BMW 550i vs Jaguar XF SV8 vs Lexus GS450h vs Mercedes-Benz E500 (E550)

1st Place: Mercedes E500
The Mercedes V8 is refined, torquey and always eager to perform. At high speeds the Mercedes V8 is quieter than the screaming Lexus V6. The E-Class has outstanding comfort ratings and performs well in driving dynamics and has top ratings in having the car drive straight without the driver touching the steering wheel (like the Lexus). The seats don't offer enough side support though. The fuel consumption of 13.3 liters per 100 km is acceptable given the sporty driving style the car was exposed to. Inside the E-Class offers a lot of space for both front and rear passengers and the trunk is enormous with 540 liters of space. The trunk can be expanded by having the rear seats fold down giving the E-Class excellent markings in versatility. Overall the E500 is a very versatile car offering great performance, cabin- and luggage space, acceptable fuel economy and the best comfort in the group.


2nd Place: Jaguar XF SV8
The Jaguar performed well in this test beating out the BMW in driving dynamics. Although the test showed that the Jaguar weighs close to 2-tons, its powerful engine wasn't enough to hang with the BMW and Mercedes in acceleration. Interior space is generous and the comfort and sporting qualities are very good. Wind and engine noises are incredibly loud at 180 km/h+, especially the supercharged V8 but most customers will probably enjoy the sporty sound. The Jaguar is a very thirsty car needed on average 2 liters of gasoline extra compared to the BMW and Mercedes. This was a big blow and somewhat cost it the victory. The XF had the best braking performance of all cars here and also the best interior and together with the Lexus comes standard with many features that cost extra in the BMW and Mercedes.


3rd Place: BMW 550i
The BMW has the most responsive engine in this test. The sound is sporty and the 6-speed automatic transmission is a good companion. On the downside are poor comfort and a somewhat small cabin although the optional "comfort seats" on this 550i improve comfort somewhat. As expected, the BMW is a very good handler but the XF handles better. Like the Mercedes, the BMW V8 is a quieter performer at high speeds than the Lexus GS. Fuel economy is good for a big and powerful V8. The trunk is the biggest in the review after the Mercedes E500. The BMW is easy to drive and control and a joy in corners - but so is the Jaguar.


4th Place: Lexus GS450h
The Lexus is the most fuel efficient here - in mixed driving only. At high speeds on the Autobahn it almost matches the Jaguar for thirst. It has one of the quietest engines. It comes best-equipped with standard features such as various safety features and electronic goodies and receives high marks here. In all other criterias it disappoints. At high speeds however the V6 engine and interior noises are very loud - and don't sound sporty. Comfort is average with the suspension being neither sporty or comfortable. The Lexus has a laughable trunk space of only 280 liters thanks to the hybrid batteries. These add weight and increase the fuel consumption of an already overweight car when the electric engine is not in usage. The seats of the Lexus offer little side support and are slippery. As in previous tests, the Lexus GS also demonstrates its incredibly poor braking abilities by performing incredibly poorly in braking tests. The interior is decent but feels inferior to that of the Jaguar and Mercedes. In variability the Lexus scores a solid 0 points. The rear seats cannot be folded and this combined with the small trunk make the GS a very impractical car.


-VERDICT-
At the end of this test the Jaguar XF finishes second place. First place goes to the Mercedes-Benz E500 which impresses in all regards. Despite its horrendous fuel economy and high costs, the Jaguar impresses with great overall comfort and superb handling. The BMW 550i is comparable to the Jaguar XF, but isn't as comfortable and is soundly beaten in driving dynamics. The Lexus GS450h offers average comfort, poor driving dynamics and a very small cabin. All the Lexus has going for it are its generally low fuel consumption and clean emissions. In all other criteria it trails its rivals.
Read Article

Heyhuub - 4/14/2008 1:54:47 PM

-3 Boost

Much like your own writing, right?

