Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2013 Jaguar XF VS 2013 BMW 3 Near Phoenix, AZ

For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Jaguar XF are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW 3 Series Sedan doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

The XF offers an optional Intelligent Emergency Brake, which uses forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The 3 Series Sedan offers an available collision warning system without the automated brake feature which would prevent or reduce the collision if the driver fails to react.

Both the XF and the 3 Series Sedan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The XF has more powerful engines than the 3 Series Sedan:

As tested in Motor Trend the XFR is faster than the 335i (automatics tested):

The XF has 3.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the 3 Series Sedan ActiveHybrid’s standard fuel tank (18.4 vs. 15 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The XF has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the 3 Series Sedan’s standard fuel tank (18.4 vs. 15.8 gallons).

For better stopping power the XF’s brake rotors are larger than those on the 3 Series Sedan:

The XF stops much shorter than the 3 Series Sedan:

For better traction, the XF has larger standard tires than the 3 Series Sedan (235/35R20 vs. 225/50R17). The XFR/Supercharged’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 3 Series Sedan (F:255/35R20 & R:285/30R20 vs. F:225/40R19 & R:255/35R19).

The XF’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 3 Series Sedan’s standard 50 series tires. The XFR/Supercharged’s 255/35R20 front and 285/30R20 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the 3 Series Sedan’s optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the XF has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the 3 Series Sedan. The XF’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels optional on the 3 Series Sedan.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the XF’s wheelbase is 3.9 inches longer than on the 3 Series Sedan (114.5 inches vs. 110.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the XF is 1.1 inches wider in the front and .6 inches wider in the rear than the track on the 3 Series Sedan.

The XFR handles at .89 G’s, while the 328i pulls only .87 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The XFR goes through Road & Track’s slalom faster than the 328i (67.2 vs. 67.1 MPH).

The XFR executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the 328i (25.9 seconds @ .74 average G’s vs. 26.3 seconds @ .7 average G’s).

The design of the Jaguar XF amounts to more than styling. The XF has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .29 Cd. That is lower than the 3 Series Sedan (.29 to .3) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the XF get better fuel mileage.

As tested by Road & Track, the interior of the XFR is quieter than the 328i:

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the XF is rated a Mid-size car by the EPA, while the 3 Series Sedan is rated a Compact.

The XF has 1.8 inches more front shoulder room, 1.5 inches more rear legroom and 1.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the 3 Series Sedan.

The XF has a much larger trunk than the 3 Series Sedan (17.7 vs. 13 cubic feet).

The XF’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The 3 Series Sedan doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The XF’s optional air conditioned front seats cool the driver and front passenger and help take the sting out of hot leather in Summer. The 3 Series Sedan doesn’t offer air conditioned front seats.