Dilemma between the Jag XE, Merc CLA250SB & BMW 330i(F30)

[mcs08]

U will be very disappointed.

 

http://www.carscoops.com/2016/01/mercedes-shows-off-new-2017-e-class.html

 

Hahaha! OMG! The new E is officially off my list!

Given the choice of Jag and Merc, go for the Merc. Go test drive the Jag, especially during brake holding at traffic light or stops. That's all I need to say.

 

Able to elaborate? I test drove and didn't feel nor hear too much. I was busy testing out the audio, dynamics control as well as talking about the torque in eco mode being not very sufficient. 

I will be testing it again, so your input will be much appreciated :)!

[Mercury1]

To be frank I reckon the Jag and the 330i would be a better comparison, the CLA 250 SB is for someone who needs a large boot space, if it were down to it I would compare the CLA 45 AMG vs the XE & 330i (abit OTT of course)

 

The F30 is definitely a common car, if you want a car that stands out as different that's probably not the ideal car. Then again get an F30 in a unique color and it will stand out. 

 

Anyway back to your question I would opt for the 330i given the power and how well the car integrates with the driving feel. The 330i will also come with standard options like HUD, Hifi sound etc which gives it additional driver experience on top of the power.

 

Can't say much about the XE as I've not driven one, the CLA 250 SB given the length it won't handle as well as a 330i IMO but of course you get more usable boot space for any kind of outings etc.  Personally I didn't consider the CLA because of the LCD design which kinda feels out of place.

 

Ps I'm BMW biased.

 

 

Yes, the f30 is everywhere practically. To opt for the bimmer, I'll definitely add in the MSport package as well.
Are you driving a CLA? How is it? Which engine size?
Not considering the C class, I don't like the new look...+ I got the w204, of which I do like the look of it.

Yes, also, they are only still offering the 2.0 petrol engine. Engine size, I'm fine with, it's the detuned engine that I have some issue with. It's only producing 197hp, of which the same engine has a 237hp one! Not going to be available in Sg, apparently. So, I'm not surprised if the engine IS 2.0 EcoBoost!

Volvo...lagi difficult to resell, ain't it?

 

[mcs08]

To be frank I reckon the Jag and the 330i would be a better comparison, the CLA 250 SB is for someone who needs a large boot space, if it were down to it I would compare the CLA 45 AMG vs the XE & 330i (abit OTT of course)

 

The F30 is definitely a common car, if you want a car that stands out as different that's probably not the ideal car. Then again get an F30 in a unique color and it will stand out. 

 

Anyway back to your question I would opt for the 330i given the power and how well the car integrates with the driving feel. The 330i will also come with standard options like HUD, Hifi sound etc which gives it additional driver experience on top of the power.

 

Can't say much about the XE as I've not driven one, the CLA 250 SB given the length it won't handle as well as a 330i IMO but of course you get more usable boot space for any kind of outings etc.  Personally I didn't consider the CLA because of the LCD design which kinda feels out of place.

 

Ps I'm BMW biased.

 

Maybe you have mistaken the XE that I was comparing. It's the 2.0L with 197hp model, not the V6. Comparing that to CLA45, neither power nor price comparison will be of any match.

 

Anyway, for now, I have decided to let go of CLA250SB and consider either the XE and 330i. Likelihood will be the XE :) - to be confirmed when I DO sign the papers! 

 

Although I totally agree with you on the perks of a bimmer (I am a bimmer fan as well!). I have been driving bmw for years before my current car and did not forget how well bimmer handles but this f30 is just not sitting right with me, especially so when it's a LCI. It will be a pocket burner if the next gen looks better than the F30! Given an E92, with all the current standard options, the decision will be that much easier! It'll win my vote with its design, performance(not 320i) and package deal.

 

 

I will like to thank all the bruddas (& maybe even sistas) in taking the time in replying to this thread and telling me your reviews. Appreciating each and every piece of it!

[Rliewky]

The Jag is a nice car. A lot of the issues with the base model can be corrected by adding options. Only issue is that the cost blows up very quickly with Jag options as mentioned by TS.

 

However, if you are considering the F-PACE, this might not be an issue for you.

 

If I had the moola, I would definitely for the Jag with options.

 

Another good thing to consider will be the new E class when it comes out.

Hi,

 

mind sharing what is the problem with the base model and what options needed to rectify them?

[edwin15]

Hi,

 

mind sharing what is the problem with the base model and what options needed to rectify them?

 

 

My main gripe with the base model are these;

 

1) Exterior looks nice but the interior feels very plasticky for a luxury car. (Think can be fixed with R-Sports package and various interior trims but expect to fork out >30k)

2) Engine is a detuned ford 2.0L ecoboost engine. The car does not feel as torqey as a bimmer. They should have at least brought in the higher tuned version.

3) Adaptive dynamics is another addon option. This feature is very jaguar to me.

 

 

Overall, main grip is still point 1 and the base version (default) somehow does not give me the Jaguar feel. 

