's name in any regard, since he, unlike you, has a brain.

The 550 isn't that fast? So, 5 seconds flat to 60, and deep into the 13's isnt fast? OK, so using that 'logic' that means none of your beloved tarted-up toyotas are fast either.

Check your latest issue of CR... BMW 5 and Audi A6 are both more reliable than Lexis GS.

The XF uses the S-types platiform, but the steel was reinforced to make it more rigid. The suspension, gearbox and engine are the same one's used in the XK

What qualities of the vehicles were compared ?

Power, Handling, Performance, Weight ?

Or some BS Feel Good Factor ?

Quote from one of the Sunday Times' Reviewers
" So far so good, but how does the XF stand up against rivals? A V8 Premium Luxury XF carries a price tag of £45,500, compared with £45,745 for the BMW 550i SE. Both the XF and 550i use normally aspirated V8 engines, but the BMW’s uses a 4.8 litre unit compared to a 4.2 litre workhorse in the Jag. Not surprising, then, that the BMW delivers more power (362bhp v 294bhp). Jaguar quotes a 0 to 62mph time of 6.5secs while BMW claims 5.3secs (both cars with automatic transmission). Yet it is the BMW that uses less fuel on all quoted cycles and emits less CO2 as well. On paper then, the BMW triumphs. "

So again on what did they base their analysis ?

I think it was based on the newest vehicle.

yeah but i think the 550i is the best in class but it competes with the SV8 model of the XF, the Jag also gets better EPA numbers with the 4.2 non supercharged. Price wise the 550i is still more expensive than the SV8 Jag so it just depends on what they are comparing so you have 420hp compared to 360hp not 294

bmwdrvr

Cant you Effing Read ?

In thr UK the BMW 550i is priced £275 more than the NA 4.2 V8 XF.

"So far so good, but how does the XF stand up against rivals? A V8 Premium Luxury XF carries a price tag of £45,500, compared with £45,745 for the BMW 550i SE. Both the XF and 550i use normally aspirated V8 engines, but the BMW’s uses a 4.8 litre unit compared to a 4.2 litre workhorse in the Jag. Not surprising, then, that the BMW delivers more power (362bhp v 294bhp). Jaguar quotes a 0 to 62mph time of 6.5secs while BMW claims 5.3secs (both cars with automatic transmission). Yet it is the BMW that uses less fuel on all quoted cycles and emits less CO2 as well. On paper then, the BMW triumphs."

If you have a valid argument with the paragraph aove then state your case, dont just produce idiotic statements with no basis on Logic.

Okay, but in the US (where bmwdrvr lives), the XF SV8 will be a bit under $60K and just over $60K fully-loaded. The 550i is seemingly competitively priced at $58,500... but load it up, and you're over $75K.

There you go again. If 100 people tell you something is better
( I95SPEEDINGTICKETS)you will believe the 101st that says its not.

wow, how COMMON of you to say that. 1st 1955 the 550i starts at almost 59,000 a fully loaded 420hp SV8 XF costs about 65,000 a similiar priced 550i is a 70,000+ vehicle so whos the idiot. Instead of posting Common comments, that show you o nothing about cars, do your research and than come back and try again not to mention to add wheels the size of the SV8 to the 550i will cost some 4-5,000 more to the price and thats for 19 inch wheels taking the price alot closer to 80 grand, compared to about 65 on the jag.

I don't know much about "Hyndai", but I believe even the cheap cars can handle very well on everyday road. I don't know, nver ridden it, but a BMW,LExus,Merc, etc... are all capable.

My take: Reliability is number one especially when performance is within margin of one another. Looks is as important and functionality. Handling should be in the back seat nowaday. How often can you drive to the limit of these cars nowaday? I mean, I can no longer do 100mph in a 45mph curve. It's fun, but now...there isn't enough space for that.

Definately the Fresh and plush Jaguar for me. BMW 5 Series looks dated and the interior is very ordinary (I love M5 though).

and if u need more power opt for the performance version R.

After all everyone don't have to make a car to DIRECTLY rival BMW's or any other for that matter.

I mean 300BHP XF very much rival 360BHP 550i. If u want more power go for XKR. Now see BMW don't have a rival for that (500BHP M% is not a direct rival).

