Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake vs Jaguar XF Sportbrake

The Jaguar XF Sportbrake mixes style with estate practicality. But will it be upstaged by the stunning CLS Shooting Brake?

Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake vs Jaguar XF Sportbrake

Take a look at the current crop of large estate cars, and it’s clear buyers no longer have to sacrifice style and desirability in the name of practicality and luggage space.

For instance, the bold new Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake is one of the most distinctive cars on the road, yet it has room for five and a vast 590-litre boot. We’ve already been impressed by the powerful 350 CDI V6 diesel model, which scored a comfortable victory over the Audi A7.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Now it’s the turn of the more affordable 250 CDI, which promises the same stunning looks, but with better economy and emissions. We test it in £52,400 AMG Sport form.

However, the CLS isn’t the only upmarket estate that aims to combine catwalk style with high-street running costs. The Jaguar XF Sportbrake boasts elegant lines, a roomy interior and a frugal four-cylinder diesel engine.

And while it can’t quite rival the Mercedes for exclusivity, the Jaguar hits back with its generous list of standard equipment and very attractive £44,695 price tag.

So which one of our head-turning diesel estates will carry off the honours in this stylish space race?

Verdict

Both of the contenders in this test offer style and practicality by the bucketload. But which of our fashionable estate cars is the better bet?

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

MG4 EV

2024 MG

MG4 EV

45,263 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £13,600
View MG4 EV
Corsa

2022 Vauxhall

Corsa

5,440 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £15,000
View Corsa
XC40

2022 Volvo

XC40

38,283 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £19,600
View XC40
Tiguan

2023 Volkswagen

Tiguan

23,445 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £26,605
View Tiguan

To our eyes, the rakish Mercedes has greater visual appeal, while its interior looks and feels more up-to-date. It also boasts a more refined engine, a sharper driving experience and a bigger boot.

If this decision was purely down to desirability, then the CLS would be the runaway winner. Yet it’s hard to ignore the Merc’s huge price tag, particularly in AMG Sport form. Even if you go for the less well equipped SE version, you’ll still have to fork out an extra £4,695 over the lavishly equipped XF Portfolio. Choose a Jaguar in Sport or Luxury trim, and the price gap increases to nearly £10,000.

As a result, the XF takes victory here by the very narrowest of margins. It’s not quite as capable as the Mercedes, its cabin is starting to look a little dated and its diesel engine sounds gruff when you work it hard, but its handsome lines and classy, upmarket image help offset these issues.

Better still, it represents great value for money compared to the CLS – it’s cheaper to buy, it’ll cost company buyers less to run and it’s more efficient. In fact, you could even go for the smoother V6 diesel version and still save money over the stylish Merc.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,713 off RRP*Used from £8,995
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £10,200
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,514 off RRP*Used from £11,295
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,025Avg. savings £3,033 off RRP*Used from £12,100
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Illegal number plates are out of control, as parliament asks motorists for help
Number plates

Illegal number plates are out of control, as parliament asks motorists for help

Cross-party committee is asking motorists to help solve the issue of illegal number plates
News
8 Oct 2025
Skoda Fabia 130 is a 174bhp hot hatch for under £30k
Skoda Fabia 130 - front cornering

Skoda Fabia 130 is a 174bhp hot hatch for under £30k

Along with more power the hot Fabia gets revised suspension and steering
News
7 Oct 2025
New Tesla Model Y Standard is here to make the EV SUV a bit cheaper, just not in the UK
Tesla Model Y Standard

New Tesla Model Y Standard is here to make the EV SUV a bit cheaper, just not in the UK

New Tesla Model Y Standard has been revealed, but UK buyers may have to wait a little longer to buy one…
News
7 Oct 2025