The Jaguar's ride and handling is delivered
via more conventional technology, but is no less appealing. Adaptive dampers
control pitch, roll and vertical movements, with a Dynamic Mode available to
stiffen the ride if the mood takes. The result is a more transparent feeling of
chassis movement and suspension control, albeit with a harder edge.
When really pushing on, the Mercedes feels
more in control of its masses, whereas in the Jaguar it feels like the engine
and performance are stretching the chassis and suspension to their maximums.
This would be a criticism if we were judging these cars on a purely objective
basis, but in subjective terms it's really rather appealing to drive a car chat
feels borderline overpowered.
The AMG gets a bespoke MCT seven-speed
automatic transmission rather than a twin-clutch affair, while the XJR has the
latest eight-speed auto from ZF. Both are difficult to fault - manually
selected shifts are quick, there's a satisfying blip on downshifts in the
sportier settings and you rarely feel the process of gears shifting in the more
relaxed modes.
Jaguar
interior is as well appointed as you'd expect
We wouldn't normally dedicate too many
words to the interior environments, but these cars offer showpiece cabins - the
best Jaguar and Mercedes currently offer. The XJR's is a triumph of style over
technology; the S63's the opposite. Afterburner-like barrels for vents and
colour/ trim combinations that are part Ozwald Boateng and part posh speedboat
define the Jaguar's cabin, matched to an outdated and frustratingly obstructive
touchscreen control display. From a styling perspective, the Mercedes has a
rather less successful blend of two large TFT displays and clean but
uninspiring lines - and the less said about our test car's optional Designo
metallised ash wood trim the better. However, from a technology and use ability
perspective, the S63 is on another planet. One populated with an advanced
civilisation. The countless features and options are all easily accessible from
the rotary dial and the direct-access keys, making light work of the S-class's
endless features. In case it matters, the S63 is available only in the more
spacious long-wheelbase form, while the XJR is only offered with a short
wheelbase.
The
S63’s individual rear seats are a pricy option but offer supreme comfort
Picking a winner is almost impossible here.
You may have noticed that the XJR is some $46,210 cheaper than the S63, which
makes it a more direct and compelling rival to BMW's M5 or M6 Gran Coupe. In
performance terms, it also looks like a bargain compared with the AMG. However,
the Mercedes is desirable for two reasons. It is everything that Mercedes - the
oldest car manufacturer, remember- knows about cars, condensed into one
extraordinarily fast and technologically advanced package. It is not just good,
it is significant. It doesn't justify the premium over the XJR, but it does
make it a very serious competitor to Bentley's Flying Spur and Aston Martin's
Rapide.
The
XJR’s rear seats are comfortable and supportive
But overall, what's most compelling about
these cars is that they have been built at all. They have been designed to
grant genuine driving pleasure to the driver and optimum comfort to their
passengers - but neither can be achieved at the same time. Their irrelevance
makes them desirable, and their existence is something to be celebrated. It
proves, without a doubt, that behind the corporate bleakness that typifies many
modem-day automotive manufacturers there remains a shining, adolescent desire
to create mischief. Many will think that the S63 and XJR are pointless, thirsty
and expensive. Replace those words with characterful, fun and unique and you're
closer to the truth.