JRobUSC - 4/14/2008 1:58:31 PM

+9 Boost

No, genius, it was written in German in a German magazine and you're reading the English translation. Translation quirks aside, next time they might want to tick the "sport package" option box for the 550i. If you're doing a performance test comparing driving dynamics, that would have made a big difference.

EnnNorak - 4/14/2008 2:57:48 PM

-4 Boost

For me it's a no-brainer -- I'd rather spend my money on the S550 which was not part of the test.

JRobUSC - 4/14/2008 3:45:40 PM

+7 Boost

and isn't a competitor to any of these cars. Hence the inclusion of the E500.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/14/2008 7:37:12 PM

+9 Boost

The S550 is $30K more than any of these cars.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/14/2008 11:47:51 PM

+8 Boost

Why was I de-boosted? LOL.

tattedtwice - 4/15/2008 4:41:54 AM

+3 Boost

"The 5-Series has already been slapped around by the M45, so it is no surprise that it lost once again."

We should all overlook this clear hyperbole, but in case you're ignorant enough to believe that nonsense, let's break it down;
the 5 series is faster, brakes better, handles better, corners harder, gets better gas mileage, and is more refined. So, do tell, how does it get 'smacked around'? Oh, let me guess, because the m won a few comparisons thanks to being cheaper, even though the 5'er hands it its (bloated and ugly) @ss?

ubercool - 4/15/2008 9:35:38 AM

-8 Boost

If the test was in a neutral country, the result would look more like this,

1st Jaguar XF


2nd BMW 550i

3rd Lexus GS

4th Mercedes

jl114 - 4/14/2008 3:43:24 PM

-1 Boost

I agree, but the Lexus has terrible driving dynamnics. The interior space is also a complete joke, a g35 sedan has comparable space. As enticing as it looks, I'll wait to see how much they improve it next gen.

stash84 - 4/15/2008 10:07:39 AM

0 Boost

i agree..but give me the 550i..better yet, the m5

BMW4me4ever - 4/14/2008 1:51:13 PM

+3 Boost

Why isnt the 550i with the Sports Package? 90% of the 550's sold in the US is with the Sports Package on them.

JRobUSC - 4/14/2008 2:01:04 PM

+2 Boost

I noticed that too. Aside from a major appearance ugrade, the 20" wheels and M Sport suspension with active roll stabilization would have made a pretty big difference in the "driving dynamics".

Audiphile - 4/14/2008 11:32:42 PM

+2 Boost

This is a just a guess on my part. I have been told that all of the European manufactuers put tauter suspensions on their cars sold in Europe than they do on cars bound for the U.S. Perhaps that is why the Euro-spec BMW was not equipped with the Sport Package.

If you have a better theory, let us know.

EL44 - 4/14/2008 1:51:58 PM

-4 Boost

raciste raciste raciste

w209w114 - 4/14/2008 10:22:07 PM

+7 Boost

Fact: Japan is one of the most homogenous societies on earth.

BMW4me4ever - 4/14/2008 1:52:45 PM

-11 Boost

also, how does the BMW 550 get more points than the Jaguar but end up behind it in the standings? whatever ...

BMW4me4ever - 4/14/2008 1:55:50 PM

-12 Boost

my bad ... didnt read the whole article ...

cdoke - 4/14/2008 1:55:11 PM

+7 Boost

Interesting. So, I guess all this praise for the XF isn't hollow then- good to hear.

Although, I do notice that the Jaguar is significantly more expensive than the other vehicles- 15,000 euros more expensive than the next most costly in fact. Although the Jaguar does come with a lot of standard equipment.

BMW4me4ever - 4/14/2008 1:57:50 PM

-2 Boost

The Jaguar is the only car with the Sport Package on it. Why doesnt the BMW nor the Mercedes have the Sport & AMG packages? Wouldnt that make for a more fair comparison in regards to performance. BMW Sport Package gets an enhanced performance auto transmission. A little one sided in regards to the test

cdoke - 4/14/2008 2:40:55 PM

+5 Boost

The SV8 is not a sport package...it is a completely different version of the car. Yes, it does come with bigger wheels and superchargers attached to the engine, but it isn't an "option".