JUGNU

"After all everyone don't have to make a car to DIRECTLY rival BMW's or any other for that matter."

Exactly, so why do you always bash Audi for being "in between" the BMW competition?

why wouldn't a 300hp XF compare better with a 300hp 535i? After all, the purpose of the 3.0TT engine was to offer 4.0L V8 power in a lighter, smaller, more fuel efficient package. It would seem to be a pretty perfect comparison, and I'm guessing Jaguar thinks so too since in the U.S. they're priced similarly. They might not be in England where apparently the naturally aspirated XF V8 is priced against the 550i, but they are here.

never!!! Q:who is jaguar?! A:ford
is ford better than bmw?

They aren't fords you idiot.

Who cares about if you are English, or not, you have your own opinion and it matters little that someone british may not like jaguar, because to be frank, jaguar became famous and is still cherished by buyers mostly outside of the British mainland, although i know how most british people absolutely adore the jaguar brand, you seem to be an anomaly "Maindrianpace". And please to all those BMW popsuckers, you guys are getting thrashed from every direction. Until recent years, Mercedes E class was the only real challenge, in past 5-6 years though Audi A6 and Lexus GS and to some degree even Infiniti M45 have eaten a lot of market share that was solely 5 series territory. And now the iconic Jaguar has dropped a bazuuka rocket on the heart of the 5 series, and it has done so by targeting on the weak points of the 5 sereis, and by matching the good points of the BMW. First of all it outclasses the 5 series by a mile in design and desirability, quality of material, especially in the interior, BMW 5 series uses hard plastics and little wood on their dash, a very cold place to be in compared to the superlative and magnificently modern XF blue tonic interior. And by using XK suspension setup with the already excellent chasis carried over from the S type (the prev gen S type drove as good as the 5 series, ask anyone who has driven both cars and anyone could tell that unless you take it to the track, both cars were even in driving dynamics and handling) the XF is looking to match the 5 sereis' awesome driving personna. And as an overall package, the XF has way more standard features with standard GPS, rear backup camera, heated and powered seats and steering wheel, and off course leather and your choice of wood in all trim levels. And besides, the XF will cut the BMW in half in terms of looks alone, why would i even bother about a 5 series when i can have aston martin like looks (the XF looks like a vanquish from the back) and off course classic jaguar cues from the front(the grille from Old XJ6) and guys i have seen the car live, and it does not look like the pics from the front, it is actually very aggressive and coupeish looking from the front as well.

yeah i can tell, BMW sells most of its cars outside US and Germany in GB. So i think i know the nature of UK buyers. They are pretty neutral and judge a product based on it's offerings that matches a buyers demands.

And i have always said in autospies that BMW has followed its philosophy of a car being a machine(the ultimate driving "machine") into the interior by making it look like the interior instrumentlike rather than like a cozy rocking chair with walnut table like trims.

But you really don't understand the point of this Jag XF or why people like me are liking it so much. This XF does not make the interior look like kitchen top dark woods of old XJs but actually looks very techno gizmo like, the interior looks to me like my motorola razr dial buttons with azure blue lighting to distinguish the buttons, and a knob as a gear changer, how cool is that. You don't seem to have even seen the XF.

And also the exterior, regardless of what all the no sayers have to say, i have seen the car in flesh and for me it is very uber class and exquisitely modern.

You see my point, why i like the XF: simple. It is quite modern.

And from your objections to XF,"I learned to drive in british car, with smooth soft plastic and walnut trim, a Rover 214GSi! It was rubbish! Personally I don't care much for the "cosy" interior" it seems as if like you are still thinking that the dark brown and sheepishly put together stock of wood and bumlike seats of old jaguar are still part of this XF, it almost seems as if like you are confusing the Jaguar of OLD with the rather super sleek XF, which contains none of the old hatch rubbishness of those prev gen jags. Please clear from your mind the preconceived notion of old jaguars that is stopping you from looking at the XF for what it is, and then you will see why so many like me think that this car is awesome.

you are as dumb as the day is long.

as it stands, the Lexus GS is nothing but an underperforming (sales & handling) 5 series wannabe.

And the XF looks 10 times better than the GS

MichaelTaylor: maybe your making ignorant statements like always.

AND the 5 Series is more reliable than the GS.

