Jaguar XF vs. Audi S5 Sportback vs. BMW X5 (E70)
Discussion
Three quite different cars but bear with me here. I'm looking for a new vehicle suitable for the family (two kids) and I'm a bit bored with the usual front-wheel drive and German saloon/estate suspects. These three vehicles despite their differences offer something a bit different to vehicles that I've owned before but they're all models that I'm not that familiar with.
First up, the 2011-2015 Jaguar XF. I always loved Jaguars over BMW/Mercedes as a teenager and grew up admiring the classic XJ but I've never owned a Jag. For me, the facelifted first gen XF is by far the best-looking large executive saloon in recent times. The original looked a bit fussy at the front and the latest has lost a little something in the refresh, although the interior seems an improvement. So perhaps this is the time to scratch the Jaguar itch? The V8 versions would be a bit too juicy for me, so I would probably be looking at a diesel. The 3.0d is probably the one to have but there seems to be more choice amongst the 2.2d and some bargain prices. Is the 2.2d any good or would I be wanting the 3.0d? Also, how is Jaguar reliability these days?
I generally find Audis either a bit dull or a bit brash but I've always admired the subtlety of the "S" models (not S-line), particularly the S5, which I think is pretty cool. I would love a coupe with the supercharged V6, as I consider it a very elegant car and quite the poor man's Continental GT but I guess for me the S5 Sportback would be the better option (poor man's Panamera maybe?) but considerably better looking. Again, never owned an Audi but I wouldn't mind trying one with decent power and quattro and seeing what they're all about.
Finally, and perhaps most controversially in light of my least obnoxius SUVs thread, the E70 BMW X5, possibly the most obnoxious SUV of all! A friend owns one and although I've teased him about it in the past, I've always secretly quite liked the X5 and perhaps this gen X5 is the least obnoxious-looking of all? BMW make some great straight six diesel engines and supposedly the X5 is one of the best SUVs to drive on the road (and to be honest, it's not going to get taken off-road much) and would be quite a revelation to drive compared to my last SUV, a WJ Grand Cherokee! It's also a pretty practical vehicle for the family and the 7-seat option would be useful but I'm not sure how common this is? I expect most on here would prefer a 5-Series Touring but the previous generation looks a little dull to me and the higher driving position appeals to me and the children like being able to see out.
My main concern with these three vehicles is reliability and running costs. I've owned a couple of older BMW and Mercedes in the past and they were no less reliable or more expensive to run than other cars that I have owned but cars are getting more complicated and Jaguar/Audi/BMW don't have the best reputation for reliability any more. For this reason, I have tended towards Japanese cars in recent years but they don't really have anything suitable in my budget that appeals to me at the moment.
Any thoughts on the above vehicles would be greatly appreciated.
First up, the 2011-2015 Jaguar XF. I always loved Jaguars over BMW/Mercedes as a teenager and grew up admiring the classic XJ but I've never owned a Jag. For me, the facelifted first gen XF is by far the best-looking large executive saloon in recent times. The original looked a bit fussy at the front and the latest has lost a little something in the refresh, although the interior seems an improvement. So perhaps this is the time to scratch the Jaguar itch? The V8 versions would be a bit too juicy for me, so I would probably be looking at a diesel. The 3.0d is probably the one to have but there seems to be more choice amongst the 2.2d and some bargain prices. Is the 2.2d any good or would I be wanting the 3.0d? Also, how is Jaguar reliability these days?
I generally find Audis either a bit dull or a bit brash but I've always admired the subtlety of the "S" models (not S-line), particularly the S5, which I think is pretty cool. I would love a coupe with the supercharged V6, as I consider it a very elegant car and quite the poor man's Continental GT but I guess for me the S5 Sportback would be the better option (poor man's Panamera maybe?) but considerably better looking. Again, never owned an Audi but I wouldn't mind trying one with decent power and quattro and seeing what they're all about.
Finally, and perhaps most controversially in light of my least obnoxius SUVs thread, the E70 BMW X5, possibly the most obnoxious SUV of all! A friend owns one and although I've teased him about it in the past, I've always secretly quite liked the X5 and perhaps this gen X5 is the least obnoxious-looking of all? BMW make some great straight six diesel engines and supposedly the X5 is one of the best SUVs to drive on the road (and to be honest, it's not going to get taken off-road much) and would be quite a revelation to drive compared to my last SUV, a WJ Grand Cherokee! It's also a pretty practical vehicle for the family and the 7-seat option would be useful but I'm not sure how common this is? I expect most on here would prefer a 5-Series Touring but the previous generation looks a little dull to me and the higher driving position appeals to me and the children like being able to see out.
My main concern with these three vehicles is reliability and running costs. I've owned a couple of older BMW and Mercedes in the past and they were no less reliable or more expensive to run than other cars that I have owned but cars are getting more complicated and Jaguar/Audi/BMW don't have the best reputation for reliability any more. For this reason, I have tended towards Japanese cars in recent years but they don't really have anything suitable in my budget that appeals to me at the moment.
Any thoughts on the above vehicles would be greatly appreciated.
