I Bought Two Cheap Luxury V8s. Which Is Better? Jaguar XJR Vs Mercedes CL500

[@AledPritchard]

I prefer Reggie to the CL, I think the Jag looks much nicer than the Merc, by far.

[@philipmccarthy6175]

Merc's that look better than Jags are few & far between.

[@niki7040]

The Jaguar just looks embarrassing! Was an embarrassing car even when new, always been a lousy car!

[@Ze_Hans]

@@niki7040 My dude your comment is as embarassing as it comes. Yust be quiet for your sake.

[@niki7040]

@@Ze_Hans Poor little thing. The little man was hurt by the truth. 😂 What a loser!

[@niki7040]

@@Ze_Hans Poor little thing. The little man was hurt by the truth. 😂

[@craigtiano3455]

I had, simultaneously, an 1998 XJ8 and a 1998 Mercedes S class. Driving the Mercedes was blah. It got you from place to place, and you got a nice ride. The XJ8, on the other hand, was, as my wife put it, a "sense of occasion". Maybe it was the beautiful leather, or the lovely woodwork, or the responsiveness of the engine. Or maybe, just maybe, it was because it was so lovely to look at from the exterior.

[@lewis72]

Some years ago now I used to get to borrow new 3.2 X308s. Even the entry-level XJ felt amazing on the otherwise dull-as-dishwater A14/A11.

[@Floorguy1000]

I'd take Reggie the Jag every time. Looks a lot better. Here in New York you see Merc badges all over the place. I would just plain feel better, and smile more, in Reggie.

[@John_Redcorn_]

100%. A silver merc is just another car on the road. Reggie has style. Its a Jaaaag 😎

[@Floorguy1000]

@@John_Redcorn_ Lol.... you're right! As Jaguar reinvents itself, I do hope that lightening can strike twice, and they come out with a car that is the surprise equivalent of the E type in 1961.

[@MrPabsUk]

I`ve owned a string of XJ`s for the last Quarter of a century, & I`ve had my current 99 X308 XJR since 2008. I`ve owned a few BMW`s, I`ve not owned (or ever wanted to own) a Merc, but driven quite a few, & you wont be surprised to hear, I still dont want a Merc after watching this review! Its not only the drive, or the interior, or the looks, its also the aura around them, & the fact everyone & their Uncles dog has one on lease.. Like dogs, cars reflect the personality of the owner, my personality matches my cars (small, fizzy Fiats for hammering round London, & the Jag to attack long distances in comfort), German stuff is just too "generic luxury" & "ego" for me.. On top of that, I can guarantee the Merc will go wrong more, & cost twice as much to fix compared to the Jag.. I sincerely hope you don't find that out, but, I suspect you might if you decide to keep it for a while! Oh, & you can break the 30mpg mark on the motorway in the Jag, IF you behave..

[@EssexSilvering]

The moment i clicked on this video, my mind was already made up - Jaguar XJR wins every time, lovely cars, I have one myself.

[@ryanmccormick2150]

I'd take Reggie over the merc any day of the week buddy .... but the merc is cool!

[@Number27]

Reggie is more interesting for sure. The Merc is very good.. but oh so bland.

[@theirishvideos]

Considering that the xj was based on the xj 40 it really is a testament to how good the Jaguar engineers were at the the time of the 40s creation especially considering how little money was available for development.

[@3ducs]

This past February I bought an '06 Jaguar 4.2 XJ8 VDP LWB. 80,000 miles, converted to coil overs. Other than an issue with the xenon headlights it has been a very good car. There are lots of Mercedes in the area, no one gives them a second glance, but attractive women have approached me with complements about the Jaguar. The ladies like the warmth of the car.

[@markcarter9476]

I've owned a CL500 for 5 years now and its charms have secured it a place in my heart. It's a very big car and really not that heavy considering its bulk, 5 litre V8 engine and substantial luxury. The ride on the ABC suspension is sublime making it a superb cruiser.

[@woodrimcars2324]

Jaguar XJ for me as at 62 years of age I'm too young for a Mercedes Benz.

[@vincentnonnenmacher9352]

Same age and question, but on a XJR vs a XKR (x100 for the beauty) ?

[@kalcine]

Jaguar is more special looking and would be my pick over the w215 merc

[@3ducs]

Today I was slowly passing some joggers on a dirt road in my black '06 Jaguar XJ8 VDP, I got a "nice ride sir" from one of them. I doubt that would've happened in that Mercedes.

[@gerardbooth40]

Hi Jack. Supercharged x308s have the M-B 5-speed auto, not the 4-speed as stated. The n/a Jaguars of the same generation made do with the ZF hp5-24, also a 5 speed box but unable to handle the extra torque of the s/c car. In every other respect, despite being a serial Jag (for pleasure) and Mercedes (for daily) owner, I'd have to agree with your conclusions.

[@kalcine]

yes exactly as you say. XJR and XKR of that era had the Mercedes W5A580 (Wandler-5-Gang-Automatik bis 580Nm) type 722.6

[@throwback19841]

yes, only the first gen xjr with the supercharged straight 6 had a 4 speed

[@NewtonInDaHouseYo]

@@kalcine In fact, early CL500 and the X308 XJR probably have the same 5G--Tronic (722) from Mercedes ...

[@TJSTR]

I was thinking that. 5g-tronic in both but I’m sure they can feel different due to tuning, motor, health, etc.

[@louisboshoff9142]

The first double glazed Merc was the W140 S Class "cathedral."

[@edwinsmith-jones6205]

I can afford to buy one but not afford to own one.

[@eric-wb7gj]

TY J!🙏🙏 Hunting down a cheap barge is one of life's simple pleasures whatever you drive!

[@Gary7even]

The W140 had double glazed windows back in the 90s.

[@Jack_S_]

Hang on, the Jag doesn't have a 4-speed, it should be the same transmission in both cars, the 722.6 5-speed automatic. Unless Europe had a different spec, here the V8 Jag was never available with the 4-speed. I actually have owned both of these cars, I adored them! The Jag was more reliable, but the Merc drove more luxuriously. I miss the smell of that Connolly leather...

[@PatrickHostler]

£500.. that is insane. I imagine filling it up 5 times will be the same as what you paid for it

[@manekdubash5022]

At 13mpg (!!) I shouldn't be surprised...

[@safromnc8616]

@@manekdubash5022 They do closer to 20.

[@Rypsolisti]

I´ve driven both but only owned one of them, the XJR! I also drove the S500 from the same period but both that and the CL500 were to me just big luxury cars but nothing special. On the other hand when I first drove the X308 XJR I knew I had to have it, as said it feels special and looks classic. Nobody hates you if you drive a Jaguar but hardly anyone cares if you drive a Mercedes. That XJR always made me happy when I drove it, I don´t think Mercedes CL or many other Mercs could do that plus I don´t like their throttle or steering feel. That Jag is very very unreliable and that is a big minus but I would have always chosen that car, it is something different, it´s an occasion!

[@verdict1163]

Amongst these two I'd take the Jag. It's from a time when Jaguar still hadn't figured out how to cheap out. The Mercedes is from their peak cost cutting era.

[@bmstylee]

And the Jag just looks classy. The Merc not so much.

[@Leonardo555ZZZ]

Yet , despite the alleged cost cutting , the Merc is judged to be the better car on every objective measure.

[@TireSlayer55]

Oh please. That is absolute nonsense. MB's peak cost cutting era is right now. The early-mid 2000's Benzes are solid cars.

[@jase6370]

@TireSlayer55 the 2000's were renowned as the worst period in benz's history for quality

[@Leonardo555ZZZ]

@@jase6370 Many Mercedes made in the 2000's were the best cars available at the time , with advanced features , timeless styling and outstanding performance . Many still regard them very highly , and in some ways better than today's cars.

[@andrewpreston4127]

Nope.The Jaguar is the one for me. The engine sound, the ambience, the looks. The Mercedes isn't really in the same league. From a slightly different perspective... I once owned a Mk1 XJ6 4.2. Years later , I owned a Mercedes E300. The E300 left little lasting impression on me. Quality built, efficient, reasonably quick. (NB 3 or 400 bhp is of no interest to me. No one really needs more than 200'ish bhp in this country). But the XJ6 ?. Fast, supple handling, that Jaguar engine a combination of thrum and purr. The car was a delight to drive. Your comments about Jaguars and Mercs have over a period of time got me thinking about who Jaguars and Mercedes are really for. At root, I don't really think that Mercedes cars are made for people who like driving. At best, they're for people who want to convey an image, and maybe, just maybe also want to convince themselves that they like driving.

[@1068andy]

Two luxury cars, different types. One is a coupe, the other a limousine ! It’s like comparing Tina Turner to Beyoncé.

[@Lemma01]

Helpful - and perhaps explains why I've absolutely zero interest in either. 😂

[@Lemma01]

Ah - helps perhaps explain why I'm utterly uninterested in either 😂

[@robertharris7027]

As an early CLK-owner I would decide this by purpose. For long travels - maybe Hamburg to Cannes - I would keep the CL. A well maintained Mercedes is a dream, something the US-owners never understood. For daily use in the surroundings only I would keep the Jag. Very nice car, but I would like to have my trusty garage nearby. Interesting is your demand for sportiness. At these cars? Really? OMG. In cars like that I'm looking for comfort, not for fast cornering.

[@r.weaver3769]

I'm with you. Not all of us "US-owners" buy a MB for it's looks or speed. I'm on my third, 300k mile W123, 267k mile W124, and so far 143k on 14' E350. I searched for a naturally aspirated as diesels were hard to come by in my area. I don't drive fast. My 81 Harley has never been above 65 mph, and never seen an interstate. Back roads more to see, less crazies.

[@TireSlayer55]

Hey now... plenty of us US owners maintain our Mercs just fine, thank you very much. Bit of a generalization to say an entire country doesn't look after their cars. We may not be as fastidious as the Germans but I think those of us that buy a MB (or BMW, Audi, etc) for how it drives do tend to take care of them. I have a coolant change and a wash for the 'ol E55 on the agenda today.... I absolutely agree with you otherwise though. The CL would be ideal for blasting across Europe, something I dream of doing someday. The Jag would be a proper daily for any UK resident. Why not have both?

[@Leonardo555ZZZ]

The Mercedes M113 engine is one of their best ever,, extremely reliable and a good combination of power and economy. The CL is a supreme autobahn grand tourer.

[@neilmarshment2910]

I would have the Jag - simply has charisma.

[@Tipo107]

The front seats in the CL are probably the heaviest car seats ever made - absolutely unbelievable. That’s where the weight difference will be.

[@pwatom22]

What a steal at 500 quid. The most critical issue is reliability and cost of maintenance and repair. Perhaps 500 not that cheap after all ..? Coming from a Land Rover guy...😆

[@aalabbasi]

The Mercedes Benz gearbox used in the Jaguar XJR is the same 722.6 transmission used in your car (up to 2003). The W140 also had double glazing.

[@stephencurry8552]

Thing is, leather dashboards always shrink up and tear. Leather is not a good material for something which takes do much Sun.

[@TassieLorenzo]

You'd think leather seat covers on motorcycles (or indeed some of the big cruisers have leather covers on the saddle bags/boxes too) would fare worse as they don't have UV protection from the glass? Leather does need to be moisturised regularly. There's probably an assumption from the makers that someone buying a (at the time) £40,000-50,000 luxury saloon would garage the car the majority of the time. I recall seeing a 20,000 mile Maserati Biturbo that had been garaged its whole existence, where the leather interior was like new despite being a 40 year old car!

[@stephencurry8552]

@@TassieLorenzo Completely different material. Dashboard leather is more akin to soft glove leather. Due to the fact that you have to stretch it across compound curves in many cases,

[@Hattonbank]

The leather used on dashboards and door tops is of a totally different tanning process to that of seat leathers. The temperature requirements for dashboards are higher, and the UV resistance is higher because of the amount of direct sunlight and higher temperatures. The tannimg is done on a chrome free basis, pre shrinking the leather during the tanning process, so that the exposure to high temp and UV does not compromise the quality. 50 years or so ago when leather went onto dashboards, there were shrinkage issue, that was a long time ago, not re;levant to the era that these cars were built. As for the dash of the Jag being plastic, the very base X308 trim level, had PU, from the same material supplier that Mercedes used.Most X308's had chrome free pre shrunk leather.

[@jo05dk]

Choosing between these two car specifically, I’d be happy having bought the Merc. ..but take two equally good cars, I’d definitely have the Jag. I watched a non-supercharged version of Reggie waft by me yesterday, and they are special, period.

[@DanPyjamas]

I imagine the weight in the CL is structural, making up for the fact there's no B pillar.

[@R04drunner1]

Glad to hear Reggie is going to an enthusiast. I was working on a short contract near London for about a month in June 2014 and got fed up with hire cars. I bought a 1996 XJR instead for £1k cash and loved the car so much I drove it all the way home to Northern Ireland via Wales and Dublin. Beautiful car to drive, supremely comfortable, and could definitely shift when I was in a hurry. Had the usual problem with a saggy headliner but I didn't care. You definitely get more appreciation from other people when driving a Jaaag.

[@impressivestory]

I’m kinda obsessed with Mercs from that era… I got a 2002 Ml320 for free from an elderly friend, and despite it being the ‘mass market’ suv (apparently the first two years are really poor in reliability terms) I just really like it. Has neat features for a car this old, is comfy, quiet and rides well, and when I go too fast around a big sweeping corner here in BC, Canada, it just slides a bit and doesn’t do anything surprising. I do my own repairs when I can, I’d love to get one of the 55amgs of the era, or something like a CL500 or 600. Just don’t have a second parking spot, and my handyman tools do fit in the ml just fine. Also the Canadian government is really passionate about bankrupting drivers with fuel taxes, and paying for premium sucks even with the not-too-bad mpg the ml gets.

[@talosiv4927]

If you ever manage to get an ML55, I can tell you they are sublime. But the firmer suspension will feel a bit choppy on rough roads.

[@pierrelindenstrand6273]

I happen to drive 1998 xjr as a daily - only drawback is fuel consumption in citydriving - but man, when you go on the countryside on curvy roads! You can maintain constant speed regardless of how the sharp bends - and the sound when flooring - mmmm! (I also happen to have the older mb w140 - a true tank, behaves well and the comfort is overall better than the Jag - but mb, is a car to ride in - not to be driven. The Jag is a splendid example of balance between ride comfort, handling and last but not least the Looks! It still turns heads and it gets complimented for it's style. You're probably going to miss "Reggie"

[@thisiszaphod]

Nice comparisons, Jack, but I'll still stick to our keeper XF 👍

[@timbullough3513]

How it makes you feel is a very underrated measure. Older American sedans made you feel like a million bucks. Even if they were simple and used average materials inside. The Jag turns heads ... the other might as well be a Hyundai relative to standing out.

[@LarsAgerbk]

@@timbullough3513 exactly

[@barry7608]

That Jag has it all over the oriental styled Mec in looks and 'presence'. I reckon I'd take the Jag overall anyway, the drive would suit me better and those looks...awesome. Thanks

[@ChristianBartoschek]

I love your videos - but I can'tunderstand why you let the Jag go, now that everything is fixed and well! The Merc will CERTAINLY induce hair rising costs with no end ... good luck!

[@jabberwockytdi8901]

Coz the Jag won't stay fixed , that's a maintentance chasing nightmare with poor parts availability

[@pauloldfield6968]

Great top end cruiser's I've driven both but I have to say the supercharged Jag did it for me every time

[@jase6370]

The merc may have some great qualities, but i just can't love it any conceivable way to be honest, perhaps driving it when you want complete calm would be great, i get that. Thought the Jag interior just looked way more appealing personally, just looked more special and much preferred the dash style. I really need to buy an XJR !

[@alaricbragg7843]

Now that is a proper Jaguar @8:28. No vacuum cleaner motor.

[@graemegaw5536]

I could never choose between them, Jags have such a sense of pomp and ceremony but the Merc is just so cool and a pillarless coupe with seatbelt butlers gets so may bonus points. Great video, I love the attainable dream cars you're buying.

[@RecycledSoul]

The fact you got either car for those prices is bonkers. Reggie the Jaguar is beautiful. One of my favorite cars. I'd really like to LS swap one and modestly wide body one.

[@BusThrash]

I would say your comparison of the gearboxes of the 2 cars are actuakky the same gearbox, "winter" and "standard" programming onnthe mercedes is merely different wording of the 2 functions for jaguar, who refer to them as "comfort" and "sport". Ie, sport mode on the Jaguar is standard mode for the merc. As is Standard mode onnthe jaguar (setting off in 2nd gear and reluctance to kickdown) is named Winter mode on the mercedes

[@luiscarlosvieira3966]

By the esthetics side... my favorite are Italian cars... but... there are 2 brands outside Italy that makes some good looking cars... Aston and Jaguar... I love the XJ's...

[@phil4977]

I’m not experienced in terms of the Jaguar, however, I’ve owned a 2005 CL500. The suspension on the CL will consistently cost $$. Change the suspension hydraulic fluid and filters every year(it’s the best insurance policy). The engine and transmission is robust provided you service both every year(oil changes are the key). Keep the car on sealed roads. You will get some weird electrical issues now and then(windows and reverse sensors etc). The driving experience is just wonderful.

[@petescarport]

Great comparison. I’ve owned similar jag not super charged and s500 w220 and basically had same comparison. The jag is just so beautiful and nimble on the road. So shocking how well the jag drove. But I’m still a w140 fanboy so think all cars, especially Benz went so downhill after the modern era of luxury.

[@rosschamberlain1823]

I'd plump for the Jag. Imagine how fun it would be with a 6 speed manual and some suspension tweaks! Or adapt the ZF 8HP autobox and the aforementioned mods.

[@davidralph8250]

Here on the left side of the pond, statistics kept by Consumers Union find the Merc brand dead last in reliability among ALL makes sold in the USA.

[@manchegocheese997]

It would be interesting to know the nature and severity of the faults compared to other makes.

[@resnonverba137]

@@manchegocheese997 Precisely.

[@slacko1971]

@@manchegocheese997 Dashboard failing, oil leaks, fuel flaps jamming, dashboards failing, starters burning out, oh yeh and dashboards failing.

[@TireSlayer55]

Those statistics are for their current models, and you're right, they're junk. What does that have to do with a 20 year old car though? It's totally irrelevant.

[@talosiv4927]

@@TireSlayer55 I was just thinking the same thing. The current models are also boring to look at. But I had multiple Mercedes of the era of this CL and they were rock solid.

[@desertwindauh]

Thanks for the video. A few points... Double paned side glass premiered on the previous generation of S Class Mercedes Salon and Coupes, the W140. I believe the Jag is lighter overall as it was fully aluminium, chassis and body. You need to mention the awesome engineering of the Mercedes Coupe's door hinges. They are works of engineering art and allow a very long door to open in very tight spaces.

[@georgeacquah5380]

Aluminium was the next gen X350

[@kevincoombs7348]

£500 !! I've always loved the CL500 £500 !! Wow.

[@simonhjc]

“It casettes you”….that’s possibly the best motoring term ive ever heard

[@ashleyaustin1894]

I think he meant "cossets" you, but mispronounced it.

[@gottliebdee263]

For a start the XJR and the CL500 aren't natural competitors. If there was a CL55 at that time, that would be what you want to compare it with. As for the weight, I suspect it's heavier than the saloon as they had probably beefed up the chassis and body due to the lack of a B pillar.

[@ThomasMauger]

That era of Mercs had a built-in delay to the throttle pedal for increasing the perception of smooth acceleration, just makes the throttle feel unresponsive though. There are some aftermarket solutions for more linear/natural throttle mapping such as Pedal Commander but I haven't spent the money to do it yet.

[@slacko1971]

Didn't that era of Mercs also have the biodegradable wiring loom making them a complete electrical nightmare at this age?

[@Leonardo555ZZZ]

@@slacko1971 No , that was in the nineties.

[@mr_che]

You are right, I had a CLK500 and the throttle response was terrible, didn't even feel like driving a 300HP car unless flooring it, so it wasn't any pleasing or engaging to drive. I installed one of those pedal interfaces, can't remember the brand, and while it improved (the response was more direct) it was far from good due to the programming of the TCU. With a manual it would have been an epic car, such a pity. For comparison I drive an older BMW with a ZF 5HP and it is much more responsive and alive (in comparison).

[@Saaketti]

Reggie has same 5 speed 722.6 gearbox as cl500 does. Both has similiar big turbine. What differ is valvebody inside the gearbox and the TCU software. Plus when in comfort mode Reggie is very reluctance to accelerate and downshift if it learns to be like that from the driver. To me it comes down to different levels than raw numbers why Reggie is for me. You are right about the tire and wind noise. Cats suspension is and supposed to be slightly "loose" when going straight. R have even stiffer suspension than the regular or daimler one.

[@thejamesieboy]

Personally wouldn't have that or any Merc over the Jag, to me the Jag is far superior over the Merc. But then I think it really comes down to what you want/like in a car, I love my Daimlers Dash. I was once asked why I loved my Daimler once by a mate and as I said to him, I've driven all different makes and models. And apart from the badge in the middle of the steering wheel, they are all pretty much the same to drive, but the Daimler? I don't know how to describe it, it just feels special like your driving something different almost like an occasion. Driving the Jag/Daimler it's almost more about how you get to where your going, as to where your going it's self. I love the way it feels like it's floating down the road, that's how a XJ should feel, I think that's part of the reason a lot of people buy them. My guess is the Merc is heavy because of the double glazing, which personally I wouldn't bother about. It might cut down wind noise, but it will stop the wee noise's that are an early warning something might not be quite right.

[@davidsherrick898]

The Jaguar at that time was kind of like some American luxury cars.. still holding on to 'tradition' of their past. I had a 2000 Jaguar XJ8. More a boulevard cruiser. The next model 2004, still retained its similar looks, then the next Gen was like... WOW... what a difference. Still love it.. and that Mercedes. Great video as always!

[@talosiv4927]

Great vid! Thanks so much. I have long admired both of these cars and have owned several Mercedes AMG models of this era. They were solid and reliable, and very well built. But from a more emotional view, I will always love this Jaguar. As you say, they are handsome and instantly recognizable. I did have the pleasure of driving one of these years back, and loved the experience. Cheers and thanks.

[@andrewsmactips]

The Mercedes is heavier because it doesn’t have a hefty B pillar to give it strength so it has to be beefed up other areas to stop it flexing and to ensure that the windows seal properly. You’ll probably find that the old jaguar coupe was heavier than the sedan as well.

[@lollitosway1]

I had 2 w220 and such a great car overall. M113 engine is the most reliable V8 ever still has good power and good fuel consumption. To avoid airmatic or ABC I went for a clk500 that can have it's electric gremlins but much more cheaper to fix. Great stuff always wanted a xjr btw..

[@Beauloqs]

.......theres one huuuge factor, the Merc is a pig of a jelly mold to look at, the Jag on the other hand is timeless elegance.

[@markbray2988]

Loving your FB posts Jack. Keep them coming please 👏🏻

[@petermolloy992]

I had a 2006 XJ and it perhaps my favorite car ever. Beautiful, smooth engine and the ford money did a lot for the quality. I had to sell it because it killed my back. Ironically I went back to an E series Merc and I have no problems with my back now. At one point I bought an XK but over the first weekend of ownership, I could feel those same back issues coming back and took a nasty loss on that misfortune. If it was not for the issues with my back, I think I’d still have the XJ. It just felt special!

