Wedged between the high-volume entry-level cars and the big-dollar flagships, these midsize sedans are the often overlooked middle children of the luxury sedan world. But as Chief Road Test Editor Chris Walton explains in our latest comparison test, they deserve more attention.
They're too fast, to comfortable and too good looking to ignore and choosing a winner wasn't easy. Their performance figures were all close and when it came to features and price, each car had its own strengths. In the end, there was clear winner though. It was fast in a straight line and solid through turns, and it just so happened to have been the least expensive of the three.
Comparison Test: BMW 550i vs. Jaguar XF vs. Mercedes-Benz E550
1487 says:
07:24 AM, 06/ 9/09
The e class is by far the worst looking one of the group and that interior appears to be inspired by 80s MB interiors. Its cheap and fast but thats about it. Give me the XF for about the same money.
Also, since when does the 5 series have an Impala sized trunk? My memory tells me the the 5 series has about 14 cu ft of space, not 18.4 cu ft. This is also the first I've heard of the E550 having a 19 cu ft trunk. Few RWD cars have that kind of trunk space, the 750 only has 14 cu ft.
blueguydotcom says:
07:43 AM, 06/ 9/09
With the 535i available, there's no point in getting the 550i.
tryan says:
08:00 AM, 06/ 9/09
blueguydotcom - While I agree with you, the purpose of this comparison was to compare V8 Sport Luxury Sedans, so that unfortunately does not include the 535. This leads me to my next statement...
Where's the A6 4.2 Prestige? It might be a bit down on HP (350), but with AWD and a fully loaded MSRP that barely tops $62,000, it was certainly worth considering. Hell, even the S6 with its exotic 5.2L V10 is not much more than the 550's as tested price. Regardless of price however, the A6 in any form was a noticeable absence.
bankerdanny says:
08:09 AM, 06/ 9/09
I haven't read the article yet, but where is the M45? I realize that it's due for an update, but it's clearly a competitor for all these vehicles.
dougtheeng says:
10:01 AM, 06/ 9/09
ZOMG EDMUNDS-BMW BIAS! ....wait, what? The BMW lost?
For my money I'd take the Jag - what a gorgeous car!
blueguydotcom says:
10:53 AM, 06/ 9/09
tryan, just pointing out the 550i is a giant waste of dough. They could opt for the 335i, get the same performance, better mileage and it'll be massively cheaper. The V8 in the 5series exists to massage egos and little more.
kitw says:
10:55 AM, 06/ 9/09
heh, I love the e60s, but they are getting long in the tooth. It's too bad you weren't able to test with a 2010 550i, since they got the new iDrive. It's amazing, my 09 335i has it, and it's a really great nav/entertainment system. So much faster than my 08 335i!
I actually wanted a 5 series, but the 2010 5 series with the new iDrive didn't have nearly the incentives that the 09s did. ($2500 lease cash)... or the $3000 rebate the 335i has. That said, the 2010 5 series is also a lot cheaper, since it groups many options in the value packages (typical for the last model year)
Personally, as said above, I think the 535i is a much better car. It's 300lbs lighter, has similar torque and is only a piggyback away from being quite a bit faster, too. Doesn't sound as nice, but it handles muuuuch better, due to the lighter weight.
compliance says:
02:04 PM, 06/ 9/09
Nice showing by the Merc. That was an unexpected win.
blueguydotcom says:
08:05 PM, 06/ 9/09
I meant 535i. Sorry finger slip.
estreka says:
04:16 PM, 06/10/09
I hate to bring up the always-brought-up Genesis, but hello!?
tryan says:
03:16 AM, 06/12/09
estreka - The title said 'European', unless Korea moved westward under the radar, I think the Genesis is not eligible in this particular comparison...=)
hondacura4 says:
08:44 PM, 06/13/09
The cars in this test certainly are good at what they do but in reality I dont really care for any of them.
I know this car is about twice as much or more than the cars in this test but after seeing and hearing the Maserati Quattroporte that resides about 2 blocks from me Id have to go ahead and double the mortgage for the Quattroporte for the sound alone. The car is simply BEAUTIFUL!