Why not scratch the V8 and E70 itch at the same time? 
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
[edit] ah V8 too juicy. I'm not sure the E70 diesel and the 4.4 V8 twin-turbo are too far apart in terms of economy.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
[edit] ah V8 too juicy. I'm not sure the E70 diesel and the 4.4 V8 twin-turbo are too far apart in terms of economy.
margerison said:
Why not scratch the V8 and E70 itch at the same time?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
[edit] ah V8 too juicy. I'm not sure the E70 diesel and the 4.4 V8 twin-turbo are too far apart in terms of economy.
Really? Even the X5 30d? The V8 is tempting for sure but I fear my commute is a bit too long for a V8. 30mpg+ combined is my realistic aim. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
[edit] ah V8 too juicy. I'm not sure the E70 diesel and the 4.4 V8 twin-turbo are too far apart in terms of economy.
XF for me - but familiarise yourself with the trim revisions around 2011-2012 to make sure you also get the better 8sp gearbox, revised in-car tech - and find one with sports seats as the older standard ones have absolutely no side support.
Deffo the 3.0d over the 2.2d too. 240bhp as standard and only a remap away from the performance of the (much more expensive) 'S' models. Hit the 'dynamic' button during the test drive to get the full throttle response.
Deffo the 3.0d over the 2.2d too. 240bhp as standard and only a remap away from the performance of the (much more expensive) 'S' models. Hit the 'dynamic' button during the test drive to get the full throttle response.
I had an A5 3.0TDI and it was a fantastic daily driver but did have quite dated tech inside. Not sure how the others compare in that regard. It had loads of grip but not a driver's car; I'm sure the XF is better.
Also, as I found out to my peril, incredibly easy to steal. I'd never buy another for that reason alone.
Also, as I found out to my peril, incredibly easy to steal. I'd never buy another for that reason alone.
hondansx said:
I had an A5 3.0TDI and it was a fantastic daily driver but did have quite dated tech inside. Not sure how the others compare in that regard. It had loads of grip but not a driver's car; I'm sure the XF is better.
Also, as I found out to my peril, incredibly easy to steal. I'd never buy another for that reason alone.
Thanks. That's good to know. Yeah, I've driven a few Audis and always found them perfectly pleasant but a bit dull, which is why I thought that the S5 might be a bit more exciting! Then you have the fabled Audi interior. I haven't sat in an A5 or an XF. For me, in pictures, the interior always looks like the XF's major weakness but the "old" A5 is a little dated inside too? I always thought Audis had good security. Was yours stolen?Also, as I found out to my peril, incredibly easy to steal. I'd never buy another for that reason alone.
The 2.2d in the XF is a dismal engine, rough as a badgers arse. Even worse than that thing in a 520d and easily as bad as the concrete mixer in a Merc E220. Totally destroys any illusion of "luxury" or "premium feel" the car might have. I'm sure it has many virtues like efficiency and longevity, which matter more in a tipper truck than a car.
If you can put up with the size of the thing the XJ 3.0d does look like a real bargain at the moment, as others have said, but I'd keep my money before I spent it on an XF 2.2d.
If you can put up with the size of the thing the XJ 3.0d does look like a real bargain at the moment, as others have said, but I'd keep my money before I spent it on an XF 2.2d.
Edited by dme123 on Tuesday 14th November 18:29
dme123 said:
The 2.2d in the XF is a dismal engine, rough as a badgers arse. Even worse than that thing in a 520d and easily as bad as the concrete mixer in a Merc E220. Totally destroys any illusion of "luxury" or "premium feel" the car might have. I'm sure it has many virtues like efficiency and longevity, which matter more in a tipper truck than a car.
If you can put up with the size of the thing the XJ 3.0d does look like a real bargain at the moment, as others have said, but I'd keep my money before I spent it on an XF 2.2d.
Worth noting. I generally dislike 4-pot diesels and would usually gravitate to the 6-pot option if there's one available but I thought that it was worth asking, as there are a lot of 2.2ds out there, so I thought it might be possible that they're decent and certainly cheaper and better on fuel than the 3.0d. I do like the XJ, although my garage isn't attached to my house and although it has parking for a 2nd vehicle in front of it, the width and length of that space is limited, so I would need to check up on the dimensions of the XJ. If you can put up with the size of the thing the XJ 3.0d does look like a real bargain at the moment, as others have said, but I'd keep my money before I spent it on an XF 2.2d.
Edited by dme123 on Tuesday 14th November 18:29
S5 for me out of those because I like it's looks/interior/engine, I've had a X5 and as much as I loved it(mainly for it's 4.8 V8), they're big and heavy and you always feel it in the corners/under braking, nice feel good factor though.
I'm not brave enough to go for any JLR product because of the reliability woes, although I've always quite liked most of their products.
I'm not brave enough to go for any JLR product because of the reliability woes, although I've always quite liked most of their products.
I'd say look out for one of these it's the 3.0S petrol they're hard to find but well worth seeking out, if you like the S5 this will tick a lot of boxes.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff