Jaguar
XK
Mercedes-Benz
CL
Jaguar XK vs Mercedes-Benz CL: 2011 Comparison
The short answer
The Jaguar XK offers fuel economy, while the Mercedes-Benz CL excels at power instead. Choose the Jaguar XK if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Mercedes-Benz CL if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
XK
Overall
Sentiment is strongly positive among long-term owners, who describe the XK as a beautiful, thrilling, and characterful grand tourer that provides a unique and emotional ownership experience. The vehicle is consistently praised for its stunning design, comfortable and luxurious ride, powerful and smooth V8 engines, and engaging driving dynamics. Owners report forming a strong emotional bond with the car, citing the driving experience, sound, and presence as major highlights.
Best version to buy
X150 generation (2006-2014) is widely favored over the preceding X100 for its all-aluminum construction, which improves handling, acceleration, and fuel economy while eliminating rust concerns. Within the X150, the supercharged XKR model is often cited as the best version, offering significantly more power (400hp+ vs ~300hp for the XK) for a modest price increase over the naturally aspirated model, making it a better value than attempting to modify a base car.
Known issues
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs: parts and labor described as expensive, commensurate with the car's original near-$100,000 price. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Plastic coolant system hoses: cracking with age, requiring replacement. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Transmission service advisories: the automatic transmission was marketed as "sealed for life," but owners strongly recommend fluid changes to extend lifespan. Frequency: recurrent.
CL
Overall
Owner sentiment is highly conditional, centered on the significant and well-documented maintenance costs associated with the complex Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic suspension system. The vehicle is universally praised for its timeless design, luxurious feel, and potent V8/V12 engines, offering an exceptional driving experience when fully functional. However, the consensus is that ownership is a high-risk, high-reward proposition, suitable only for those with substantial maintenance budgets and access to specialized independent mechanics.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a single "best" version. Discussions indicate a trade-off: earlier models (pre-2003) are noted to have first-generation ABC components with known issues, while later facelift models (2003+) may have addressed some of these problems.
Known issues
- ⚠Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic suspension failures: includes leaking struts, failing accumulators (spheres), valve block issues, and pump failures. Very expensive to repair, with full system replacement sometimes required.
- ⚠High general maintenance and repair costs: attributed to the car's complex technology and luxury status. Electronics, plastic engine bay components, and other wear items are costly. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine-specific concerns (varies by model year and engine): for 2007+ models (C216 generation, M273 V8), balance shaft sprocket/chain wear leading to potential engine failure is noted as a major issue.
The verdict
The Jaguar XK is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Mercedes-Benz CL, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Mercedes-Benz CL is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Jaguar XK or the Mercedes-Benz CL?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Jaguar XK and the Mercedes-Benz CL. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Jaguar XK or the Mercedes-Benz CL?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Jaguar XK is classed as a Cabriolet, the Mercedes-Benz CL as a Coupe, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Jaguar XK or the Mercedes-Benz CL?
The Jaguar XK is more fuel-efficient on paper: 12.3 L/100km combined versus 14.3 L/100km for the Mercedes-Benz CL, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Jaguar XK or the Mercedes-Benz CL?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.