Edmunds Insideline: Jaguar XF Supercharged easily defeats 550i, A6, and E550

Edmunds Insideline just conducted their Battle of the 2008 V8 Luxury Sport Sedans.

The rankings are as follows:

1st place: Jaguar XF Supercharged (winner by 11 points)
2nd place: BMW 550i
3rd place: Audi A6 4.2 (tie)
4th place: MB E550 (tie)

The Jaguar XF Supercharged was the clear winner. The Jag placed first in overall performance, features, price and Insideline editor's recommendations. The XF Supercharged combined excellent performance (faster through the quarter-mile than even BMW's 550i). Additionally, the Jag had the fastest slalom time thanks to excellent steering, second most grip, and shortest stopping distance.

Add to the incredible performance a welcoming, high-quality, light interior that isn't dark and austere like some German counterparts and plenty of Aston Martin exterior touches and the Jaguar XF won the comparison without any worries.

BMW, Audi, and Mercedes should be praised for their efforts. The BMW offers great performance albeit at a significantly higher price. The Audi with its Quattro AWD ofers excellent security, grip and of course, top-notch interior and the E550 offers classic Mercedes-Benz styling with strong acceleration and a nice interior. The suspension is too soft to deal with the competitor's V8s.
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LyallLyall - 5/12/2008 1:40:44 PM
-1 Boost
11 points DONT mean its a runaway winner. ITs a subjective addition. THe BMW 550i is in the final 6 months of its 5 year run. It still beat out the Jag's supercharged XF in acceleration losing out only to the superior (boost assisted) of the XF. In terms of handling- the Jag was cushier, but the BMW felt more collected on everything except flat roads.

I can tell you which one I'd rather have on Hwy-1 here in California.

Lets see how the numbers fall 6 months from now. The Jag will be less than a year old, and the new 555i will have 450Bhp, 450Lbft.


tattedtwicetattedtwice - 5/12/2008 4:22:31 PM
-2 Boost
Agreed, Lyall. They should have included road test comments, that would shed some light too.

xf: "Slalom: The XF requires manhandling to achieve this slalom speed. With lots of grip and lots of body roll, it takes a bit of hard driving to realize that the Jag's limits are actually quite high."

550: "Active roll stabilization is awesome. Intuitive steering feel and lightning fast response -- goes where it's pointed better than any other car this size. Massive grip with understeer at its limit. Textural steering feel and perfect weight. The way it should be."

So basically, one is a natural handler, goes where it's pointed, and one has to be man-handled to get its numbers. Yet another reason why you have to look beyond raw numbers, and take subjectives like feel and balance into consideration.


ym73ym73 - 5/13/2008 7:21:04 PM
+2 Boost
The point was that the jag handled great and had a great ride. The BMW handled a little better, but the jag is the better overall car. If you want a great track car, get a BMW. You want a great car to drive everyday, get the jag.


Agent63Agent63 - 5/14/2008 2:09:54 AM
+1 Boost
adamsaf723 : well many people still view Lexus as an upscale Toyota rather than a separate entity. It depends on how you look at it. They still share Toyota parts and they spend more time looking over the quality control on the Lexus cars. But in North America it's viewed as a "luxury" brand. Their probably the most bang for buck that's also why it's been so successful in the US. Lexus is a great alternative to the beloved Cadillac name.


RupertRupert - 5/12/2008 1:54:27 PM
+6 Boost
If the Germans' interiors were 'dark and austere', why didn't they just spec a lighter interior colour?


sectorsector - 5/12/2008 2:21:45 PM
-1 Boost
in the case of the BMW, that'll just make it "bright" and austere. you can paint a piece of turd a lighter shade of brown, but you're not fooling anybody :)


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/12/2008 5:30:15 PM
+3 Boost
The A6's interior in beige with the light wood trim is actually quite cheerful :-)

And the same applies to the E in its cool black/white combination. That's an unfair point they made, although the Jag's interior is more inviting in any color, I have to say.


BMW4me4everBMW4me4ever - 5/12/2008 1:57:22 PM
+1 Boost
it really isnt that great of a gap either. The top 5 features is a bit a personal taste. Active Cruise Control is the US isnt really that functional, especially in Major cities where the average traffic speed during the majority of commuting is 25 mph. Ventilated Front seats, although a nice option, isnt one that most customers really concern themselves with. Just thought this was a BS category to judge the cars on.

Other than that was a pretty good article. What they left out was maintenance for the BMW in comparison to the Jaguar or the others. I think the gap would have only been a few points. Jag still would have won, but this is a new car and BMW is in its 5th year or 7 ... I like Jaguar, think it is nice from the back end and a sharp interior. Still not too crazy about the front. The key to the success of this car will be , service and if it will have typical Jag problems. Also, how with the car retain value. If it falls into the Jaguar trend, then owning this car will be very expensive due to depreciation that most Jaguars fall into.