[@saccoearth007]

The Jaguar uses the Mercedes 5G tronic transmission. Lovely cars! :)

[@brandywell44]

Buy a good OBD port code reader, the best you can afford. It will pay for itself if you buy a used car like these.

[@bondjamesbond9041]

Jaguar is best. Both are endless money pits but somehow I would forgive the Jag but not the Mercedes as they used to have an amazing reliability and build record but lost the plot from about 1985 onwards.

[@dominicwood3750]

XJR vs CL55 Kompressor would be a better comparison as similar price. The CL would blow it away with 500hp. CL probably needs a front end rebuild that will tighten up the steering. Great value though at under £2k.

[@xcom_rx7241]

I got a jaaag You don’t mind for your silverware you got a lovely painting. Interesting watch got there.

[@ruk2023--]

I think it was only the 600 that has a genuine leather dash. Happy to be proved wrong though.

[@DaleSteel]

Amg

[@georgeacquah5380]

That was the the case for the saloons, but for the coupe they all had leather

[@sp7873]

Its the leather exclusive option which was standard in the 600

[@martincornew8285]

I'd keep the Jag over the Merc any time! Just by it's iconic looks alone. Forget it's shortcomings, it just oozes style!

[@TheMRmadhatt]

if the jag has a 4 speed auto then it's the wrong box as it should have a 5 speed auto as i'm pretty sure all the V*8jags came with a 5 speed auto box Double glazing was standard on the previous Mercedes S600 model and an option on the lesser models

[@peterredfern8206]

Jack, I have a 1 owner XJR V8 and a CLS 63 AMG bi turbo (2013) let me know if you want the CLS for a day!

[@richardbarrett8099]

Wouldn't it be better to compare the CL500 with the same year (2003) Jaguar XJR? The X350 XJR with its aluminium unibody and 400BHP, a fantastic car!

[@philipmccarthy6175]

If cars are evenly matched in handling & performance , then it's about looks and the Jag wins hands down.

[@19892CV]

Pillarless 2 door coupe for me, lovely as the Jag is, its appearance is too rooted in the 60s. I'd have a classic Jag instead. Except that would cost too much.

[@christianvanneuves9958]

Sad to see the Jag go. It is something. But then, yes, I see the difference in expense.

[@chriscoleman1151]

You named one of them but not the other. Says a lot .😊

[@Leehuss5582]

I prefer the look of the Jaguar XJR still love the guise of the headlights..when it comes to the tech of course the winner is the SL but because of the age its probably past it-

[@woodrow60]

The Merc’s interior looks like a chunk of grey Toyota plastic with lovely wood stuck on. Jags always look more luxurious.

[@paulriggers1558]

at that end of the market, it's all about looks + sound, 2 nil to jag you paid how much for the jag... keep it up young man

[@matthewjenkins1161]

With the foundations of Reggie traceable back to the early 70s and beyond, I think it would be interesting to compare instead, with the clean sheet Jaguar X350. Then I think this Mercedes whose production greatly overlapped the later Jag, would be far less impressive.

[@TheEarlofK]

Sorry to see Reggie go, but glad he's off to a good home.

[@Lemma01]

Interesting, Jack: but might you not just state that ALL Mercs (of which I run a couple for me and the Missus as dailies) are admirable, rather than loveable, while (Ford-onward) Jaaags are living off Granddad's reputation for being a bit rakish? Merc for the family holiday/wedding anniversary lunch - Jag for a blast followed by a jar (or three...), and taking your Executive Assistant to the sales conference outside Cardiff.

[@scottrippon5039]

Well Jack.....the cat's made it's choice..... clearly going with the big cat. Seriously....these are good fun to punt along a country road...handle far better than they should. S

[@NickWilliams-z6t]

The non supercharged AMG 5.4 would be a fairer comparison. Also closer in price. I've had a CL500 and many many V8 XJRs, and while the 500 is surprisingly fast, the xjr has more power and character. However...(and this is a big one) the one I've now bought because it's better to drive and better quality, and arguably better looking than either of these when it's black...is the phase 1 CLS AMG ! (The n/a 6.2. Although the supercharged 5.4 is just as good - if not better).