I would imagine that they they basically selected the stardard midrange models- without performance upgrades. Granted, they did drone on for a bit about options prices on the Lexus in particular. Why in specific they did that, you would have to ask them. Which for the (future) 3 model line-up of the XF is the SV8. For the BMW it is a bit more difficult as there are 4 models.

Jaguar does not have a sports package as an option. The XF SV8 is the mid-range of the model- as is the 550i. In terms of the specific choices you would have to ask them.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/14/2008 7:38:40 PM

+2 Boost

cdoke, I think you know that in the US at least, the XF SV8 is actually a better value proposition than all of the competition. It maxes out at under $65K.

cdoke - 4/14/2008 7:54:33 PM

+1 Boost

I do, which is why I was shocked to see the Auto Zeitung prices.

bmwdrvr - 4/14/2008 5:27:55 PM

+2 Boost

for the record the XF isnt intended to be a car like the CLS.....its not a 4 door coupe its a conventional sedan

S4cabriofoxone - 4/14/2008 7:40:04 PM

+3 Boost

The XF is actually larger than the 5 Series, E-Class and GS.

Not to mention, Jaguar's reliability is consistently within the top ten in the industry these days. Read up; don't just say how it was in the 1980s.

EL44 - 4/14/2008 2:02:11 PM

-10 Boost

Deutches gegen LEXUS! What else. Go and comeback with more credible german Zeitung. If u are german, you know as good as me that never this magazine gives credits to jap cars.

Heyhuub - 4/14/2008 2:08:45 PM

+4 Boost

Then why does it give credit to british cars?

TopGear - 4/14/2008 2:15:08 PM

-12 Boost

Who wants to pay $50-60k for a car from Indian company with Ford Engine? Not me.
Lexus knows how to build a car, but their idea on 450h totally fails. What they were thinking? Adding hybrid for more horse power without much of fuel benefit and worse cargo space to heavy GS. They just didn't get why premium consumers buy hybrid cars.
Just wait for the next generation Benz E-class.

urbansouljah - 4/14/2008 6:43:16 PM

+7 Boost

The AJ-V8 is not a Ford engine. It was designed entirely by Jaguar and launched in the XK8 in 1996. It is built on a separate Jaguar engine line at Ford's Bridgend engine plant in the UK.

montyz81 - 4/14/2008 2:24:20 PM

0 Boost

Where is the M35/45 in this list?

Agent63 - 4/15/2008 3:27:28 AM

0 Boost

I like the Infiniti M series of cars but I don't think it's on the list because of it's sales. The M35/45 compares well with it's Japanese counterpart and that is the Lexus GS. Maybe even the RL.

I like all of the cars that was tested.. BMW 550i with sport package looks good IMO. The E-Class although it requires a re-design still maintains it's traditional MB class and prestigious looks, the XF is new, and a savior of Jaguar, looks good and priced very well, the GS i've always loved even the previous generation. It's a win win situation. All respectable cars to own. Personal preference really.

sholemon - 4/14/2008 2:37:24 PM

+3 Boost

BMW didnt win one! Im proud of you Autospies for posting an article that doesnt shamelessly plug bmw.

JUGNU - 4/14/2008 2:44:59 PM

-18 Boost

Actually GS460 is the one which compete with that group. GS350 competes with the 6 cylinder group. GS450h is an exclusive and special model, it's got no competitors, maybe some diesels.

and last place, got it, it must be some German magazine. Ohh yes it is.

JUGNU

enthusiastx11 - 4/15/2008 10:45:39 AM

+1 Boost

whatever version of the GS you talk about it's still the same dismal driving dynamics, shitty brakes, and cramped cabin.

lexus says the GS450h is the ultimate in power and performance, so it should measure up in this competition. but, it can't play with the big boys. that's why most buyers are 60 year old suburban women.