Batman219Batman219 - 5/12/2008 2:13:27 PM
+1 Boost
Its Edmunds though.


GermanNutGermanNut - 5/12/2008 2:13:29 PM
+1 Boost
Rupert even if the BMW had a beige or creame interior, its interior without many buttons would still be stark and it would still leave the editors feeling cold when compared to the "fuller" dash and interior of the Jag XF.


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 5/12/2008 2:32:06 PM
0 Boost
good job to the Jaguar XF cant say i ever seen a Jaguar win any test at all between a group of the cars in its class. Hopefully they will be able to afford to keep up the good work because the next generation of these cars is coming very soon, and Jaguar will have to stay competitive with updates....but on a side note 6.5 seconds to 60 for A6 is pitiful, thats pretty slow for that much horsepower and not to mention a poor ride


golfer38golfer38 - 5/12/2008 3:08:26 PM
+1 Boost
I love watching BMW fans after they lose a comparison test, if, if, if, but, but, but, but...lol.


BillBill - 5/12/2008 3:22:54 PM
+4 Boost
A great car, no doubt. I'm not crazy about the design, but you can't deny that the cat is back!


vman1013vman1013 - 5/12/2008 3:41:12 PM
-3 Boost
why wasn't the xf supercharged compared to th M5, E63 and RS6?


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 5/12/2008 3:50:23 PM
+2 Boost
because the upcoming XFR will compete with those cars the XF supercharged was meant to compete with these cars.......the only thing that bothers me about that is people who drive the XJR, and XKR are paying over 80 grand up to 100,000 for a car with that engine and suspension tuning, im and while the XKR is certainly faster it makes you wonder why it cost so much the interior is down market compared to the XF and offers alot less other than its aluminum construction. especially since the 300hp XF is only 49,000 in the XK its well over 70 grand and over 60 grand in the XJ which a 300hp V8 and over 6 second 0-60 time for those prices in their classes are ludicrous....no logical sense


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/12/2008 5:31:24 PM
+1 Boost
The XF SV8 is $25K less than any of those cars.


Jagexpert2Jagexpert2 - 5/18/2008 10:25:14 PM
+1 Boost
bmwdrvr it just comes down to more expensive and advance material and construction techniques


gsh23gsh23 - 5/12/2008 3:53:39 PM
-3 Boost
as always, the audi is last place. woohoo!


tattedtwicetattedtwice - 5/12/2008 4:28:02 PM
-7 Boost
As is m-b, where they belong! W00T!


Htay7500Htay7500 - 5/12/2008 4:13:58 PM
+5 Boost
when I see the XF, it totally stands out, this is one fine car. I feel that there is something evolutionary about the car...


tattedtwicetattedtwice - 5/12/2008 4:15:25 PM
0 Boost
I wont hate on the xf, since a comparison win for a company that's practically extinct is quite a feat, but at the same time, must say I'm not impressed.

The whole car seems overdone: Gimmicky, boring interior; supercharged, 14 mpg engine that's slower than competition's 6 cylinders, let alone V8's; huge 20 inch tires that deliver grip, but high curb weight that hurts agility.

M'eh. OK car, but gimme a 550 or A6 any day.


ym73ym73 - 5/13/2008 7:15:25 PM
0 Boost
Why the A6? Has the worst performance and worst ride. Only positive is the interior.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/12/2008 5:32:33 PM
+2 Boost
Congrats to Jaguar. It's really a fine piece. Almost perfectly executed.

The 5 Series is definitely still in contention IMO, but the E-Class is in dire need of a redesign so that the rest of it can equal that fabulous V8, and the A6 needs a refresh with a bit of a weight cut.


AudiphileAudiphile - 5/15/2008 9:35:53 AM
+1 Boost
Ditto, S4. I've driven the Jag, and it's a blast to drive. It's lovely inside and out, especially with the Emerald Fire paint and champagne/truffle interior! And my head doesn't hit the ceiling!

The BMW holds up remarkably well considering it's age. Unfortunately, both the E550 and the A6 badly need updates. As you said, the Benz needs improveent in every aspect except the engine. The Audi A6 suffers from overboosted steering and harsh sport suspension. (I never was keen about the A6's exterior looks either, even though I like the A4 and A8 styling.)


DenaliDenali - 5/12/2008 6:09:27 PM
-2 Boost
is it me or the jag favor a slim GS?
anyhow good 4 Jag, plus E-class should not be tie with the Audi


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 5/12/2008 7:05:19 PM
+2 Boost
in pictures maybe not in person its roofline its much more dramatic in person, as its tapered rear end, other than them both having curved roof lines....which you can make a list of cars with those there arent any similarities


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/12/2008 10:21:09 PM
0 Boost
"anyhow good 4 Jag, plus E-class should not be tie with the Audi"

Why not? What it lacks in straight line speed it makes up for ten times over with its far superior luxury and technology.

