While there's been a clear shift in the luxury market towards sport-utility vehicles, entry-level sedans are still selling well. If you're a young professional who's looking to celebrate an initial success, likely you'll be finding yourself behind the wheel of one the following vehicles:
- BMW 3-Series;
- Lexus IS; and,
- the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
With the launch of the all-new Jaguar XE, that could throw a wrench into some plans though. Only one way to find out as an Australian publication put all four into the ring for an epic battle royale.
Although we'd love to give you the FULL context of the verdict, we're here to get right to the point. Simply put, the Jaguar and Lexus are nice picks but can't best the Germans in terms of comfort or driving dynamics. Not to mention interior design, which is considered.
Where does the decision go from here? Well, it's — more or less — up to you: if you want comfort, go for the Mercedes, if you'd like better dynamics, the BMW's your auto.
**To read the FULL review, click "Read Article" below!
Verdict
...
But neither is quite sufficient to overtake the BMW or the Benz. Which of this remaining pair is best? Well that depends on which question you most need answered.
...
The Stuttgart marque’s entry is also the cushiest here in urban duties — at least on the Airmatic system — and let’s never underestimate the importance of its ‘driveway appeal’, given it still looks supreme from most angles.
...
The Bimmer also remains the absolute benchmark for balancing ‘sports’ and ‘premium’. Its steering is the second-best here, but in any other handling metric it reigns supreme. The addition of adjustable dampers also makes it more comfortable than ever before.
The Mercedes, then, makes an immediate impact. But the BMW grows on you, and if we’re valuing highly a car’s dynamic nous here, then you might reasonably argue that this latest update makes it the pick in this very specific context. Were it a test of different spec levels, the result may well have been different. The Germans reign.
Read Article