[Rliewky]

My main gripe with the base model are these;

 

1) Exterior looks nice but the interior feels very plasticky for a luxury car. (Think can be fixed with R-Sports package and various interior trims but expect to fork out >30k)

2) Engine is a detuned ford 2.0L ecoboost engine. The car does not feel as torqey as a bimmer. They should have at least brought in the higher tuned version.

3) Adaptive dynamics is another addon option. This feature is very jaguar to me.

 

 

Overall, main grip is still point 1 and the base version (default) somehow does not give me the Jaguar feel. 

 

1) saw a few video review online and a few does indicate this but to pay >30k for R-sport to rectify the interior trims is difficult to accept. But i thought the main different between R-sport and the prestige is more on the bodykit.

 

2) if compare to 320I which is 270nm, the XE with 280nm should feel slightly more torgey.but 320I come with lesser HP at 184 compare to XE at 197

 

3) Adaptive dynamics, is that the equivalent to bmw driving experience control when you can select eco pro, sport, comfort etc... think that is standard for 320I. 

 

[Eugn86]

IMO CLA SB is ugly. The rear is too short. The CLS SB looks more cohesive in design.

 

For the Jag XE, i noted that it tries to give you a feeling cocooned while sitting very low in the car. It feels tight especially with the high door sills and shallow windows. Headroom in the rear is also tight with my hair brushing against the roof (i'm avg height). But it's still more spacious than the CLS SB though they are cars in different classes.

 

For the 3 series, it definitely feels more airy inside and everything else just looks and feels like a typical BMW, which can be either good or bad depending on how you look at it. The 3-series is a very admired car, but it also means its popularity has diluted its exclusivity.

If it is my money, Jaguar XE. The heart says so. The mind says otherwise.

[mcs08]

 

1) saw a few video review online and a few does indicate this but to pay >30k for R-sport to rectify the interior trims is difficult to accept. But i thought the main different between R-sport and the prestige is more on the bodykit.

 

2) if compare to 320I which is 270nm, the XE with 280nm should feel slightly more torgey.but 320I come with lesser HP at 184 compare to XE at 197

 

3) Adaptive dynamics, is that the equivalent to bmw driving experience control when you can select eco pro, sport, comfort etc... think that is standard for 320I.

1) Yes, price wise is really not the most reasonable. Especially when bmw's m package is only approx $3k. R Sport does come with bodykit, and leather upgrades, sports suspension plus 18" rims.

 

2) Yes, XE will feel more powerful than the 320i. Selling price wise, it was closer to 330i. Thus my initial comparison of the XE and 330i.

 

3) Adaptive dynamics is not mode select. It is comparable to bmw's adaptive suspension. BMW's can be driver adjusted but Jaguar's is computer piloted by monitoring driver and road conditions.

[mcs08]

IMO CLA SB is ugly. The rear is too short. The CLS SB looks more cohesive in design.

 

For the Jag XE, i noted that it tries to give you a feeling cocooned while sitting very low in the car. It feels tight especially with the high door sills and shallow windows. Headroom in the rear is also tight with my hair brushing against the roof (i'm avg height). But it's still more spacious than the CLS SB though they are cars in different classes.

 

For the 3 series, it definitely feels more airy inside and everything else just looks and feels like a typical BMW, which can be either good or bad depending on how you look at it. The 3-series is a very admired car, but it also means its popularity has diluted its exclusivity.

If it is my money, Jaguar XE. The heart says so. The mind says otherwise.

I'm actually glad I'm not opting for C&C. Not entirely becoz of the car Comparison but the 2 SE encountered... Simply not as professional as one will expect. Can PM me if interested in the details, but I will not be saying much of that here.

 

For me, heart and mind says yes to the XE...money, if with its own mind, will be saying NOooooooo. Lol!

[Rliewky]

1) Yes, price wise is really not the most reasonable. Especially when bmw's m package is only approx $3k. R Sport does come with bodykit, and leather upgrades, sports suspension plus 18" rims.

 

2) Yes, XE will feel more powerful than the 320i. Selling price wise, it was closer to 330i. Thus my initial comparison of the XE and 330i.

 

3) Adaptive dynamics is not mode select. It is comparable to bmw's adaptive suspension. BMW's can be driver adjusted but Jaguar's is computer piloted by monitoring driver and road conditions.

1) you mean on bmw side, to have the m-package just need to add 3k more? I thought the m-package is definitely more them a 3k option on the 3 series

 

2) you are considering the R-sport ( S$224,999)  compare to BMW 330I (S$231,800)?

 

3) i see, is adaptive suspension standard in the all 3 series model or just only on 330i?

[Mercury1]

Maybe you have mistaken the XE that I was comparing. It's the 2.0L with 197hp model, not the V6. Comparing that to CLA45, neither power nor price comparison will be of any match.

 

Anyway, for now, I have decided to let go of CLA250SB and consider either the XE and 330i. Likelihood will be the XE :) - to be confirmed when I DO sign the papers!

 

Although I totally agree with you on the perks of a bimmer (I am a bimmer fan as well!). I have been driving bmw for years before my current car and did not forget how well bimmer handles but this f30 is just not sitting right with me, especially so when it's a LCI. It will be a pocket burner if the next gen looks better than the F30! Given an E92, with all the current standard options, the decision will be that much easier! It'll win my vote with its design, performance(not 320i) and package deal.