BMW4me4ever - 4/14/2008 3:32:38 PM

+1 Boost

Vendetta ... sigh! you figured me out. You are good. I want to be just like you. I just asked a simple question. I have been working with BMW for 13 years. I have owned 6 of them.

I think the Jaguar is a nice car. Saw one up close today for the first time. I hate it for all competitors when they do comparisons like this. Get like packages & regardless of a few thousand & compare. The Jaguar has 20" wheels. One of the points they made in the article is that the Jaguar out handled the BMW & therefore was awarded extra points. Put the 550 sport package with the 19" wheels vs the Jaguar and the story ends up different. It is not just BMW. Car amagazines do it to Lexus, Audi, Infiniti, Mercedes & Jaguar.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/15/2008 5:29:17 PM

+3 Boost

"exactly..if lexus wanted to make a great handling car to rice around the track, they wouldnt use electric steering and luxury tuned suspension."

LEXUS SAYS it's a PERFORMANCE luxury sedan, not me! If they're serious about making a sports sedan, they need to do better next time! The GS is NOT marketed as a pure luxury sedan!

abcd - 4/14/2008 4:55:24 PM

-5 Boost

yes TurboSpyder dynamics is dismal , but this is strange to judge car only in dynamics . today every car must be dynamic with is absurdity . lexus gs is different than germans : quieter , more comfortable , not dynamic . there are lots of people that aren`t buying executive sedan to driving fast on winding roads .
wooow .. i haven`t known that lexus gs has so extremly low emission-according to theirs datas:(order:bmw,jaguar,lexus,mercedes):
Kohlenmonoxid CO 0,271 g/km 0,475 g/km 0,100 g/km 0,376 g/km
Kohlenwasserstoff HC 0,067 g/km 0,041 g/km 0,010 g/km 0,042 g/km
Stickoxid NOX 0,022 g/km 0,037 g/km 0,000 g/km 0,031 g/km

abcd - 4/14/2008 5:01:45 PM

-2 Boost

and bmw isn`t longer benchmark in dynamics - look at last page of TEST ALS PDF-DOWNLOAD . now benchmark is jaguar xf .

S4cabriofoxone - 4/14/2008 7:42:54 PM

+5 Boost

"lexus gs is different than germans : quieter , more comfortable , not dynamic ."

Except, the GS is marketed as Lexus's PERFORMANCE luxury sedan. It says so on their own site. You kind of need impressive handling to cater to performance buyers.

Also, "quietness" and "comfort" are moot points in this class. Each car available is quiet and comfortable to some degree--some even moreso than the Lexus.

stash84 - 4/15/2008 10:18:50 AM

-1 Boost

exactly..if lexus wanted to make a great handling car to rice around the track, they wouldnt use electric steering and luxury tuned suspension.

when magazines give their "opinion" about lexus' handling and compare it to the others..its ridiculous.
their opinion means nothing to me. everyone has one.

ITS A DIFFERENT TYPE OF CAR !!!!!

dont "enthusiasts" know this ???

its like if i tell you that my cbr1000 will smoke your m3 or your r8..it will..but.....

ITS BUILT FOR THAT

gooch - 4/14/2008 3:58:34 PM

+5 Boost

The Jag is "bloated?" I thought it was just heavy.

stash84 - 4/15/2008 10:20:22 AM

+1 Boost

sport package???

w209w114 - 4/14/2008 3:27:19 PM

+5 Boost

This E-Class is on its way out and its still the benchmark. I'm eager to see what the new E-Class has in store for us and the competition.

tattedtwice - 4/15/2008 5:00:04 AM

-2 Boost

Benchmark? For no one other than a certain korean economy car company that clearly adores it enough to copy it. Other than that, this thing isn't on anyone's radar since it does NOTHING well and only sells on its family name.

