Motor Trend hosts Jonny Lieberman and Jason Cammisa decided to pit two of the best small sport sedans against each other in a head-to-head battle; the 2017 Jaguar XE 35t versus the new 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43.
Generally, the title of the best luxury performance sedan is usually held by a German brands until Jaguar entered the scene. Way back in 2015 the Jaguar XE went toe-to-toe with BMW’s 335i M Sport and came out as the new title holder, now the sporty four-door saloon will have to defend its spot against the Mercedes-AMG C43.
Already on sale in the UK, Mercedes’ sedan version of the turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 coupe can deliver 367 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, that’s enough to launch it from 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds when combined with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and four wheel drive.
Defending its title is the Jaguar XE, which the automaker claims to be the ultimate sports saloon. Powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic, the Jaguar XE can send 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque to its rear wheels.
After taking the Jaguar and Mercedes-AMG through some twisty back roads, both hosts came to similar conclusions; the XE 35T is a great driver’s car to for canyon carving and it has one of the best chassis in the segment. On the other hand, the AMG C43 is fast and a blast to drive.
What does everyone think of this new rivalry?