Sounding like a Lexus. Whatever.


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 5/14/2008 8:47:41 PM
-1 Boost
far superior......oh please....far mediocre obviously


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/14/2008 11:06:39 PM
+1 Boost
?


irie77irie77 - 5/12/2008 9:44:08 PM
0 Boost
The 550i did really well performance wise considering it has 60hp less than the XF.


Jagexpert2Jagexpert2 - 5/12/2008 10:45:24 PM
0 Boost
I win I win I win I win I win. I'm sorry was I gloating?


Jagexpert2Jagexpert2 - 5/12/2008 10:46:39 PM
0 Boost
P.S Thanks to GermanNut for referencing my web site, Much appreciated!

Jaguarnewswire.com


Jagexpert2Jagexpert2 - 5/12/2008 10:48:46 PM
+1 Boost
sorry! that last comment was for ubercool on another post


hao420hao420 - 5/13/2008 10:07:42 AM
0 Boost
Wondering di Gs460 adn M45 could be in di test~~


Jagexpert2Jagexpert2 - 5/13/2008 12:39:16 PM
+2 Boost
Oh I guess thats why they picked the XF. Smoking that shit again are ya?


ym73ym73 - 5/13/2008 7:13:59 PM
+2 Boost
The only reason the editors would get it is because of the manual transmission. Something to do with driver involvment. I guess using paddle shifters isn't good enough for them, even though they shift faster than any person could.


ghosthunterghosthunter - 5/13/2008 1:31:11 PM
+3 Boost
the Jag XF is one Jag that worth owning. It looks astonishing when i saw it in person. the rare is very tastfully done, the front is good looking too, but could have been much better if they followed the prototype.

over all. the XF looks very expensive and luxury. It is very differnt from A6, E550 or 550i, which is always a great thing.


GermanNutGermanNut - 5/13/2008 4:36:41 PM
0 Boost
Look at the Jaguar XF destroy the 550i:

Small issues aside, the 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged is exactly what a sedan in this category should be. Fast, comfortable, well-sorted on the highway and agile when pushed, the XF is easy to live with, regardless of the circumstances. Sure, gearheads might appreciate the BMW's dedication to performance, but the Jaguar XF is a better overall package.


The Jaguar XF is a better overall package than the BMW 550i...there you have it ladies and gentleman.


ym73ym73 - 5/13/2008 7:32:40 PM
+2 Boost
The recent motor trends quick test of the jag got even better performance numbers than edmunds. 0-60 in 4.9 and 0.90G on the skid plate. Wonder why edmunds results are so far off. The official jag numbers are 0-60 in 5.1.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/13/2008 7:54:38 PM
+1 Boost
Edmunds is known for its slow acceleration times.


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 5/14/2008 8:46:37 PM
0 Boost
i honestly think though 4.9 seconds to 60 is a bit to fast for the XF that doesnt sound right


Jagexpert2Jagexpert2 - 5/18/2008 10:23:06 PM
+1 Boost
Actually if you take the numbers from the manufacturer and the testers like R&T and C&D and Motor Trend they all have differing times. The official line on the XKR from Jag is 4.9 but R&T and M Trend tested it at 4.3 and 4.5 respectively so I guess its all about the testers methods and the day and weather and so forth. Ironically Jag is usually a little shy about its times I'm not sure why. I work as a dealer and have tested the car(XF Supercharged) unofficially with my watch and have gotten closer to 4.7 times and thats with a slight lag in stopping the timer. So it's dam quick no matter.


Agent63Agent63 - 5/14/2008 2:12:34 AM
+1 Boost
Even though the Merc may have placed 4th. The overall quality of the car isn't 4th. It's solid, quiet cabin, & classic Merc styling is a winner.

However XF deserves much credit. It's a beautiful car to see on the road. The 5er & A6 are due for a redesign(especially the E)


NUggAitsMENUggAitsME - 5/14/2008 2:50:20 PM
0 Boost
the bmw is the best looking exterior wise , Benz is the best interior wise thos eguys don't know wtf are they talking about saying it's blend ? and audi and jag is plain , just look at the Jag design it is so effn ugly , benz is a Tq monster e550's are fun to drive , i would take 1. bmw 550 , 2. e550 , and audi and jag just don't doo it for me , jag is for old people , for gay people , and just for smart geeks , audi is for a family guy , and beemer and benz are Gangsta looking feeling etc , JUST WHAT I FEEL OF THESE CARS.


Jagexpert2Jagexpert2 - 5/14/2008 7:30:08 PM
+2 Boost
Are you riding the short bus? Where the hell did you learn English. GANGSTA SCHOOL?
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