Seeing how reliable the XJ is, I wouldn't be surprised if the XF was, too.

Nope, when the lease on the '06 530i SMG expires, i'm gettin myself a GS 350 w/ 22's!!. It's seriously more reliable than a 5, lol. I have one, maybe it's becuz of the SMG, but i have to worry about letting someone borrow it, it has been unpredictable lately.

Okay, so your personal experience says otherwise.

However, you haven't had a GS yet, so how can you be sure?

Anyway, CR used to say my car has "poor" reliability, but I haven't had any problems with it. Then it was upgraded to "average" and now it's recommended. That's more like it.

The newer breed of Lexus haven't exactly being living up to Lexus reputation for quality. The IS220d we get over here in Europe has been having some issues: http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=47474

The 5 Series is so much better!

No surprise, the 550i also lost to the M45 in a Car and Driver reviews:

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/11738/2007-bmw-550i-v-infiniti-m45-v-lexus-gs450h-v-m-b-e550.html


and Road and Track (545 vs M45)

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=31&article_id=2221

Yep, never mind that the bloated nissan got its ass handed to it, and that the 5 ran circles around it, or that both 'wins' came as a result of being cheaper.

wow, you're a douchebag tattedtwice

"Yep, never mind that the bloated nissan got its ass handed to it, and that the 5 ran circles around it, or that both 'wins' came as a result of being cheaper. "

Actually,quite the contrary:

"Infiniti has definitely brought its A game to the sports-sedan ranks...Had it been comparably equipped (navigation, premium audio, intelligent cruise control, etc.), its as-tested price would have fallen in between the Lexus and BMW. That, however, would not have changed the outcome."

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=31&article_id=2221&page_number=4


Also:

"First, there is its character. The logbook commentary seemed to favor the Infiniti for its eagerness — a light steering touch with good feedback, brisk turn-in, quick transitions, a general sense of being quick on its feet that made the Bimmer’s responses seem a tad heavy and, well, Teutonic."

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/11743/2007-infiniti-m45-sport.html

I guess that you did not read the articles...go back to school and learn how to do it.

They said: <<BMW 550 - The Verdict: A flawless driving machine diminished by pricey options and an infernal device.>>

So, BMW lost to m45 because of its price (so they want a 550 priced as the m45 ?? come on !!!) and the idrive (when will this stop i wonder ??) ?

"Had it been comparably equipped (navigation, premium audio, intelligent cruise control, etc.), its as-tested price would have fallen in between the Lexus and BMW. That, however, would not have changed the outcome."

For the same price I am interested to know what Infiniti could offer.

I'd top anything over a 5. M included.

I'd have the M because (and I'll admit, I love BMWs because of the 3-series, but the badge buys these cars nowadays along with other euros):

-Nice interior

-No snob appeal

-decent looks

go ahead and deboost me!! there should be more people like 43LE and bulldogz!

"For the same price I am interested to know what Infiniti could offer."

!

And this is why Infiniti should have a performance arm...

"Had it been comparably equipped (navigation, premium audio, intelligent cruise control, etc.), its as-tested price would have fallen in between the Lexus and BMW. That, however, would not have changed the outcome."

Didn't even know Jaguar had a new car.

They still in business?!

You're right, must be ad commitments.

weaponX,

Wouldn't Have Been Better To Remain Silent, And (Possibly) Be Thought A Fool, Than To Post Such Tripe, and Remove ALL DOUBTS?

no they didnt go out of business, they were bought by ford

and their quality improved.

It’s hard to be thought of a fool when one doesn’t own, or even think of owning a Jaguar.

They’re owned by Ford….well that’s confidence inspiring.

Why Continue With This?

With Each And Every Post, You Dig Yourself a Deeper and Deeper Hole...

"Tata Motors (TTM) will be named on 21 Dec 2007 as the winning bidder in the auction for Jaguar and Land Rover, according to a report in Britain's Birmingham Post newspaper. Tata will pay £1 billion, or about $2 billion, for the two Ford Motor (F) luxury auto brands, said the newspaper, which is based near Jaguar and Land Rover's home in the British midlands."

In Summary: Ford (effectively) No Longer Owns Jaguar.

