So serious question and advice/suggestions/impressions are welcome. I'm thinking of getting a new car. But I'm having trouble deciding between these new 2016 (or latest) models in the US:
BMW 340i
Jaguar XE Premium
Mercedes C Class (250)
Audi A4
Lexus IS 350
I don't know much about cars but I'd like a nice car to drive and take to work. Fuel efficiency and costs for insurance and maintenance is also something I would like to consider but I can't find much info on Jaguar maintenance costs or insurance costs compared to BMW or Mercedes. I am also working at a tech company so everyone on my team has either a BMW or Mercedes. I've traditionally always preferred Japanese and family cars (my family is all Camry from various years). But since the Nissan GTR is out of my price range I figure I'd consider the above.
Or should I just consider the Tesla Model S and call it a day?
Thanks for all the help.
I'd be careful about some of the advice you get in this thread regarding cars and such. Some are highly impartial to specific brands, or the cars they own, and often throw facts, figures, data, professional reviews, reports etc to the wind, in order to champion pre determined preferences. It's almost like console fanboy wars at times. I've also learnt that when some use terms like "garbage" or "trash" to describe cars, engines, brands etc that are otherwise globally revered or commended, you're sometimes best just ignoring such opinions altogether, as it's often little more than unhelpful hyperbole.
Regarding the cars you've chosen, luckily they're very popular choices which have tonnes of comparisons already made. These are the top ones on Google and YouTube, nothing cherry picked, just the popular one's that come up first, in the order they did for me. Please be aware, they may not all line up with your specic engine options. You might as well also search out some more for your own.
1.
TopGear | Diesel triple test: Jaguar XE vs Mercedes C-Class vs BMW 3-Series
Conclusion.
TopGear said:
The BMW 320d remains objectively the best car in this class. Is it the one Id have? Its the first one Id recommend, if that isnt too much of a cop-out, the car with the fewest weaknesses.
But both the Merc and Jag are cooler objects, sleeker of line and image, strong enough to challenge all comers, and with their own distinct attributes. The same, it seems, applies to the new Audi A4 as well. Wow, where would that slot into a final line-up that reads BMW, Jaguar then Mercedes?
2.
AutoTrader | BMW 3 Series vs Jaguar XE vs Mercedes C-Class
Conclusion.
The BMW 3 Series wins out of the three, Jaguar in second place, Mercedes in third. For the reasons why, just watch the video.
3.
AutoExpress | BMW 3 Series vs Jaguar XE
Conclusion.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/3-series/92761/bmw-3-series-vs-jaguar-xe
AutoExpress said:
This is the closest road test verdict of 2015, but the XE takes the victory by the very narrowest of margins. Its not quite as good to drive as the refreshed BMW and its not quite as roomy, but the characterful Jaguars sleek looks, luxurious interior, top-notch refinement, long equipment list and lower running costs are hard to ignore
4.
WhatCar | Group test - BMW 3 Series vs Jaguar XE vs VW Passat
Conclusion.
WhatCar said:
The 3 Series is the best all-rounder. Its great to drive, reasonably practical and smarter inside than its ever been. Wed recommend you avoid adding 19in alloys and any of the optional steering systems, but otherwise its a very fine executive saloon and the deserving winner here.
5.
CarAdvice | BMW 330i v Jaguar XE 25t R-Sport v Lexus IS200t F Sport v Mercedes C250 Comparison Review
Conclusion.
BMW 3 Series takes first place, Mercedes second, Jag third. Read article for comprehensive comparison.
6.
AutoMoto | 2016 Mercedes C 250 vs BMW 330i vs Lexus IS200t vs Jaguar XE R-Sport
Conclusion.
Lexus wins. In order of their preferences, Lexus, Mercedes, BMW and finally Jaguar. Watch the video for a better breakdown.
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Personal opinions.
Your car selection options closely mirror some of my own from a few months back. In the end, a few of the cars I narrowed it down to were the 4 Series Gran Coupe, 3 Series and the Jaguar XE. I actually test drove and compared all of them (though ended up with something completely different in the 3 Series GT M Sport, which I'd barely heard of before testing it at the garage).
Seeing as how the 4 Series GC nor 3 Series GT are in your list of choices, here's how I'd personally stack the final two that made both of our shortlists, based on my personal experiences.
Aesthetics - XE > 3 Series
Just find the XE looks a little sleeker and more sophisticated, though the 3 Series M Sport trim still looks very nice. The Jag's interior also looks a bit more luxurious, futuristic and less clinical than the BMW's more industrial look.
Interior - 3 Series > XE
Whilst I did think the XE's interior looked better, the BMW's was imo more practical and efficient. The cabin is roomier, there's more rear headroom and leg space in the 3 Series (the top of my hair actually touches the inner roof underlay of the XE whilst sat in the rear seats, and I'm only 5ft 10 and a half). Visibility from the rear windscreen is also better in the BMW, and the LCD screen and instruments are better positioned too.
Ride - 3 Series > XE
The XE was a little nippier and sharper around corners, but I felt the BMW offered not only better feedback of the road, but a better balance between comfort and sportiness. The XE is a little stiffer and less forgiving, and doesn't eat up the road as well.
Gearbox - 3 Series > Jaguar XE
Even though both are brilliant and completely comparable (in-fact they might even be the same hardware wise), I still found BMW's set up was a bit more efficient and clever. The Jag's upshifts can pause a tiny bit longer before the next shift than the Beemer's, which feels more instantaneous in comparison.
Practicality - 3 Series > XE
This goes back to the roomier cabin of the 3 Series, on top of which it has the bigger boot as well, at 480 litres vs the XE's 455 litres. Also touched upon, it has a more comfortable overall ride too.
Engine - Depends
With the two diesel versions I tested, the BMW was quicker and got better mpg, but I'm not entirely sure how the US petrol models stack up. Based off of a quick googling, the 340i does 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds, and the XE 35t in 5.1 seconds. The 340i's mpg is 22/33, and the Jag's is yet to be announced.
Conclusion
If I had to choose between the two cars, in all honesty whilst I'd probably prefer the 3 Series (purely for practicality reasons), I'd actually just go with whatever was cheaper, or whoever offered me the best deal. They're both excellent, but as I said before, I ended up settling for the 3 Series GT M Sport in the end, and were I to pick a less practical option in this sort of price range, it would have likely been the 4 Series Gran Coupe instead of the 3 Series or XE. If I did go 3 Series, I would personally also save myself the money and go 328i instead of 340i, but obviously that's a personal thing.
Ultimately, the final advice I'd give is for you to just head to the garages and test drive all the cars you've shortlisted, however time consuming it may be. There is literally no better way to gauge your own preferences than that. Test them how you'd use them, e.g. the local routes, roads etc you use most, and also take along those who are likely to be the future passengers in your vehicle, whether in the rear or whatever, to gauge their thoughts as well (on rear comfort, space etc). The Garages might try to entice you to buy on the day with deals etc, but I'd hold out until you've test driven all your faves.
