1st Place: Mercedes E500
The Mercedes V8 is refined, torquey and always eager to perform. At high speeds the Mercedes V8 is quieter than the screaming Lexus V6. The E-Class has outstanding comfort ratings and performs well in driving dynamics and has top ratings in having the car drive straight without the driver touching the steering wheel (like the Lexus). The seats don't offer enough side support though. The fuel consumption of 13.3 liters per 100 km is acceptable given the sporty driving style the car was exposed to. Inside the E-Class offers a lot of space for both front and rear passengers and the trunk is enormous with 540 liters of space. The trunk can be expanded by having the rear seats fold down giving the E-Class excellent markings in versatility. Overall the E500 is a very versatile car offering great performance, cabin- and luggage space, acceptable fuel economy and the best comfort in the group.
2nd Place: Jaguar XF SV8
The Jaguar performed well in this test beating out the BMW in driving dynamics. Although the test showed that the Jaguar weighs close to 2-tons, its powerful engine wasn't enough to hang with the BMW and Mercedes in acceleration. Interior space is generous and the comfort and sporting qualities are very good. Wind and engine noises are incredibly loud at 180 km/h+, especially the supercharged V8 but most customers will probably enjoy the sporty sound. The Jaguar is a very thirsty car needed on average 2 liters of gasoline extra compared to the BMW and Mercedes. This was a big blow and somewhat cost it the victory. The XF had the best braking performance of all cars here and also the best interior and together with the Lexus comes standard with many features that cost extra in the BMW and Mercedes.
3rd Place: BMW 550i
The BMW has the most responsive engine in this test. The sound is sporty and the 6-speed automatic transmission is a good companion. On the downside are poor comfort and a somewhat small cabin although the optional "comfort seats" on this 550i improve comfort somewhat. As expected, the BMW is a very good handler but the XF handles better. Like the Mercedes, the BMW V8 is a quieter performer at high speeds than the Lexus GS. Fuel economy is good for a big and powerful V8. The trunk is the biggest in the review after the Mercedes E500. The BMW is easy to drive and control and a joy in corners - but so is the Jaguar.
4th Place: Lexus GS450h
The Lexus is the most fuel efficient here - in mixed driving only. At high speeds on the Autobahn it almost matches the Jaguar for thirst. It has one of the quietest engines. It comes best-equipped with standard features such as various safety features and electronic goodies and receives high marks here. In all other criterias it disappoints. At high speeds however the V6 engine and interior noises are very loud - and don't sound sporty. Comfort is average with the suspension being neither sporty or comfortable. The Lexus has a laughable trunk space of only 280 liters thanks to the hybrid batteries. These add weight and increase the fuel consumption of an already overweight car when the electric engine is not in usage. The seats of the Lexus offer little side support and are slippery. As in previous tests, the Lexus GS also demonstrates its incredibly poor braking abilities by performing incredibly poorly in braking tests. The interior is decent but feels inferior to that of the Jaguar and Mercedes. In variability the Lexus scores a solid 0 points. The rear seats cannot be folded and this combined with the small trunk make the GS a very impractical car.
-VERDICT-
At the end of this test the Jaguar XF finishes second place. First place goes to the Mercedes-Benz E500 which impresses in all regards. Despite its horrendous fuel economy and high costs, the Jaguar impresses with great overall comfort and superb handling. The BMW 550i is comparable to the Jaguar XF, but isn't as comfortable and is soundly beaten in driving dynamics. The Lexus GS450h offers average comfort, poor driving dynamics and a very small cabin. All the Lexus has going for it are its generally low fuel consumption and clean emissions. In all other criteria it trails its rivals.
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