I wonder if this comparo is like the M/T comparo between the 335 and the altima coupe...uh, I mean the g37, where the 3 kicked its ass in everything from acceleration to handling to MPG's and even emissions, yet the cover proclaimed "The King is Dead." In other words, I'd bet Jag took this one because it's newer and cheaper.

Different platform f*** face. Learn something about cars before shooting your mouth off. We should have a filter for teenagers who think they're special because they wack off in the back seat of their mommy's 328i.

there should be a filter for people on here that get that angry about cars they have talk like that grow up

farabira1 seems to be the only one posting comments here who has any idea what the new XF really is and he didn't even point out the most important part that seems to be causing the most grief here. This car DOES perform as well as a 5 series from EVERY review I have read. It's not as comfort focused as the car it replaces and actually borrow the suspension from the XK as he mentions. The BIGGEST thing not being mentioned here has to do with the lack of understanding about the engine options. The 300hp V8 may come in the car at 550 sorta starting price, but with the standard equipment included you could opt for the 420hp supercharged version by the time you added the same content to the 550. 420hp is PLENTY to keep up with a 550 and I am pretty sure the SC version is even more of a track attack car. It probably schools the 5 series and still costs the same once you option them similarly. And, to anyone with eyes, the Jag is just a more beautiful car. For these prices though, I would rather have a 2009 CTS-V.

not surprised. the interior and exterior of the jag should be enough to beat the 5 series alone

You should looking into this new XF. It is a car that could overwhelm anyone not well informed about it. It's more can than most are going to expect.

One thing is clear from all these reports: IF the GS is 85% 5-series, and the E-class is 92% 5-series and the XF is 99-101% 5-series then these cars are nipping at the legs of the 5-series. I may not be long before someone (very likely Mercedes takes that spot like they did with the S-class and 7-series). You see the looks of BMWs have been so polirizing that in comparos it loses a lot of points in looks and then barely makes up for it in handling. It used to be that in Luxury mecedes had that crown, in handling BMW had that crown, in interior design Audi had that crown and in ride quality Jaguar had that crown. Now.....there is Lexus, Infinity, Cadillac and a few others like Fisker, Porsche, even Aston Martin ($100k sports car??) and Range Rover (SUV or NOT they attract the same crowd) fighting for the same crowns. It a war out there and its bad for all of us because they are increasingly coping each others fomulas.

In just a space of 10 years Jaguar and cadillac have past BMW, AUDI and almighty Mercedes and joined Lexus and infinity as the most reliable Luxury brands in Most surveys. In that same time BMW past Mercedes benz and Lexus for sales in the US and became No. 1 in the World saleswise. In that same time 1) Nissan's Infinity G35 and G37 have borrow the 3-series crown. 2) Mercedes Benz has besically become cheaper than BMWs in the same category except the S 3) At the same time Acura (once nominated to be the first to catch BMW back in the early 90s) lost all it's sports cars and Audi now has several coupes/ sports cars!!) And this is the most painful, in that same period BMW, the darling of light weight luxury sports sedans now makes the Heavier cars than all other brands except AUDI. Whilst Jaguar, the poorest of them all now weighs the least. Btw No jaguar weighs more than 4000 pounds!! the X3 weights 4050, the old X5 5000, M5 4050, but the XJ8 weighs 3700!! less than the new M3 hardtop convertible!!

So Ladies and Gentlemen, you see, all these manufactures are now copying each other's attributes by being something to everyone instead of everything to a few. So I'm not surprised that the XF is that close to the 5-series.

Sorry I said "BMW past Lexus in sales in the US" I meant to write Cadillac.

Sorry wrong again Lexus is the sales Leader for the last seven years in a row,in the largest car market in the WORLD U.S.A. I don' know why these morons keep saying Lexus doesn't sell well in europe,If they wanted to take europe they could.It would mean building a strong dealer network and time,they did it from scratch in the U.S. in only ten years thats impressive.Just ask BMW and mercedes they'll tell you.

This Jag looks like a Buick!

Do you smoke sherm?

sherm = pcp

The 5 and M have won a fairly even split of comparisons between them.

That's all good, and I really do like the M... but for anyone who can afford it, IMO get the '08 5er instead. Why? I prefer the style, and BMW boasts a fantastic engine lineup.

