workforce by 13,000, which according to a statement made by Chief Despite being younger they actually look older and already slightly
Executive Norbert Reithofer was “in order to absorb the effects of the dated. But that didn’t stop one journalist commenting that “I don’t
economic crisis much sooner than other carmakers”. think there is a better interior in a car on sale today” after stepping
Obviously BMWG.DE, which also includes BMW Motorcycles, is a much out of an XF.
larger concern than JLR and can probably afford to lose some of its The same could not be said of the BMW 5 series, which by
employees in order to prepare for the global economic downturn, but at comparison has a dashboard that, despite being a master class in
what point will it affect BMW’s core strengths? Any further cuts would ergonomics, just looks plain and unwelcoming.
have to be made via suppliers resulting in a reduction of the biggest Conventional wisdom has always put the Ultimate Driving Machine
BMW strength of all – quality. ahead of The Big Cat when it comes to the driving experience, and it’s
The current 3 and 5 series are due for replacement with updates of true that Jaguar customers of old are used to a silky smooth ride. But
both models being launched next year, but would you buy a BMW if you Jaguar’s engineers are beginning to understand that fortune favours the
couldn’t be sure of its quality or reliability? Wasn’t that why you didn’t buy brave. The new XF’s chassis has been tweaked and is more than capable
a Jaguar in the early 90’s? of rivalling the 5 series over your favourite road and is just as enjoyable,
So what if you are considering a large executive saloon but 500bhp, and no less comfortable, from behind the wheel.
20mpg and £60K is stretching the numbers too far. Bring on the diesels, So what’s it to be – Jag or Beemer? My advice is to drive both before
and the plucky Brit reigns. making up your mind. And yes, I would recommend keeping your eyes
The new 3lt XF S diesel boasts 271bhp, 0-60 in less than six seconds, on the newspapers to see who's getting their sums right before either
42 mpg and because it emits just 179g/km of CO2, it's more dealership starts doing yours!
economical than a Vauxhall Astra 1.8 and no more expensive to tax. Not
even BMW’s £37,000 530SE diesel can match that. BMW 5 Series Saloon 530d SE Jaguar XF Saloon 3.0d V6 S
The XF S is also £20,000 cheaper than either the M5 or the XF-R and Price: £37,000 Price: £40,000
in the real world, much easier to live with too. Sure, it’s navigation and MPG: 44 MPG: 42
entertainment systems aren’t up to BMW’s Teutonic standards. Top speed: 155mph Top speed: 155mph
July-August 2009 | Border Business | 33
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