Watch the Mercedes-AMG C43 Battle The Jaguar XE
The Motor Trend verdict will probably come as little surprise to Mercedes fans in this ‘Head 2 Head’ battle.
It was twenty-three months ago, nearly to the publish date, that Motor Trend did a “Head 2 Head” video pitting the new Jaguar XE up against the “industry standard” BMW 335i. In a surprise decision, the Jaguar had toppled the German stalwart. The underdog had prevailed in that way the British seem so adept at doing. Since that fateful comparison test, Mercedes has unleashed the new(ish) AMG C43. That means the Jaguar has to defend its title as the best.
But really, let’s be honest here, the Jag doesn’t have a chance.
True car comparisons focus on so much more than the stats on paper, but those hard numbers still matter. And frankly, the Jag is so far on the back foot, it needs a crutch to stop from falling over. The Mercedes-AMG C43 has more horsepower, more torque, a better powerband, and more driven wheels.
The only thing it doesn’t have more of is weight. Yes, despite Jaguar’s focus on using as much aluminum as possible, it somehow manages to be heavier than the Mercedes. When both cars hit the autocross, the evidence is pretty obvious. The Mercedes is nearly a half-second quicker to 60 mph, and it finishes the course well ahead of the Jaguar.
But then we get to the road driving and hosts Jonny Lieberman and Jason Cammisa start singing a different tune.
Immediately they both praise the Jaguar’s handling and performance. The balance of the chassis, its trick rear-suspension, and the steering feel all gain high prize. To the point of both hosts directly calling it the best driving car in the segment. Period. But again, a car can’t be chosen based on single factor. The moment you stop focusing on the drive and start focusing on your surroundings, the “best in the class” halo falls quicker than a drunk frat kid down a set of icy stairs.
To put it bluntly, the interior of the XE is barely on par with $25,000 mainstream sedans, and it has no place in a $60k luxury sedan. When lined up next to the impeccable craftsmanship and quality of the Mercedes, the Jag looks laughable.
Have your say on the MB World forums.
In the end, the boys choose the Mercedes-AMG C43 as the winner. It may not be as sharp on a back road, but it’s damned quick, immensely comfortable, and immeasurably more luxurious than the Brit.
Sorry Jaguar. You can beat a BMW, but you can’t beat a real benchmark.
