[JustChris]

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/ne...ort-comparison

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by M Car Chris

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/ne...ort-comparison

Yeah read this earlier today.

Bit on it on the main forum.

Looks good.

[Dave_3]

Looks like the ride/handling quality in BMWs (And RFTs) is a big Achilles heal against the Jag.

I really must have a test drive.

Hopefully the new XE Coupe will be a looker.

D.

[dazzapb]

i like the look of both but the 3 is best in M sport guise IMO

appears 3 series cabin quality wins, bit of a missed opportunity there for Jag.

I am loving the competition in this sector with Audi, Merc, and now Jag all finally putting up a decent fight if not beating the 3. It means the next 3 will have to be amazing and we will be all winners.

I love mine even more after a long distance drive for me to kent today

[....,,,,..,,..]

What is interesting is that this is pretty much 'Jaguars' first move in to this sector.

The Xtype can be totally ignored tbh.

The XE is very much a designed from ground up 3 series, A4, C class challenger.

I wonder what a SOD XE will be like?

A Special Operations Division XE Coupe....

[pmgreenwood]

Clearly XE wins on suspension, BMW better engine. No mention of tech were BMW Pro Nav with RTTI far better than recently improved Jag /Land Rover system.

Would have been more interesting and relevant if BMW used did not have VSS steering. Decision of Jag to use front wishbones rather than McPherson strutts is the main reason for superiority not just RFT's.

In reality we await a full comparison of the best sellers i.e. new 2.0 diesels XE v A4 v 320D plus ? C class.

Here the XE loses out in that it needs ADblue and Jag have placed the filler in the boot rather than external cap so if anyone spills any one ends with a boot (and car?) smelling of urea i.e.****

[pdk42]

Originally Posted by pmgreenwood

In reality we await a full comparison of the best sellers i.e. new 2.0 diesels XE v A4 v 320D plus ? C class.

Here the XE loses out in that it needs ADblue and Jag have placed the filler in the boot rather than external cap so if anyone spills any one ends with a boot (and car?) smelling of urea i.e.****

That's interesting. I hadn't realised that the Jag used DEF. I wonder if/when BMW will go that way?

[....,,,,..,,..]

Apparently BMW already do.

https://www.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/topics/o...mw.html#adblue

I also seem to remember it being an option when speccing my 330d.

Agree if the filling area is inside the boot.

[NISFAN]

Originally Posted by pmgreenwood

.......

Would have been more interesting and relevant if BMW used did not have VSS steering. Decision of Jag to use front wishbones rather than McPherson strutts is the main reason for superiority not just RFT's.

....,,,

I have got to say, the VSS steering is a red herring.
Having owned both types in the same car model, the VSS is the more sporty of the two. Fact is, the electric steering leaves the F30 numb no matter which type you have. Run flats add another level of 'vagueness'.

Yet again the journo gets the VSS system wrong and refers back to the old much hated 5 series variable system. The ratio does not change with speed, it is simply a variable teeth pitch rack that incrementally changes ratio from dead centre outwards. It also has a speed sensitive power assist change, but that is true of Servotronic too, so no bloody different.

[k44ENT]

Something has changed, my pre LCI with 5 stud strut tops and who knows which adaptive dampers (new style ones according to realoem) has a total different feel to the previous car. The steering is weighty and sensitive even in comfort mode. It gives so much feed back that the steering wheel, if let go of, shows slight movements whilst traveling on anything other than billiard smooth Tarmac.

[JustChris]

Sounds like the 3 LCI suspension has a lot of change, very interesting indeed

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Brigand

Apparently BMW already do.

https://www.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/topics/o...mw.html#adblue

I also seem to remember it being an option when speccing my 330d.

Agree if the filling area is inside the boot.

BMW are able to comply with EU6 in the 3-series with a NOx Storage Catalyst, (NSC).

