Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2016 Jaguar XJ VS 2016 Mercedes S-Class Near Scottsdale, AZ

To help make backing safer, the XJ’s cross-path warning system uses wide-angle radar in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The S-Class doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the XJ and the S-Class have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height-adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available collision warning systems and around view monitors.

The XJ comes with a full 5-year/60,000 mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24 hour roadside assistance. The S-Class’ 4-year/50,000 mile basic warranty expires 1 year and 10,000 miles sooner.

The XJ’s corrosion warranty is 2 years and unlimited miles longer than the S-Class’ (6/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

Jaguar pays for scheduled maintenance on the XJ for 5 years and 60,000 miles. Jaguar will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the S-Class.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2015 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Jaguar vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Jaguar third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 18 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 14th.

As tested in Motor Trend the XJ Supercharged 5.0 supercharged V8 is faster than the Mercedes S-Class:

The XJ stops much shorter than the S-Class:

For better traction, the XJR’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the S-Class (F:265/35R20 & R:295/30R20 vs. F:255/40R20 & R:285/35R20).

The XJ’s standard 275/40R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the S-Class’ standard 45 series tires. The XJR’s 265/35R20 front and 295/30R20 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the S-Class’ optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the XJ has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the S-Class.

The XJL Supercharged handles at .86 G’s, while the S550 pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The XJL Supercharged executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the S550 (26 seconds @ .71 average G’s vs. 26.5 seconds @ .7 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the XJ’s turning circle is 1.4 feet tighter than the S65 AMG’s (39 feet vs. 40.4 feet).

The Jaguar XJ may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 750 to 950 pounds less than the Mercedes S-Class.

The XJ is 4.5 inches shorter than the S-Class, making the XJ easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the XJL Supercharged is quieter than the S550:

The XJ has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The S-Class doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The XJ offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The S-Class doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The XJ has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold Winter days before the car heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the S-Class.

Insurance will cost less for the XJ owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the XJ will cost $1980 less than the S-Class over a five-year period.

Intellichoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Jaguar XJ will be $16856 to $93912 less than for the Mercedes S-Class.

The XJ was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2011. The S-Class hasn’t been picked since 2008.