[@mikadavies660]

Sadly Reggie needing £5k to buy and another £5k to fix is the point that proves the Merc is the way to go.

[@melaniezimmermann-jv7th]

Drive and maintien the cl for a few months... You'll cry about expense. 😅

[@mikadavies660]

@melaniezimmermann-jv7th Disagree.... I have owned one now for 7 years and I purchased it with bad bodywork for £1,500. Had it custom sprayed and have kept it. Yes, Mercedes dealers will totally kill you. I go to a private Mercedes trained mechanic and spend very little on yearly maintenance.

[@olepetter866]

The Jaguar XJR (x308) has a 5 speed automatic transmission from Mercedes-Benz. I prefer the Jaguar over the Mercedes-Benz. So much more class and grace.

[@markpirateuk]

I would take the Jag over the Merc any day, such a good looking classy car 👍

[@kalypaniakos3068]

I would take the Jag too,but dont forget that Merc makes amazing cars as well...😮

[@antoniolopez2322]

The Jaguar is iconic. The Mercedes was just another model.

[@nk53nxg]

That era of Jag XJ is peak to me in styling terms. Space, pace and grace, pity they rust badly in hidden places and finding a good one now will be difficult. Prefer the Jag to the Merc.

[@3ducs]

The aluminum cars don't have that rust problem.

[@nk53nxg]

@@3ducs they still corrode, especially at the rear windscreen near where the bottom panel meets the quarters. They also can have electrolytic issues in places where ferrous metal screws and fixings can eat away the aluminium. Aluminium actually oxidises quicker than steel, it is just that aluminium oxide creates a hard crust that stops further oxidation unlike steel rust which shales off leaving allowing the steel underneath to corrode and pit further. I remember the mk1 Land Rover Discovery as a vehicle body apprentice, the steel door frames used to eat away the aluminium door skins at the bottom where water would sit, sacrificial protection. The aluminium door skins would literaly come away at the bottom (after a good few years).

[@3ducs]

@@nk53nxg Yes, I had an Audi that had aluminum front fenders, those oxidized badly at the bottoms, but then I had stopped driving it in December, it had been exposed to New Hampshire road salt, a sad end to a good car.

[@gazzafloss]

It's the Jag every time for me Jack. Good comparo.

[@alexanderstefanov6474]

Some w140s had double glazing, so much earlier than these

[@anthonyxuereb792]

Has the "buyer" actually paid you for the Jag? I was selling my Audi and a buyer wanted it for his father and would pay me when his stint on an oil rig was over, yeah, no problem.

[@vangestelwijnen]

Being non-British and non-German, I am the one who can be objective ;-). The Mercedes!

[@michaelhilton8439]

In the old days, the big Mercs wiped the floor with Jaguars. Not so from the late nineties onwards. Jaguar had sold to Ford and received unprecedented investment - and, reputation wise, an absolute need for improved quality control simply to survive. At the same time, Mercedes build quality had bottomed out and their cars were riddled with problems, not least in terms of paint and corrosion. The XJR may objectively be the lesser car, but the 5 grand spent will stand it in good stead. On the other hand,.the Merc WILL be a future money pit. A great review, as always. As an aside, the x300 is the pinnacle for these Jaguars, the Ford sourced V8 engines being nowhere near as reliable as the British built sixes. And the 3.2 litre is the pick of the bunch because it runs the older ZF autobox - cruder, but the only box in the range not afflicted with 'limp mode'. It's even been said that the 3.2 six is sweeter than the 4 litre...

[@martinjackson565]

W140 first merc to have doubt glazed glass

[@MathildeHennecke]

The Jaguar is a specialist car, the Mercedes is a mass-produced good

[@andymyers2759]

I'd pick the Jaag any day, it's just a far more beautiful car so I can ignore some of the Ford switch gear etc.