BMW 5 Series vs Jaguar XF vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class triple test: A-list execs take three different approaches

Three of the most credible names in the premium car sector do battle for supremacy where it matters most

This is a heavyweight title fight. Three of the most credible names in the premium car sector doing battle for supremacy where it matters most – it’s going to be the scrap to end all scraps.

And there’s a new challenger in the ring. The E-Class is here on a mission to knock out the hugely regarded BMW 5 Series and second-gen Jaguar XF – itself still quite a newcomer.

Of course, the new Merc has to deliver a superb cabin just to be allowed a sparring session with these two. And it does. All are very, very good, but the quality and sheer amount of kit on board builds on a winning display of comfort and ergonomic excellence.

The E-Class is here on a mission to knock out the 5 Series and second-gen XF

Some of the best stuff is optional, like the twin 12.3” touch-screens, but it’s not just the fact that it’s there – it’s the fact that it’s arrived directly from the top drawer.

The Jaguar XF is itself still quite a newcomer

As the mention of optional kit suggests, we’re looking at the models that matter most here. There are searingly fast and ruinously expensive versions of all these cars, but it’s the sensible, affordable 2.0-litre diesels in this test, whose emissions and economy mean they’re the big hitters among company users.

Jaguar XF 2.0 R-Sport AT

• Rating: 4.5/5
• Price: £36,85
• 0-62mph: 8.1sec (claimed)
• Top speed: 136mph
• Economy: 65.7mpg
• CO2 emissions: 114g/km
• Kerbweight: 1595kg
• Engine layout: 4 cyls, 1999cc, diesel
• Installation: Front, longitudinal, RWD
• Power: 178bhp at 4000rpm
• Torque: 317lb ft at 1750rpm

That means the Merc E 220 d, with a new engine whose smooth, near-silent tickover draws first blood almost before the contest has started. If you believe the official figures, it’s also the most fuel-efficient car here.

With 192bhp, the Merc is the most powerful of the three too. Not by much – the BMW 520d has 187bhp and the Jag XF 2.0d has 178bhp – but enough to make it noticeably quicker than its rivals.

The hugely regarded BMW 5 Series has a challenge on its hands

On the other hand, our E 220 d was noticeably less agile. That’s what happens when you compare a base-spec SE car with models tweaked for a greater focus on driving thrills. Our XF and 5 Series both had ’Sport’ in their names, but our E-Class was the simple SE model.

BMW 520d M Sport auto

• Rating: 4/5
• Price: £36,865
• 0-62mph: 7.9sec (claimed)
• Top speed: 147mph
• Economy: 62.8mpg
• CO2 emissions: 119g/km
• Kerbweight: 1695kg
• Engine layout: 4 cyls, 1995cc, diesel
• Installation: Front, longitudinal, RWD
• Power: 187bhp at 4000rpm
• Torque: 295lb ft at 1750rpm

You can get all sorts of options to enhance the E-Class, however. But whether any of them would bring it up to the level of the Jag or BMW tested here is open to question.

The E-Class is a very comfortable car, for sure. But the XF is a masterful example of dynamic prowess. And the 5 Series is a very comfortable car that’s also a masterful example of dynamic prowess. You’re looking at a car that’s half a decade old wiping the floor with two that don’t yet have a year between them.

The E-Class is focused simply on being a luxury saloon

Yet it’s the XF that displays the greatest driver focus. And in a trio whose qualities make them much of a muchness in so many ways, that gives it the edge.

Mercedes-Benz E220 d SE

Rating: 4/5
Price: £35,935
0-62mph: 7.3sec (claimed)
Top speed: 149mph
Economy: 72.2mpg 
CO2 emissions: 102g/km
Kerbweight: 1680kg
Engine layout: 4 cyls, 1950cc, diesel
Installation: Front, longitudinal, RWD
Power: 192bhp at 3800rpm
Torque: 295lb ft at 1600-2400rpm

The E-Class is focused alright, but it’s focused simply on being a luxury saloon. It does that very well indeed, but if you want a sportier drive either of the others will deliver it.

As we said above, the 5 Series dishes up a sensational blend of dynamic skills. But while these do beat the Jag in that one area, if you want an engaging executive car with the equipment, cabin quality, pace and refinement to go with its ability to put a smile on your face, the way to get it is to buy British.