BMW 5 Series Touring vs Jaguar XF Sportbrake

Both of these luxurious new estates are sporty, practical and fitted with four-wheel drive. And both cost about £42,000. But which is better?...

BMW 5 Series Touring vs Jaguar XF Sportbrake

Our verdict

The Jaguar XF Sportbrake puts up a valiant fight and offers the brilliant handling that we’ve become accustomed to in the XF saloon. However, Jaguar’s clattery diesel engine really lets the car down and, in the end, the smoother, more polished BMW 5 Series Touring has the edge in this and almost every other key department. It offers a superior ride, greater practicality and it’s cheaper than the XF, no matter what your circumstances are.

Yes, the XF is faster and sportier, but the 5 Series is still a fine driver’s car and a much more peaceful cruising companion. It’s a brilliant estate and, in this four-wheel drive form, it’ll cope with whatever weather Bavaria (or the Midlands) can throw at it.

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1st – BMW 5 Series Touring

BMW 5 Series Touring rear

For High-quality interior; comfortable ride; more practical boot; better infotainment

Against You’ll want to add a few options

Jaguar XF Sportbrake rear

For Sharper handling; stronger acceleration; more rear leg room

Against Noisy engine; fiddly infotainment system; higher running costs

What Car? rating 4/5

Read our full Jaguar XF Sportbrake review

See how much you can save on a Jaguar XF Sportbrake


Specifications: BMW 5 Series Touring 520d xDrive M Sport

  • Engine 4cyl, 1995cc, diesel
  • List price £46,145
  • Target Price £41,997
  • Power 187bhp @ 4000rpm
  • Torque 295lb ft @ 1750rpm
  • Gearbox 8-spd automatic
  • 0-60mph 8.3sec
  • Top speed 137mph
  • Gov't fuel economy 44.1mpg (WLTP)
  • CO2 emissions 137g/km

Specifications: Jaguar XF Sportbrake 25d AWD R-Sport

  • Engine size 4cyl, 1999cc, diesel
  • List price £47,235
  • Target Price £42,744
  • Power 237bhp @ 4000rpm
  • Torque 369lb ft @ 1500rpm
  • Gearbox 8-spd automatic
  • 0-60mph 7.5sec
  • Top speed 150mph
  • Gov't fuel economy 41.5mpg (WLTP)
  • CO2 emissions 153g/km

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