Jaguar
XJ
Mercedes-Benz
S-class
Jaguar XJ vs Mercedes-Benz S-class: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mercedes-Benz S-class comes out ahead of the Jaguar XJ on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
XJ
Overall
Sentiment is deeply divided and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain. For the classic X300/X308 (mid-1990s to early 2000s) and the Ford-era X350/X358 (2003-2009), long-term owner feedback is mixed, with strong praise for their distinctive styling, luxurious interiors, and driving experience, but severe criticism for reliability, aging poorly after high mileage, and costly repairs. The aluminum-bodied X350/X358 generation, in particular, is noted for its rust-free construction and more reliable naturally-aspirated 4.2L V8, with some owners reporting affordable maintenance using common Ford/Lincoln parts.
Best version to buy
For the X350/X358 generation (2003-2009), the 2006-2009 model years with the naturally-aspirated 4.2L V8 are recommended to avoid early issues present in 2004-2005 models. The Super V8 (SV8) trim is highlighted as a particularly good example.
Known issues
- ⚠Cooling system failures: plastic pipes, thermostat housings, water pumps, and crossover pipes become brittle and leak, requiring comprehensive replacement. Frequency: very frequent (across multiple generations).
- ⚠Electrical and infotainment problems: from blue-screen failures requiring a full reboot in older models to pervasive electronic component failures (instrument clusters, battery drains) in newer ones. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Aging interior materials: door handle cables breaking, adhesive failing on trim, leather and wood deteriorating, especially in high-mileage examples. Frequency: recurrent.
S-class
Overall
\nSentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation and model year. Long-term owners of the W222 generation (2014-2020) report high satisfaction with its comfort, luxury, and reliability, with one owner noting over 165,000 miles with only minor, warranty-covered repairs. However, a strong and recurrent criticism is directed at the design and technology direction of the latest W223 generation (2021+).
Best version to buy
\nInsufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Feedback indicates a preference for well-equipped examples, as many used S-Classes are noted to be "base spec/not really well equipped." For the W222 generation, models newer than 2015 are suggested for better reliability regarding early turbo V8 issues.
Known issues
- ⚠\nWater intrusion leading to electrical faults (CAN bus failures): potential for no-start conditions and dead screens.
The verdict
The Mercedes-Benz S-class is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Jaguar XJ, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Jaguar XJ is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Jaguar XJ or the Mercedes-Benz S-class?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Jaguar XJ and the Mercedes-Benz S-class. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Jaguar XJ or the Mercedes-Benz S-class?
The Jaguar XJ seats more passengers than the Mercedes-Benz S-class on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Jaguar XJ is classed as a Sedan, the Mercedes-Benz S-class as a Sedan.
Which has better fuel economy, the Jaguar XJ or the Mercedes-Benz S-class?
The Mercedes-Benz S-class is more fuel-efficient on paper: 4.4 L/100km combined versus 11.1 L/100km for the Jaguar XJ, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Jaguar XJ or the Mercedes-Benz S-class?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Jaguar XJ than the Mercedes-Benz S-class. See the known issues comparison above.