While Im almost certain the new Jag is a great car, the fact is its a BRITISH car magazine that has been hoping for a non sucky Jag for years so its a very biased review.

I can't belive I defending a BMW but their's no way I would pick a Jag over a 5 series.Their's no way its built with the same quality of materials,precision,balance or will it have the reliability of the bmw.Service is weak,in my city at least(the dealer has 3 tech. at best.No loaner cars and trust me your going to need one.Bad resale value,It may have what it always had good looks but everything else sucks,don't blow your money on this one they may not even be in business in 10 years or less.

Autopro go sit in one and drive one I have done both and I am sorry to burst your bubble but the Xf is better.

the jag looks like the ugly mutt of the class. sorry. the 5 looks a lot better, the gs looks a lot better. also isn't the 535i a better choice than the 550i? it has the twin turbo engine, chip it for close to 400hp and save a whole bunch

Do you smoke turbos?

turbos = cocaine & marijuana cigarettes

I am definitely looking forward to seeing and driving the XF in person. I've already driven a 550i. I think the 550i looks sinister with the M package and the engine is marvelous (though its down 20+ hp when compared to the E550 Mercedes) but I wouldn't buy it. I don't like the interior of the car at all. I would really like to see jaguar hurry up and bring us the 5 liter V8 with some naturally aspirated balls. I think the Jag interior probably years ahead better than the 5 series too. I personally liked the last gen 5 series much more. If I could get that car with the current engine. I WOULD!!!
T

The M is $20k more. Its in a completely different price class.

Idiot

He said M Package.

That will not cost more than $3,000

One Edmunds, it is called the sporting package, which includes and M kit. I thought he was taking about the M5.

ym73

Sorry about the Idiot thing

Was a Long Day

Idiot Statement Retracted.

I can't believe that anyone would think that BMW's Bangle design is in any way attractive.It is the ugliest BMW ever produced. I'm not saying it's a bad car at all to drive but asthetically it does not hold a candle to the new Jag.Interior wise the Jaguar is at least interesting. The BMW is nothing new. Also in the Jag your not subject to that stupid (IDRive).It's not all about which car has more HP. It's the overall package you get. In terms of ride and handling the Jag probably equals the BMW. Interior wise I like it better.It also kills the Beemer on style.Thats enough for me. I'd go for the Jaguar instead of yuppyville.

Wow this article really is BS, first this same person posts the King is Dead as a way to say the G37 is much better than the 335i, than are claiming Mags root for the home team, name one tests where the MKZ bested anything, or even when it was tested against a BMW at all. The CTS is a great car but it normally finishes 2nd or 3rd in mag tests, so i fail to see the argument on Ad dollars and supporting home land anything. Just another way to be a hypocrite and say that cars win because of how much money is given and not test. I guess numbers are made up as well and lies are published to support these Ad dollar wins...thats BS and you people know it. As far as this one as a bmw fan it doesnt seem impossible for the 550i to lose to a 420hp Jag XF which ironically is cheaper. It looks good, and has a very nice inside so good job Jag

Actualy Jag has the smallest ad budget of all the Euro car brands, If an ything the English mags are harder on the home team.

you must not care about the interior of a car

YES, They Do:

"But that is not the only issue that qualifies this (Jaguar XF) victory, for in truth it asks as many questions as it answers. For example, how will it stack up against the Mercedes CLS, a car whose four-door coupe design was clearly studied hard by Jaguar? We look forward to providing answers to this and many more questions in the coming months. In the meantime, I would not be so mean as to begrudge Jaguar its victory here; it is deserved for sure"

Andrew Frankel/Autocar

ENOUGH SAID!

This is getting weird.

First 001 was stating all the other press in Detroit were fools for liking Hyundai's Genesis, and now a respected British magazine is either biased or ignorant because the Jag beat a BMW in a test.

Everyone has opinions and preferences, but it gets silly arguing over which is "better", or who is "right" all the time.

I get the impression that 001 has some serious Narcissistic Personality Disorder Issues at times.

Yes, He's the Reining Autospies Overseer, But...

Many of his comments and 'alleged' reviews are little more than Flame-Starting Rants that offer little to no degree of learned insight regarding the vehicles/subjects on which he's 'reporting'.