Htay7500 - 4/14/2008 4:32:43 PM

+6 Boost

I'd opt for the diesel E.

TauronB2G - 4/14/2008 4:41:39 PM

+1 Boost

Being a Mercedes owner I am glad the E550 won. If I needed a sedan its the car that I would have bought. The 550 looks really good with the sport package but otherwise I am not a fan of the styling. Drives great though. I like the look of the XF but I don't like the perforated metal pieces across the dash. Otherwise a great car. I haven't had the chance to drive it yet. The Lexus is a decent car, good looking and all but the braking performance kinda worries me. I would have liked to have them test the LS 460 though.
T

cdoke - 4/14/2008 4:50:26 PM

+3 Boost

"I like the look of the XF but I don't like the perforated metal pieces across the dash"

The aluminum on the dash is not perforated- it is stamped with a texture- there are no holes in it.

TauronB2G - 4/14/2008 6:21:20 PM

0 Boost

Okay well I don't like the perforations in the aluminum on the dash. Feel better now?
T

cdoke - 4/14/2008 7:33:50 PM

+2 Boost

For the second time- they are not perforations. Look the damn word up- there are no holes in the aluminium, which means it isn't perforated. It is stamped with a texture. Unless, of course, you are talking about the perforations behind which the speakers are housed.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/14/2008 7:45:32 PM

+2 Boost

I was thinking the same thing... not perforated.

I take it you haven't sat in one, Tauron, because the aluminum is very stylish and it's all real, which is admirable.

LexSucks - 4/14/2008 6:02:15 PM

+6 Boost

Lexus loses again. Will Lexus ever win a Comparison test in our lifetime?

I guess that's what happens when you put a car with crappy driving dynamics up against cars that can handle.

Willis - 4/14/2008 6:13:34 PM

+2 Boost

The Lexus GS450h is a car that sells on hype: the hype of being "green". When you buy a GS450h you get a heavier GS with virtually no trunk and typical no-cabin-space GS qualities. If I were to choose, I would rather have the V6 Lexus GS. It's no poseur car like the GS450h.

speedmaster - 4/14/2008 6:41:59 PM

+8 Boost

What no one has pointed out is ......
This is a GERMAN MAGAZINE praising a British car.
This is a first. I am surprised at the result.

bmwfan1513 - 4/14/2008 6:44:54 PM

-5 Boost

The 550i is obviously the better car.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/14/2008 7:46:23 PM

+3 Boost

Hm.

Now where does it say that?

M53R - 4/15/2008 6:40:54 AM

-1 Boost

On the brochure of the 5 series with sports package. :)

Yonder7 - 4/14/2008 7:19:52 PM

+1 Boost

If could be more interesting compare with sport package in th BMW and the MB, but even in that case the MB have an advantage due power and torque. But it was a fair compare excluding the Jaguar which was loaded with SP.

tattedtwice - 4/15/2008 5:01:55 AM

-3 Boost

Advantage on paper only. Note it's no faster, despite its big swollen domestic-sized V8.

ravErdaveE92 - 4/14/2008 7:22:18 PM

+4 Boost

wow, i guess i should test drive an XF SV8 then, handles better than the 550i? sounds impressive

enthusiastx11 - 4/14/2008 7:39:52 PM

+2 Boost

really impressed by how well the new jag did against some formidable competitors. nice job!

xj13 - 4/15/2008 7:14:55 AM

+3 Boost

Like the story goes=
" The Lexus GS450h offers average comfort, poor driving dynamics and a very small cabin" lol

stash84 - 4/15/2008 10:23:01 AM

+1 Boost

obviously, either this mag was paid to let the jag win or they purposely chose a basic bmw to compare it to an already more expensive jag..

