Between BMW and Jaguar
...choosing between them difficult, as they feel like completely different cars. The BMW’s precision remains its key draw, the hooligan nature and the metallic fizz from its high-revving V10 never anything less than utterly intoxicating. It’s a physical, visceral machine that deserves its place among the great super saloons. The Jaguar is a more refined character, the linearity of its performance, the smoothness of its transmission and the suppleness of its ride diametrically opposed to the BMW’s edginess. In each there’s precision to the steering, clarity and decent weighting if an ultimate lack of decisive feel in each. Blame the sneeze factor at autobahn speeds for that. Inside, the BMW is feeling its age, the needless complexity of the gearshifter brought into sharp focus by the Jaguar’s simple pop-up and turn effort. In the time you’ve spent sub-menuing the BMW’s drivetrain to suit your preferences the XFR driver will be a good few miles up the road. Back-to-back, after a day of manoeuvring them for Max’s photography, a good few miles on some interestingly surfaced tarmac and the prospect of a 150 mile schlep home it’s the Jaguar’s keys I covet. It more relaxed gait, refinement and easily accessible, yet crushing, performance when you need it is in its favour. As is its ability to hang its tail out on any opportune, deserted roundabouts that break up the monotony of a long drive home. The M5 can play that game too, but it lacks the Jaguar’s quite mesmerising breadth of ability. The Jag is not just a serious contender for the old guard, but more than able to take the fight to the newcomers in the segment. And that’s a test we’re looking forward to.
Specification:
Jaguar XFR Engine – 5.0-litre supercharged V8
Capacity – 5,000cc Max Power - 503bhp @ 6,000-6,500 rpm
Max Torque – 461lb.ft @ 2,500-5,500rpm 0-62mph – 4.9 seconds
Top Speed – 155 mph (limited)
Weight – 1,891kg
Price - £59,900
Specification:
BMW M5 Engine – 5.0-litre V10
Capacity – 4,999cc Max Power 500bhp @ 7,750 rpm
Max Torque – 384lb.ft @ 6,100rpm 0-62mph – 4.7 seconds
Top Speed – 155 mph
Weight – 1,855kg
Price - £65,330
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