Audi A4 v BMW 3 Series v Jaguar XE v Benz C-Class Comparison REVIEW | Executive Sedan Showdown
AUSTRALIANS FELL FOR THE MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS FROM THE MOMENT IT LAUNCHED LAST YEAR AND IT SOON BECAME THE TOP-SELLING $60,000-PLUS PASSENGER VEHICLE. It then prompted a reactionary specification boost for arch rival, the BMW 3 Series.
Now we have a brand new Audi A4 joining the challenge in the premium medium sedan and wagon segment.
The Jaguar XE is also new, returning the British brand to the segment with big promises and bigger dreams.
Middle specification for premium medium sedans made sense. This quartet starts between $68,900 and $70,400 plus on-road costs, and feature 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines with seven- or eight-speed automatic transmissions.
We could have added the Japanese Lexus IS 200t to the mix, however in a recent comparison test it lost to the entry BMW 318i model grade.
It is best to consider this a test of fully loaded $80,000 sedans, because frankly all four require around $10,000 in options to make them feel properly premium. We’ll discuss what that money buys below, as we aim to find out which manufacturer makes the best mid-spec European sedan.
TESTED
Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro ($69,900)
185kW/370Nm 2.0-litre turbo 4cyl | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel Consumption Claimed: 6.3 l/100km | Tested: 11.0l/100km
BMW 330i ($69,900)
185kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo 4cyl | 8-speed automatic
Fuel Consumption Claimed: 5.7 l/100km | Tested: 9.6l/100km
Jaguar XE 25t Portfolio ($70,400)
177kW/340Nm 2.0-litre turbo 4cyl | 8-speed automatic
Fuel Consumption Claimed: 7.5 l/100km | Tested: 11.2l/100km
Mercedes-Benz C250 ($68,900)
155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo 4cyl | 7-speed automatic
Fuel Consumption Claimed: 6.0 l/100km | Tested: 11.7l/100km
OVERVIEW
All four cars here share autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, keyless auto-entry, leather trim with electrically adjustable front seats, satellite navigation, front and rear parking sensors and a reverse-view camera.
Jaguar offers the cheapest entry ticket, at $64,900 (plus orc) for the XE 25t Prestige. We are testing the $70,400 (plus) XE 25t Portfolio, however the extra $5500 only buys an electric rear sunblind and premium leather seats and dash.