enthusiastx11 - 4/15/2008 10:49:48 AM

+3 Boost

kraut:

you should talk to lexus and tell them to stop touting the GS450h as a "performance" sedan. they should listen to you and just market it for what it is...mediocre ride, dismal handling, cramped interior, too much cabin noise...but lots of electronic gizmos to distract you from all that.

enthusiastx11 - 4/17/2008 3:51:51 PM

+2 Boost

really kraut? according to lexus.com, the GS450h is all about "extraordinary performance." lol

http://www.lexus.com/models/GSh/

Designer1 - 4/14/2008 10:57:22 PM

-5 Boost

This is yet another example of a stupid comparison. Why compare a hybrid against V8's and complain about trunk spaces and engine noise? Why not compare against the GS460? or maybe they knew it will kick everyone's ass out?

S4cabriofoxone - 4/14/2008 11:50:01 PM

+5 Boost

Is that a joke?

The GS460 would have the least power of the lot. On top of that it would have worse gas mileage than the hybrid version. If anything that would give Lexus an even bigger disadvantage.

xj13 - 4/15/2008 7:17:45 AM

0 Boost

what a sick joke...............

Willis - 4/15/2008 7:33:34 AM

+3 Boost

The BMW 550i and MB E500 do 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds according to this article. Look like the GS460 would get its behind smacked, eh?

S4cabriofoxone - 4/15/2008 5:30:31 PM

+4 Boost

The E550 (E500) has even recored a 4.9 sec 0-60mph time. That's quicker than an E55 AMG from two generations ago.

xj13 - 4/15/2008 1:44:29 AM

+4 Boost

Go Jag, You smashed lex.....sorry that's no effort since they compete with Hyundai.

Benz No 1, gotta love that E Class and it's at the end of its model cycle, cant wait for the new shape, better hurry or else Lex won’t know what the next generation GS will look like?

farabira1 - 4/15/2008 2:06:25 AM

+2 Boost

I am a bit surprised to say the least. The article cites that the XF handles better than the 5 series and has an over all better driving dynamics than the 550i. That is a tremendous achievement from Jaguar. To beat the top of the range 5 series(excluding M5) is a huge achievement. No more Jaguar buyers have to be disappointed with their car when they feel like giving the car some thrust and bending through some snaking roads. Jaguar cars always were more stylish and beautiful to look at than any of the German competition, and now it even outperforms the Germans in the things that they used to do best: driving dynamics and handling.

In my opinion Jaguar XF will do better than any other car in the segment, because:

1)Styling is controversial(this generates more talks and discussions among observers, and thus the car gets more widespread circulation) but scathingly modern(make no mistake about it, the design may not be the most favored, but this is a car that can stand in front of any Gucci or Prada showroom and still look at home)

2) As has been cited by journalists who have tested the XF time and again, all agreed, the interior is the best bit of the car, and seriously nothing out there in the german competition can match the uber sleek and fashion savvy interior of the XF.

3)Finally, the XF already has the sleekness and modern identity to become a fashion statement, and on top of that when you have such a car that can also topple probably the best handling sedan of our generation the 550i and can give the driver the rush of blood and fanatical adrenalin through trundling fast paced snaking roads, you are left with a hearty satisfaction.

xj13 - 4/15/2008 3:20:06 AM

+3 Boost

Kraut loser3

Jag will send lex into bankrupcy because no one will buy a lex when JAG hit's town baby.

tattedtwice - 4/15/2008 4:56:50 AM

-6 Boost

This comparison is to be taken as entertainment, since it makes me laugh.
-The trashing of the lexus cracks me up; is there a more pointless vehicle on the road, besides its big brother the ls600?
-Picking a non-sport 550 wearing 17" tires makes no sense; of course its not going to handle as well as a car riding on 20's.
-Supercharged and more powerful (on paper) but cant keep up with the two germans, on top of being thirstier. Too funny.
-The e500, the 2nd most mediocre, plain, boring car in the class (inside and out), that handles and brakes no better than a plain family sedan, and is no faster than the less powerful BMW, (despite using an overratioed tranny), comes in first place? Hilarious. I guess german mags fall victim to bias too.

