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

2008

2017 Peugeot

2008

41,648 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £6,800
View 2008
GLC

2021 Mercedes

GLC

45,095 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £20,900
View GLC
Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

17,553 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £19,870
View Golf
C3 Aircross

2020 Citroen

C3 Aircross

40,061 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £8,490
View C3 Aircross

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

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £6,784 off RRP*Used from £13,300
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,922 off RRP*Used from £12,349
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,866 off RRP*Used from £16,850
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £8,203 off RRP*Used from £11,500
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Skoda sneaks long-range Enyaq under EV grant barrier
Skoda Enyaq SE L 85 - front 3/4

Skoda sneaks long-range Enyaq under EV grant barrier

Skoda's latest Enyaq SE L 85 delivers a 359-mile range and qualifies for the £1,500 government electric car discount.
News
30 Sep 2025
BYD, Skoda and Renault are giving premium car brands a run for their money
Opinion - premium car brands, header image

BYD, Skoda and Renault are giving premium car brands a run for their money

Mike Rutherford thinks traditional premium car brands are beyond the reach of most car buyers, and the competition is now closing the gap
Opinion
28 Sep 2025
Audi Q3 review
Audi Q3 - front

Audi Q3 review

The Audi Q3 doesn’t rewrite the rulebook, but it does significantly improve on most key metrics; the PHEV is particularly compelling
In-depth reviews
29 Sep 2025