Luxe battle: Jaguar XE diesel vs BMW 320d vs Mercedes-Benz C220d vs Audi A4 35TDI

Jaguar will shortly introduce the diesel variant of their premium luxury sedan, the Jaguar XE, and has already started accepting bookings. The XE was introduced in 2016 with the powerful 237bhp petrol mill. But as we all know, it will be the diesel variant which will contribute to a larger percentage of the XE sales. If you are looking to get yourself a diesel luxury sedan, you should certainly compare it with the German trinity of the Mercedes-Benz C220d, the BMW 320d and the Audi A4 35TDI. We compare the four cars to bring out the pros and cons of each of them.

Looks and Styling

The Jaguar XE leads among the Germans in this department with its aggressive yet beautiful design. The signature Jaguar mesh grille in the front with those feline headlamps has the ability to turn heads at will. The Mercedes is elegant and classy, but the face is too common especially with most of them looking alike. The same is the case with the BMW and the Audi – too common to stand out.

Cabin and features

In this segment, looks do matter but what matters more is comfort, luxury and features. If we take a look at all the top-spec trims of the four premium cars in fray, they fare quite close to each other. Like the Jaguar XE, the other three get dual-zone climate control with AC vents for rear passengers as well. You have steering mounted controls and leather upholstery standard in this segment along with electrically adjustable wing mirrors and panoramic sunroofs. The seats are also electrically adjustable in the front and get adjustable lumbar support as well. All these luxe cars come with display screens and vehicle management systems embedded into the infotainment system. The Audi A4 is the only one to get a virtual cockpit screen for the instrument cluster while all others go for the standard dials. 

In terms of space, the Jaguar XE, being the longest of the lot, leads the pack. In fact, at times, the Jaguar feels slightly more premium than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class – widely known as the best amongst the Germans in terms of touch and feel of the interiors. The 3 Series and the A4 do not have such opulent interiors, but they are of premium quality, nonetheless. In terms of safety, these luxury cars get electronic stability programs replete with ABS, EBD, traction control and skid control. For crash protection, along with structural safety provisions, the XE has 4 airbags while the BMW has 6, Mercedes has 7 and the Audi gets 8.

Engine and gearbox

With regard to their diesel engines – all these cars are very closely matched. The Jaguar XE will be powered by the new 2.0-litre Ingenium series of engines that is expected to develop 177bhp power and 430Nm torque and will come mated to an eight-speed ZF gearbox. The C220d gets a 2.2-litre turbocharged mill that develops 168bhp power and 400Nm torque and is mated to a seven-speed automatic. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines from the BMW and the Audi develop an identical 188bhp power and 400Nm torque but the BMW is mated to an eight-speed transmission while the Audi gets a seven-speed dual-clutch unit. 

The Audi is the only front-wheel drive machine amongst the four and is known for its docile manners around corners. The Mercedes is also a slow handler, leaving only the Jaguar and the BMW to play the performance game. The Jaguar has slightly more firepower but is heavier as well. All four cars generate similar fuel economy – 10-12kmpl in city and 15kmpl on the highway – given that they are similarly sized and also generate corresponding performances.

Price

The top-spec Jaguar XE diesel is expected to be priced close to the petrol trim if not lower, possibly between Rs 39 lakhs to Rs 48 lakhs, ex-showroom, Delhi. The top-spec diesel C-Class is priced at Rs 45.58 lakh while the 320d M Sport will cost you Rs 45.5 lakh. The Audi A4 is priced the lowest at just Rs 41.2 lakhs, making the XE probably the most expensive amongst luxury sedans.