M53R - 4/15/2008 6:45:23 AM

-3 Boost

Thank you for saving me alot of time.

simmonsdp - 4/15/2008 5:51:09 AM

+5 Boost

For the E-Class to win the test is outstanding. It's now considerd older and the oldest of all tested with a motor that has also been out for several years. These cars are also built to last manty years of high speed driving pleasure and cant wait for the next model E-Class is on the market.I dont think the U.S. market has the 450 motor which is an 8 cylinder with 340 hp which is also a great motor that has been available on the German market for several years now.I drove a brand new S450 last night and was very surprised how "light" and fast the S class moved on the country roads as I hit speeds well over 100mph in the rain and fog, Mercedes is an awsome car with no doubt.....

JUGNU - 4/15/2008 6:17:40 AM

-7 Boost

E500 should have come last. It looks too dated both inside and out. I drove it many times and it's nothing special with mediocre interior.

To me XF or GS (GS460) are the winners. both are great looking with beautiful interiors. Very balanced amount of luxury and sportiness.

JUGNU

xj13 - 4/15/2008 7:12:40 AM

+3 Boost

in case u missed it the first time ,

"All the Lexus has going for it are its generally low fuel consumption and clean emissions. In all other criteria it trails its rivals"

Willis - 4/15/2008 7:29:34 AM

+3 Boost

The E class might be the oldest car here but at least it remains competitive, unlike the Lexus.

Saying the E class should have finished last based on looks is a dumb idea as design is subjective.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/15/2008 5:33:42 PM

+3 Boost

"Saying the E class should have finished last based on looks is a dumb idea as design is subjective."

Thank you.

JUGNU, what do you mean you've driven it "many times?" I believe you've said that about several Mercs. Care to elaborate? Do you work for Mercedes-Benz? Do people in your family drive them? Do you deal with them on a daily basis? If not, that's BS.

The E550's combination of fantastic thrust, ride comfort, agility, style, features and safety won the folks at Auto Zeitung over. Is that very hard to understand?

simmonsdp - 4/15/2008 6:10:28 PM

+1 Boost

Yeah, he hasn't a clue and never drove one either...

xj13 - 4/15/2008 6:34:55 AM

+6 Boost

jugnu

Get this straight the GS has nothing on the Jag, don't offend a great make like jag by put crap in the same sentence.

lex is on par with acura,nissan and now hyundai.

autopro - 4/15/2008 4:06:12 PM

-4 Boost

In ten years Jag will be out of business.After Tata loses tons of money nobody will want to buy them.Losers!!!!!!

S4cabriofoxone - 4/15/2008 5:34:39 PM

+2 Boost

Tata has a ridiculous amount of money. They are a massive corporation. Jaguar is in good hands--it isn't going anywhere, Ratan Tata will see to that.

M53R - 4/15/2008 6:48:12 AM

-6 Boost

I would take the 550i with the sports package over any of these cars. It looks better than any of them, is faster than any of them, and handles better than any of them. Not to mention it's comfortable. Better yet, I'll wait for the new one which is coming out in a year or two.

Willis - 4/15/2008 7:32:05 AM

+4 Boost

You should click on the German link and see the article. The 550i and E500 both do 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds and the E500 leaves the 550i behind in midrange acceleration. I took enough German in college to make that out.

simmonsdp - 4/15/2008 7:45:07 AM

+2 Boost

I agree Willis, The E500 with it's torque and top end speed would walk away from the 550i under normal autobahn conditions and thats what this car is designed for high speed driving on the long country roads and autobahns.........

M53R - 4/16/2008 5:21:47 AM

0 Boost

Wow, I got deboosted for stating my opinion lol. I mean seriously, I never said Im a car journalist trying to prove anything, I just prefer the 5er!!!

