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

i10

2019 Hyundai

i10

38,755 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £7,490
View i10
HR-V Hybrid

2017 Honda

HR-V Hybrid

70,277 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £8,790
View HR-V Hybrid
EV6

2024 Kia

EV6

20,984 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £26,795
View EV6
1 Series

2021 BMW

1 Series

36,564 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £17,990
View 1 Series

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 £2,513 off RRP*Used from £5,500
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,448
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £9,600
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025