Guys I hate to point this out, but here is the article:

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/automotive/newmodels/42412/

It has been up there for almost 2 weeks and despite the fact that it is on Speed's website it is written by Autocar's staff.

The article is quite strange because it goes back and forth between talking about the normally-aspirated Jaguar and the 420-hp SV8. Bmwdrvr brings up a good point in that the most appropriate comparison would be between the SV8 and the 550i. Although the Autocar metions the 550i sport. So I really don't know on that front.

As far as the looks- just look at the pictures in the article. I think it is quite obvious who wins that one.

...as a matter of note. The 550i is actually cheaper than the SV8 Jaguar ($58,000 vs. $62,000- MSRP) but the 550i Sport (whatever the hell that means- see the Autocar article) is more expensive by around a grand.

AND the SV8 is standard with about 200% more equipment. It tops out at around $65K, no? However, with all the options and not a single accessory on the BMW, it adds up to a breathtaking $80,305... you could spend a bit more for a Jaguar XJR or even less for a 750Li!

I think the magazine was comparing engine types (both naturally aspirated). If they compared price, the better comparison is the SV8 which has 420 hp. It cost $63k in the US. The 550 starts at $59k and if you add the nav, and upgraded stereo you are ate the same price and the XF still has more standard options. The article said the XF beat the 550 because of the ride quality without giving up handeling and better interior. The BMW's ride is really stiff. As for reliability, just look at JD power or consumer reports. Jaguar is up there with BMW and ahead of Merc.They have really improved their quality and the XF interior has better materials than the BMW. As for looks, in my opinion the XF is better from any angle except the front. I saw this car in person (how many of you have?) I think people should at least test drive it before completely dismissing this car.

The one negative about the jag is the engine design. they haven't updated the engine for a long time, so it need suercharging to get the same hp and get less fuel economy. From the reviews, its seems the interior, ride, and handeling are superb.

The 4.2L engine that they're using is specific to supercharged applications; they've been using it for some time now.

It's a cost saving measure, by using an engine design that's already been tried and trued, just like the BMW I6. Plus, this engine is the same one they use for supercharging.

There will always be the argument of looks, personally I like the 5 series better. Secondly, the article title says it all. The NEW Jag apparently beats the 5, when the next 5 comes out. It will indeed beat, if it doesn't already the Jag.

However, Jaguar have indeed upped their game.

The 5-Series design was a mistake, period. The sooner we admit this, the sooner we can look forward to the new 5-Series. In the meantime, I am waiting to see the new E-Class before I decide to buy either that, or this Jaguar.

this car going bounce Jag up from the dead!!! as far as comparo goes, M45 is the truth, after that, its the bad azz Benz and that new 460 GS, A6, STS and of course the Genesis, lol maybe RL rival...

Let me put this out there: I love both the BMW 5 Series and the Jaguar XF.

The 5 Series is actually very unappreciated on this site. I thought the same things as all of you... but now, having driven a 530xi and two different 535xi's, it really is a fantastic vehicle. Super-smooth, efficient, musical engines. A well-built and attractive interior on the refreshed models. Excellent handling, of course. And personally I think it looks exactly how a twenty-first century BMW should. Much, much better than the 7. And I REALLY like the M5. It's on my list.

Then again, so is the XF. I'm very impressed by the new Jag. It looks beautiful, inside and out. From the reviews it also has great handling. It's very competitively priced--the SV8 tops out at around $65K! I will definitely look at that, too, and I hope the XFR (~500hp) is out by the time I'm buying, a little more than a year from now.

I am soooooooooo effing loving this!

You are such an ass. The major car brands already have hinted that just driving the XF is enough to tell that it is a serious contender.I feel that you have yet to see any other car with as much initial praise as the XF has gotten in many years

Good to see Jaguar being a contender again. I guess it will last until the New 5 Series comes out. A new Jaguar being compared to the current 5 Series getting long in the tooth is a bit unfair.

Long in the tooth? It just got its mid-cycle refresh.

Comparing the 5 Series to the old, old, old S-Type... THAT'S what was unfair.

Enough is Enough. This is the new XF in it's full glory.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfjZ5WT-vJs&feature=related

BMW fanboys are quite extreme! Really do you guys expect that no other company can make a great car?

