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

CR-V

2023 Honda

CR-V

40,439 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £23,795
View CR-V
CR-V

2023 Honda

CR-V

28,316 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £20,995
View CR-V
CX-5

2023 Mazda

CX-5

37,361 milesAutomaticDiesel2.2L

Cash £22,799
View CX-5
T-Cross

2023 Volkswagen

T-Cross

31,851 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,249
View T-Cross

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

Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,699
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,700
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,464 off RRP*Used from £10,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month
Cupra Terramar - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month

The Cupra Terramar is an appealing family SUV that looks stylish but offers plenty of practicality. It’s our Deal of the Day for July 5
News
5 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025