The XF 3.0 offers all wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The C63 doesn’t offer all wheel drive.
Both the XF and the C63 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.
The XF’s corrosion warranty is 2 years and unlimited miles longer than the C63’s (6/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).
On the EPA test cycle the XFR gets better fuel mileage than the C63 (15 city/23 hwy vs. 13 city/19 hwy).
In heavy traffic or at stoplights the XF V6/V8’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. (Start/Stop isn’t accounted in present EPA fuel mileage tests.) The C63 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.
The XF has a gallon more fuel capacity than the C63 (18.4 vs. 17.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.
For better stopping power the XFR/Supercharged’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the C63:
XFR/Supercharged | ||
C63 |
Front Rotors |
|
15 inches |
14.2 inches |
Rear Rotors |
14.8 inches |
13 inches |
The XF’s brakes have 23% more swept area (the area covered by the brake pads) than the C63 (774 vs. 629 square inches), so the XF has more braking power available.
The XF stops shorter than the C63:
XF |
C63 |
||
70 to 0 MPH |
155 feet |
161 feet |
Car and Driver |
For better ride, handling and brake cooling the XF offers optional 20-inch wheels. The C63’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.
Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the XF can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The C63 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.
For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the XF’s wheelbase is 5.8 inches longer than on the C63 Sedan (114.5 inches vs. 108.7 inches).
For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the XF is 2.5 inches wider in the rear than the track on the C63.
The XFR handles at .89 G’s, while the C63 Sedan pulls only .88 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.
As tested by Road & Track, the interior of the XFR is quieter than the C63 Sedan:
XF |
C63 |
|
At idle |
42 dB |
49 dB |
Full-Throttle |
74 dB |
77 dB |
50 MPH Cruising |
62 dB |
63 dB |
70 MPH Cruising |
67 dB |
69 dB |
Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the XF is rated a Mid-size car by the EPA, while the C63 Sedan is rated a Compact.
The XF has 9.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the C63 (98 vs. 88.2).
The XF has 2.2 inches more front shoulder room, .7 inches more rear headroom, 3.2 inches more rear legroom and 1.4 inches more rear shoulder room than the C63 Sedan.
The XF has a much larger trunk than the C63 Sedan (17.7 vs. 12.4 cubic feet).
The XF’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The C63’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.
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 C63 doesn’t offer air conditioned front seats.
To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the XF offers an optional Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The C63 doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.
Insurance will cost less for the XF owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the XF will cost $1340 to $2485 less than the C63 over a five-year period.
Intellichoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Jaguar XF will be $3714 to $5154 less than for the Mercedes C63.
© 1991-2016 Advanta-STAR Automotive Research. All rights reserved.
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