Well get a shock to your system, because from everyone who has driven the XF, Topgear, Car magazine, WhatCar, and AutoCar, all the journalists have agreed that the car is superb to drive.

From what i can gather so far, the XF has a bit stiffer ride than the S type, but the body is well damped during handling in acute corners and has a more sporty steering feel compared to the Old S type. And if you can read into these words: you can easily gather where Jaguar pointed their objectives to. Clearly Jag engineers strengthened the chasis even more, and added shorter suspension setup to make the XF replicate the way that any 5 series would drive. So basically Jag copied 5 series in driving and handling, which is certainly not a bad thing, but actually rather great. But Jag cleverly did not try to follow BMW when it comes to design, thank goodness. Anyone with a sensible brain would keep away from designing their car like the Bangle 5 series, because to me that car just looks plain disgusting. It is still selling only because it is a BMW.

Fine... EDMUNDS.COM (an American publication) LOVED the XF.

Car and driver also had a positive review of the car

Road & Track just posted a positive review, too. It seems all the review have been positive. For the poeple who have a preconceived notion that this is a bad car, let us know if you ever see a negative review.

Jaguar is a third-class citizen compared to BMW when it comes to driving dynamics. BMW does it better, way better than anyone else.

FARABIRA----just wait for the next generation 5 Series from BMW. Dont forget, Jag just came out with this one.

Jaguar is nothing more then an overhyped low class car.

I wouldn't be suprised if their "GORGEOUS" marketing campaign paid extra $$$dollars to have their car featured on the cover.














Jaguar was, is, and will be - crap - for a long time.

glued together for lower middle class.

I beg your pardon?

You should actually be DEMANDING His Pardon!

"Jaguar is nothing more then an overhyped low class car."

Any Troglodyte that would actually post something as mindless and grammatically flawed as this nonsense wouldn't know 'class' if was introduced into their colon via a 100 gallon open-topped enema bag!

Nope, when the lease on the '06 530i SMG expires, i'm gettin myself a GS 350 w/ 22's!!. It's seriously more reliable than a 5, lol. I have one, maybe it's becuz of the SMG, but i have to worry about letting someone borrow it, it has been unpredictable lately.

... And Seriously Ghetto (Fabulous)!

Note: Ghetto Fabulous - The Epitome of the Word Oxymoron (Emphasis On The MORON)!

See what i mean! BMW fanboys keep your cool guys, it is only the start, there will be more flogging on the 5 series by redesigned A6, E class, and off course a RS6 sedan. So seriously take a chill pill.

"If you want the funnest car to drive in this segment, buy the 550i. If you are a old fart and want plushness, and 68 less hp, get the XF."

I hate to even bring this up, but it's just so annoying that I can no longer refrain...

FUNNEST IS NOT A WORD!

Using it seriously overshadows anything credible that you might be trying to convey, and makes you appear less intelligent they you might actually be.

Another thing:

Why can't you seem to accept that just because you like a certain vehicle, or hold it in high esteem, doesn't mean that others are compelled to follow suit?

"What the hell do you think 99% of the people are doing on here. You have been guilty of the same thing."

That may well be you interpretation, but few on here are as antagonistic as you often are.

You Know What?

I'm not trying to start some kind of 'cyber-fight'...

So I'll just leave you to do... Whatever It Is - You Do.

Have a Good One!

I don't desire the 'own' anyone... (Man - I hate That Term!)

He and I have long resolved (most of) our differences, and I try to respect his views/posts, but...

Where we differ is the manner in which we choose to conduct ourselves in these forums//threads, I tend to be more interested in learning, teaching and intelligently participating in the discussion at hand, while others seem to derive pleasure from constantly 'Stirring The Pot' and antagonizing others.

I Say: To Each Their Own, as it's just the WWW!

...and sometimes we simply Agree (which are my favorite times).

Ok - Enough Of The Love Fest - You Jerk! :-)

As much as I dislike BMW and it hardcore fanboys, I think the Win given to Jaguar is to help revive the Dying brand.

I don't think this Jaguar can beat the BMW 5 series in the handling dept. Heck I can could've drive both the vechicles and give the win to BMW instead.