Was reading recently about EU6 and the excessive emissions in real world driving. Some manufacturers seem to do better than others, and it was suggested that data is collected and analysed to see if it is related to any particular exhaust after treatment system, such as the simpler NSC, or SCR with AdBlue.

Would make sense to see which is the cleanest system (in real world conditions) and then fit more engines with that particular after treatment system.

HighlandPete

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by NISFAN

I have got to say, the VSS steering is a red herring.
Having owned both types in the same car model, the VSS is the more sporty of the two. Fact is, the electric steering leaves the F30 numb no matter which type you have. Run flats add another level of 'vagueness'.

Yet again the journo gets the VSS system wrong and refers back to the old much hated 5 series variable system. The ratio does not change with speed, it is simply a variable teeth pitch rack that incrementally changes ratio from dead centre outwards. It also has a speed sensitive power assist change, but that is true of Servotronic too, so no bloody different.

Exactly, I'm also questioning what AutoCar are on about, as clearly there is some misunderstanding, a fault in the demo car, and/or a bias against the old "active steering" as optional in the E9x models and 5-series.

From AutoCar's comparison review.

The 340i’s biggest and most recurrent problem is that steering. Like all ‘active’ variable-ratio systems, the BMW’s is designed to make the car feel more wieldy at lower speeds by making the steering gear more direct, only to do the opposite at higher speeds to the benefit of directional stability.

As evidenced earlier, it seems to work okay on the autobahn. But using such a system to tackle a mountain pass, corner by corner, is a bit like trying to hammer a nail home into a delicate setting – but blindfolded and, between every stroke, swapping your hammer for a new one of unknown size and weight. Steering wheels are just levers. With this one, you’re never quite sure how much leverage you’re going to get.

From AutoCar's 340i review.

BMW’s Variable Sport Steering remains the 3 Series’ biggest dynamic bugbear - it’s to be avoided on the order form at any cost. It works adequately well at high motorway speeds, and always makes the 340i feel directionally stable. The latter may well be exactly what it’s for, given Germany's liking for destricted autobahns and tightening slip roads.

But its prices for doing that are the sacrifice of any natural contact patch feedback, a clumsy return to the dead-ahead as you wind off lock and the never-ending guessing game you’re obliged to play when turning into any given corner, without really knowing how much steering angle you’ll need or how much effort it’ll take to apply it. At times, the steering becomes so heavy off-centre that you'd swear the power steering had given up altogether.

What are they on about? No wonder current users of VSS are waiting to try it for themselves in the LCI, to see if it has changed for the worse, (or better), or there is something adrift with the 340i AutoCar was using for the tests.

Does appear the 340i demo car is shod with Michelin PSS tyres, if so, no RFTs in the review.

HighlandPete

[NISFAN]

Not sure if this review has been posted before? Quite a convincing win for the XE

[anonymouse]

We tried the XE vs BMW 328i. The engine, auto transmission and general handling were indeed surprisingly good on the Jag.

One negative factor for us was the Jag's touchscreen. After living with BMW I-drive for so long the touchscreen feels imprecise and frankly dangerous by comparison - you have to look down to operate anything whereas with I-drive (especially in conjunction with HUD) you can keep your eyes on the road.

Another was the small rear window. Totally reliant on the camera for reversing. And the rear doors have low headroom.

Jag could be a serious contender next time I think.

[HiBee]

I agree on the Jaguar's small rear window & infotainment screen when i took a test drive last week.
Other than that, the XE S handled well, but a bit much for the spec i was looking for.

Therefore i have just ordered the 340i instead.
Finalise spec tommorrow, delivery Sept/October. Roll on

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by HiBee

I agree on the Jaguar's small rear window & infotainment screen when i took a test drive last week.
Other than that, the XE S handled well, but a bit much for the spec i was looking for.

Therefore i have just ordered the 340i instead.
Finalise spec tommorrow, delivery Sept/October. Roll on

340i ... MINT!