Mercedes S Class or Jaguar XJ?

[mark_le_b]

Funny you should say about an XJL Supersport as I have had one for 4 years and just listed mine for sale as I bought an E43 Estate recently to replace it with. Absolutely love it. I've had a few E Classes but never an S Class. Always loved the X351 XJ and I couldn't resist the value that the XJL Supersport offered at the price compared to other options I was looking for at the time.

I aluminium bodied XJ with that 5.0 V8 Supercharged engine mated to the 6 speed ZF auto is a great combo IMHO. Good fun to drive, cheap to buy, run and service. Very quiet, comfortable, spacious, safe, well spec'd so I don't have many or any downsides. I'd love to keep it but I'm rolling two cars into one which is why I have just bought the E43 Estate so it has to go.

Feel free to ask any questions I have got to know the car quite well after owning it for the last 4 years.

Will be trying the XJ this week (if its available) - so will see how it goes

 

[mark_le_b]

Understood.

My point was that the normal non-supercharged XJ would be closer to an S500L than the supercharged V8 (that the OP is test driving this week.

Agreed that the normal XJ won’t ride as smoothly as the normal S500 on normal wheels.

As I said right at the beginning, ride quality is subjective so it’s important to see if something feels right to the OP.

Comfort is number one on my tick list now (very bad bad issues) - but I also like a bit of power

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Comfort is number one on my tick list now (very bad bad issues) - but I also like a bit of power

0-60 in 4.9 out of 510bhp should give you a bit of power.

(Assuming you can do 60mph in Bergerac territory)

£100k worth of car on 18k miles for just £19k. What’s not to like?

But the challenge is in the comparison:
“this or that?”

 

[Swotty]

There's another one being advertised not too far away .....

JAGUAR XJL SUPERSPORT 5.0 V8 SUPERCHARGED FOR SALE | Mercedes Cars for Sale

Just getting around now to selling my Jaguar XJL Supersport as the incoming E43 Estate I just bought is replacing it. Been a fantastic car to own for the last 4 years. A joy to drive and a great place to spend many hours being fast, quiet, comfortable, practical and not expensive to own, run...

forums.mbclub.co.uk

 

[rockits]

I love the delivery of a supercharged powerplant which is why I've had a few E55k's. They suit a fast saloon with a nice auto box really well IMHO.

I had an X351 XJ SWB 3.0 turbo diesel previously and really liked it but it was the last diesel I had. Just too short power band for me as by the time it had spooked up the turbo and got going it was time to change gear as it ran out of revs.

The XJ has a slightly sporty edge to the drive but is still a very comfortable smooth effortless car. Glides along very nicely. Completely at home on long journeys and motorways. Double glazed, loads of insulation but you still get to hear that V8 enough. t never runs out of power at any point. Just keeps on going so you have to keep an eye on the speedo!

The one thing which I found noticeable more than most other cars I've had of this size/class which is hard to explain. It seems to barely need hardly any power or touch on the accelerator to move the car along. Not sure if it is because the car seems lighter than others of this age/size or it has very low friction components but it seems effortless.

Steering is pretty light and lacking in feel as a true drivers car but clearly they didn't work on this or try to make it this way. It is light, accurate and easy to drive but no TVR or Vantage for feel, feedback or a true drivers car. Actually it is one thing that has really pleasantly surprised me about the E43 as it has really good steering. A real good drivers car the E43 be becuase of it.

 

[rockits]

Comfort is number one on my tick list now (very bad bad issues) - but I also like a bit of power

I don't think you'll be disappointed in the comfort department. My E43 is far too hard in comparison. Looking to change the 20's on the E43 to 19's and 5mm taller tyres for that reason. The XJ rides much better on its 20"s. A tiny smudge firmer than I'd like but so much better than any new car on bigger rims I've driven. I'm sure it would ride perfect on 19's but I've been very happy with the ride and look of the 20's.

It had Pzero's on when I bought it but I changed them to PS4S as not a fan of Pzero's in this country. Totally transformed it and has so much more grip and confidence now.

 

[alabbasi]

I've always leaned the same way - only V12 I've had was a CL600TT........I can drive the Jag as its currently for sale, but no 221 S classes for sale on the island at the moment.

I also own a C215 CL V12 with the 6.0 liter engine. Those are fine cars. I've never had a W221 but by every comment that I've heard, it's a better car than the W220 so if you enjoyed the C215/W220 , you'll probably love it. Be aware that the earlier cars had an issue with one of the timing gears on early M273 wearing out which could cause catastrophic failure. It's well documented and could check the vin # for determine if the engine # is within the range of the sub standard part.

 

[pioneercollector]

I have owned a number of Jags / Daimlers including the Double 6 ( V12 ), and when i was looking for a large capacity convertible i was originally looking at a good XJ-S 6.0 ( Finding one without holes underneath is the issue! ) So i do love Jags, Then i discovered the R230 V8 5 ..... Never looked back.

I think you will find that ANY luxury car will have expensive issues, Including the Lexus ( Which never go wrong...but when they do.... !! )

As mentioned before, go and drive it and make an informed choice from that experience.

I spent a lot of time in Jersey in the 1980's, and i have to say the the Citoren AX sport was enough car for me to park in St Helier !!

 

[SW18]

My eye was caught by this, and I thought of this thread...

Used Mercedes S500 L LWB 5.5 V8 *1 Former Keeper + Ex Kuwait Embassy + Huge Spec + £90k List Price + Pano Roof + Lux Seats etc for sale

 

[SmartAmg]

WOW, that does seem a hell of a lot of car, for the money, that particular garage (QCT)
is known for selling really nice W221s.

 

[pioneercollector]

Wow! That is a really nicely cared for and mint looking car - Someone is going to get a great bargain.

 

[2012SLK200]

Yes, that’s the one.

It's still for sale (Feb 2013). How did the test drive go?