And you guys are right ^, but the Merc feels much older than any of the rest. It looks way too much like an old man's car. Not hating on Merc or anything, and I know the new one will fix this problem, but that's just what I think.

ubercool - 4/15/2008 9:33:32 AM

0 Boost

Biased German review or what???

Jaguar XF is best the handling car, best looking and has an interior to rival a Bentley & Rolls Royce... Sounds like close to perfection to me - 1st place easily.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/15/2008 5:35:51 PM

+2 Boost

Coming from someone whose handle contains the letters "550I" in it, I'm sure it's a very "factual" comparison you have there.

ubercool - 4/16/2008 12:01:04 PM

+2 Boost

AROD550I, Jaguar XF and XK both handle better than their BMW equivalents, ha ha!!!

autopro - 4/15/2008 3:46:09 PM

-1 Boost

They should have used the GS460 I tkink it would have placed higher,it lists loaded for 58,500 its the best value.

VISO - 4/15/2008 4:28:06 PM

+1 Boost

Strange for a German magazine to be including the Lexus and not the A6 which is more of a direct competitor in this class.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/15/2008 5:37:02 PM

+1 Boost

I wondered about that too. They probably couldn't get one for test time. The A6 4.2 is a great sedan, but it probably would've placed fourth, leaving the GS450h in last place.

Rupert - 4/15/2008 7:02:40 PM

+1 Boost

The A6 4.2 is a piggy handler on the standard wheels (17 inch I think) - it wouldn't have faired well. S line improves it, much less body roll, but the ride becomes crashy.

xj13 - 4/15/2008 7:27:32 PM

+2 Boost

Rupert

The A6 is not piggy handler, my brother has a 2006 shape and I can tell you he loves that car, most reliable, best handling car, and luxury is excellent, so I don't know were you got bad handling from, in my opinion AUDI have arrived.

Rupert - 4/16/2008 5:00:46 PM

+1 Boost

I like Audi, and I love the V8, but the A6 understeers heavily - in a Top Gear group test (which I of course cannot find on the internet, but have the magazine in my hands), they said 'The A6 4.2 is the only car in which the Stig has had to abandon under fast conering during the Hammerhead due to its atrocious understeer'.

Agent63 - 4/15/2008 8:19:14 PM

0 Boost

The E550 does everything will be still focuses mainly on the luxury aspect of it. This is a big saloon don't mistake it for a sports car. None of these cars are meant to handle like one. It's just the E-class has good performance, good luxury, good comfort, and a quiet cabin. I use to own an e500 before I got my S550 it did the job and was a very good car to drive. I haven't sat in the latest e550's but i assume they've refined it even more before the next generation comes out.

im not surprised they won the contest. but to be considered on this list should be an honor on its own. Even the A6 wasn't in this so Jaguar and Lexus should be happy that aspect.

bocabimmer - 4/15/2008 9:58:29 PM

-1 Boost

this is such a joke, nothing touches the 5 series all around, that is why the car for many generations has been THE benchmark, GO DRIVE one, especially the sport packages. Just drove the GS and the M45, both awesome cars,but are in no way a direct competitor to the Ultimate Driving Machine...but if money matters, they build an amazing value....and less maint problems, although BMW has the best fee maint plan in the biz.....the merc btw---so old....The JAG-let's see what happens when Ford isn't making and desinging them and TATA Motors is running the venerable Brit.

urbansouljah - 4/15/2008 11:27:52 PM

+2 Boost

Ford doesn't built any Jaguar

david999 - 4/17/2008 9:43:12 PM

0 Boost

I have driven 3 of the 4 cars tested here in different variations (not the jag) over the last couple of years, and would not list any as losers. however, I prefered the Lexus for its overall quality and looks.
The Jag does look good in person though.

bocabimmer - 4/18/2008 2:54:21 PM

+1 Boost

ford did own jaguar, and rover and volvo...