Lexus,

"I don't think this Jaguar can beat the BMW 5 series in the handling dept"

Well, unfortunately (for you) there appears to be a serious disparity between what you 'think' and what reality is proving...

Me, I going with REALITY!

"Lexus" when you say "I don't think this Jaguar can beat the BMW 5 series in the handling dept." it really makes me laugh. Because just as you are doubting that a new Jaguar can not handle like a car renowned for it's handling and dynamics (the 5 series), about 5 or 6 years ago people used to say that an asian car company like Lexus can not match a true Luxury brand like Mercedes Benz in terms of quality and refinement. But the skeptics have been proven wrong and the improbably has been achieved by an Asian brand in the form of LS, which has equalled the best in the world in the form of S class and 7 series. So do you see where i am going at?

Do not doubt a car's abilities based on it's origin, but rather look at hard facts and produce a logical and intelligent observation.

I mean i don't want to demean you, but your thoughts are of preconceived notion, just because XF is a Jaguar how can "this Jaguar can beat the BMW 5 series in the handling dept."; using your own words in exclamation.

It is time of technology and innovation and any brand or people of any origin can bring something new and wonderful to society through research and development. I think that is what happened with XF, Jaguar tried and they succeeded in matching the driving dynamics of a very respectable car, the 5 series.

Yes, the front is not the best, especially after looking at the concept. However, if you take the car as a whole, it is a very good looking car.

Another thing i am not comfortable with is that the XF design will not age gracefully. after seeing the R versions of the last S-Type and XJ and even the new XK I know the R version of the XF will probably have that Max Power type wire mesh inserts over Plain Openings in the Front and Tacky Glued/Screwed on Plastic Bits to the Front, Side and Rear of the Vehicles.

Some Examples:

Plain BMW 5-Series:
http://www.approved.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/auc/car_details/0,,1260_159980100__,00.html?currentCh=WBANX72060CZ03627

BMW 5 Series with M Tech Kit:
http://www.approved.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/auc/car_details/0,,1260_159980100__,00.html?currentCh=WBANX72080CZ02169

{In Both Cases you may click on the top right of frame to enlarge picture}

Jaguar S-Type:
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/images.action?R=200713276984675&channel=CARS&adcategory=&largeId=501825447

S-Type with Kit:
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/JAGUAR+S-TYPE/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146,N-184-4294965569-4294967071/advert.action?R=200701301055892&distance=180&postcode=sw2+4ae&channel=CARS&make=JAGUAR&model=S-TYPE&min_pr=&max_pr=50000&max_mileage=

Can you see the cheap look of the Bodykit on the Jag ?

Now the XK :
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/JAGUAR+XK/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146,N-185-4294966567-4294967071/advert.action?R=200802301696349&distance=156&postcode=sw2+4ae&channel=CARS&make=JAGUAR&model=XK&min_pr=&max_pr=75000&max_mileage=

And XKR:
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/images.action?R=200735293851535&channel=CARS&adcategory=&largeId=594132733

Maybe this would show some insight into how tacky the mods on the Jags are.

Then again one mans Jessica Alba.......

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/images.action?R=200802301620453&channel=CARS&adcategory=&largeId=650220500

Are Jaguar and BMW owners even in the same demographics. Friend has 2005 XK and dash looks like the inside of a Spitfire. But it is a beautiful auto. Just not my style.

GS 350 w/ ultra lip 22"s and Bags, say what u want, but when anyone pulls up w/ that combo..., gotta get these GS while their rare. Jag XF, they gotta already change those front headlts.

the freakin, not made any more, 2005 T-Bird beat the 5 series. Let me know when the conversasion is about FAST cars!

of course it was the stock engine. as far as spitfire, etc. Leyland’s interiors, Austin 3000, TR6-TR 250 XKE slam anything the japs or germans (totally unoriginal, put out. MY wife goes on about her new A6 (which is agreed by all comparisons to be the best) and I agree just keep her happy. They are all so boring. while the caddy's are similar they look better than all the above (not the old Leyland cars). You all probably jump out of you bland interiors and run in the house to watch american idol

Tata is a mullti-billion dollar company. They also are jags biggest supplier. They supply most of the steel used in the jags. As long as they don't interfer with the designers or try to use jags and LR names to sell cheap cars to the third world, jaguar will be just fine.