 

 

I will like to thank all the bruddas (& maybe even sistas) in taking the time in replying to this thread and telling me your reviews. Appreciating each and every piece of it!

Ah right I gotcha,

 

Looking at the specs and price between the XE R sport and the 330i I would have to opt for the 330i hands down.

 

Not bashing the jaguar (I really do admire what they have done with the car and suspension) but at that price you are literally paying for the benefits of being the first few in the road which would be outlived in a year and the price would be hammered down once the new engine goes into the XE which I reckon wearnes would price about the same as the current XE.

 

You might want to do an option comparison between the XE and 330i as well, when I got my 328i it came with a fair amount of options which really enhances the daily drive. Click on my f30 revie for the various standard options and added option and compare them vs the XE

 

With the sports mode down my 328 always gives me a smile when I nail it, the 330 with more hp and torque better suspension and steering I reckon would be a superb daily driver. If your concern is commonality get that in m sport in Estoril blue or Melbourne red.

 

Btw I take it you test drove both the 330 and the XE already? I have a great SE at PML to reccomend if you haven't test drive the bmw yet

Edited January 12, 2016 by Mercury1

[Weez911]

Anyway, for now, I have decided to let go of CLA250SB and consider either the XE and 330i. Likelihood will be the XE :) - to be confirmed when I DO sign the papers! 

 

Happy for you that you have more or less found your ride!

 

Next up - exterior and interior colour. I have seen at least 3 red XE recently on the road, not too bad on the eyes tbh.

 

Post pics soon!

[mcs08]

1) you mean on bmw side, to have the m-package just need to add 3k more? I thought the m-package is definitely more them a 3k option on the 3 series

 

2) you are considering the R-sport ( S$224,999)  compare to BMW 330I (S$231,800)?

 

3) i see, is adaptive suspension standard in the all 3 series model or just only on 330i?

 

1) Yep, their m-package add-on is priced very well for the consumers

 

2) Yes, the comparison was what I had in mind.

 

3) Adaptive suspension is an additional option for the M Package. Costs more than the package itself but I believe it is worth its value

[mcs08]

Ah right I gotcha,

 

Looking at the specs and price between the XE R sport and the 330i I would have to opt for the 330i hands down.

 

Not bashing the jaguar (I really do admire what they have done with the car and suspension) but at that price you are literally paying for the benefits of being the first few in the road which would be outlived in a year and the price would be hammered down once the new engine goes into the XE which I reckon wearnes would price about the same as the current XE.

 

You might want to do an option comparison between the XE and 330i as well, when I got my 328i it came with a fair amount of options which really enhances the daily drive. Click on my f30 revie for the various standard options and added option and compare them vs the XE

 

With the sports mode down my 328 always gives me a smile when I nail it, the 330 with more hp and torque better suspension and steering I reckon would be a superb daily driver. If your concern is commonality get that in m sport in Estoril blue or Melbourne red.

 

Btw I take it you test drove both the 330 and the XE already? I have a great SE at PML to reccomend if you haven't test drive the bmw yet

 

Thanks. I went for a test drive 3weeks back on the XE and 330i.

That was why I was stuck deciding between the xe and 330. Both rides were simply amazing! Exterior and interior design of the 330i (make is good) is really only so-so. XE's design is nice but make is kind of crappy. Power, 330. Handling, XE. That was the actual dilemma! Lol! Go with nice design, sacrifice the quality or Go with the Power or the Handling superior one??

 

I'm sure the smile is there when slamming the 328, I had it also when I test drove the 330  . BMW isn't the driver's car for nothing!

[mcs08]

Happy for you that you have more or less found your ride!

 

Next up - exterior and interior colour. I have seen at least 3 red XE recently on the road, not too bad on the eyes tbh.

 

Post pics soon!

 

Really?? Till now, I have only seen ONE on the road, and that was only yesterday!

It was a Sapphire Blue and the DRLs were super bright! 

Kind of decided the exterior to be grey, interior to be probably black. Red interior will be in consideration also

 

Pics will not be up anytime soon, im going to have to indent with the optional add-ons.

[Mercury1]

Thanks. I went for a test drive 3weeks back on the XE and 330i.

That was why I was stuck deciding between the xe and 330. Both rides were simply amazing! Exterior and interior design of the 330i (make is good) is really only so-so. XE's design is nice but make is kind of crappy. Power, 330. Handling, XE. That was the actual dilemma! Lol! Go with nice design, sacrifice the quality or Go with the Power or the Handling superior one??

 

I'm sure the smile is there when slamming the 328, I had it also when I test drove the 330 . BMW isn't the driver's car for nothing!

Haha can see your leaning towards the XE so is it a done deal already?

[mcs08]

Haha can see your leaning towards the XE so is it a done deal already?

 

Negotiation in progress   

[Mercury1]

Negotiation in progress

Don't wanna be a naysayer but for that price I would expect the new 237 hp ingenium engine. does your timeline allow you to wait for that to be launched? It might be slightly pricier but personally i feel that's a lot better deal