Jaguar XF vs BMW 5 Series: Two big-hitters face off

In many ways they measure up almost identically

A new Jaguar XF seems to have been launched without the fanfare of the first one, eight years ago. In some ways it is much the same, in others better, so maybe the fanfare isn’t needed. But, my word, a fanfare seems appropriate once you’ve driven one over whatever road surface you like.

Up against the benchmark exec favourite, the BMW 5 Series, it simply doesn’t measure up in some ways, but in the ways that really matter you can simply throw the measurement stick aside. British engineering trumps German engineering, there you go.

To make it comparable, we put the Jaguar XE 3.0d S against the BMW 530d M Sport auto, so we have two 3.0-litre turbodiesels, albeit a V6 in the Jaguar, and a straight-six in the BMW. If you look at the specification panels below you’ll note an awful lot of similarities, from emissions to 0-62mph times. In many ways they measure up almost identically.

But then look at that price differential, over £5000 more for the Jaguar. That’s rather a lot. For that you get a completely new car although quite a bit like the Ingenium engines, aluminium-rich platform, Integral Link rear suspension and electromechanical power steering are all found on the XE model. It’s lighter, tauter, stiffer.

The body on it all has shrunk but the space inside has improved, which does address a failing in the previous version. It’s just not as big as the BMW inside though, which even has broader, more supportive seats. If you want space, the BMW is the clear winner.

But the Jaguar pulls another trick. It makes you feel cocooned, surrounded snugly by beautiful levels of build and materials, a driver at the heart of the machine.

In terms of power and performance there isn’t a lot to be gained either way. The BMW shades it again, by virtue of the sheer integration of power and transmission into one seamless whole which just pours it on as the revs rise. The Jag has more torque, but overall the BMW wins the power stakes. And the interior space stakes. And the price stakes. And the cleverness of the cabin technology stakes. But then we get to handling and ride.

And it’s no contest. Of course the BMW handles exceedingly well. It’s very nicely balanced whether you’re on the power or on the brakes, and feels refined and controlled under all conditions.

But the Jaguar. It’s just another step up. The ride is so supple, the Jaguar gliding strongly over pretty much any surface, with extremely well controlled movements whether vertical or lateral. This car has adaptive dampers, which are optional on the BMW, and they help. But it’s a lot more than a bit of tech trickery. The whole chassis is just perfectly tuned for the driver to explore the limits or to just cruise steadily along in peace and quiet.

The steering adds to this. Where on the BMW it feels rather heavy and inert, on the Jaguar it feels alive, responsive, changing to the conditions and beautifully weighted whatever the speed or cornering load.

So the BMW wins in several notable areas, no doubt about it. And it deserves to as it is a fine car, and will remain the first vehicle of choice for senior execs everywhere, simply because of its image. But if you want a car that seems to be designed for you, the driver, cocooned in your driving seat, surrounded by a luxurious British cabin, enjoying every muscular response of the vehicle, then the new Jaguar XF really does have your name on it.

Jaguar XF 3.0d S

Price: £49,950

0-62mph: 5.8sec

Top speed: 155mph

Economy: 51.4mpg

CO2: 144g/km

Kerb weight: 1750kg

Engine: V6, 2993cc, twin-turbo, diesel

Power: 296bhp at 4000rpm

Torque: 516lb ft at 2000rpm

Gearbox: 8-spd automatic

BMW 530d M Sport auto

Price: £44,465

0-62mph: 5.8sec

Top speed: 155mph

Economy: 51.4mpg

CO2: 144g/km

Kerb weight: 1785kg

Engine: 6 cyls in line, 2993cc, twin-turbo, diesel

Power: 255bhp at 4000rpm

Torque: 398lb ft at 1500rpm

Gearbox: 8-spd automatic