Audi A6 3.0 TDI and Jaguar XF Diesel in comparison test

E Finally, the time has come : A nice inheritance or a small lottery win mean that around 60,000 euros are available for a new car. It should be a classic premium sedan. Perhaps it is a bit more realistic to assume that the boss will buy a company car - then for many people only a car from a German company is possible because of the favorable leasing conditions.

Audi A6 3.0 TDI or Jaguar XF 3.0D

A Audi A6 for example. With the powerful three-liter V6 TDI, along with Quattro drive and six-speed automatic transmission, it is on the price list for 49,150 euros - and in multiple versions on every supermarket parking lot. Not for individualists. That provides hope for brands like Jaguar . With their new design language, the British have even left the beaten path to attract new customers. These have to bring at least 59,600 euros for the Jaguar XF 3.0D S in the Premium Luxury equipment in an aluminum case.

The Jaguar XF is the stronger competitor

This is compensated by the elegant four-door model, which looks a lot but not traditionally Jaguar, with standard equipment in keeping with its class as well as a 275 hp diesel engine. Its maximum torque of 600 Newton meters buries any remaining doubts about the upper-class worthiness of diesel engines with gentle force, but irretrievably under itself. If the accelerator pedal is kicked firmly into the fluffy carpet, the nose, which is undulating from the driver's perspective, lifts up slightly and moves from zero to 100 km /h in 7.2 seconds. The Jaguar XF missed the factory specification by 0.8 seconds, but the Audi A6 was apparently just as sleepy on the day of the measurement: At 7.7 seconds, it was 0.9 seconds more than the prospectus promises. The fact that the difference is not more pronounced in favor of the Jaguar XF is also due to its additional weight of 67 kilograms - which is not only surprising in view of the aluminum expertise acquired with the Jaguar XJ. The Jaguar XF was only marginally larger than the Audi A6 and doesn't have to beCarrying four-wheel drive around with you.

The Jaguar XF amazes with its low fuel consumption

On the other hand, the double-charged engine amazes with a minimum consumption of 5.8 L /100 km. The test consumption was much higher at 9.6 liters, as the acoustically very restrained V6 was often and gladly let off the leash. If you believe the manufacturer, thanks to the adaptive chassis - the dynamic mode of which is strikingly activated by pressing the button with the checkered start flag - it should move forward in curves as fast as on the straight. If the driver kidnaps the Jaguar XF (the Jaguar XF in the comparison test) into the winding hinterland, it quickly becomes clear that Jaguar cannot keep its promise. In spite of the comparatively favorable weight distribution - only 53.3 percent of the vehicle's weight put a load on the front axle - it tries to understeer towards the green verge and is rigorously braked by the ESP.

Comfort comes first with the Jaguar XF

In order to leave the bend just as quickly, the gas may only be petted, otherwise the Electronics sees trouble again in the face of the torque wave - and then radically reduces its power. After all, the automatic transmission neither loses the overview of its six stages nor its exemplary gentleness when changing gears. But the driver has long known that the Jaguar XF in sport the role of the supposedly rich heir aunt plays the role of whose account balance turns out to be a surprise when the will is opened. The smooth, callous steering and the comfortably padded, but lateral support-free seats are further indications that the Jaguar XF should first and foremost be comfortable. Even then, wishes for more consistency remain unfulfilled, as the chassis responds too dry to short waves even in the normal position and comes out of the springs too far in the event of rough bumps on the rear axle.

Better workmanship in the Audi A6

As expected, the Audi A6 - committed to a brand philosophy based on dynamics - does not treat its occupants like either raw eggs, but maintains an almost notarial calm throughout. Despite its performance deficit and the top-heavy weight distribution, he won't let the Jaguar XF go without a fight. The more precise steering and the optimally shaped sports seats, which are of course subject to a surcharge, give the driver the feeling of absolute control, in the Audi A6 the driver is the boss. All the information he needs is communicated to him through clearly legible instruments and displays - right up to the expensive navigation system. Also worksThe Audi A6 is not only processed to a higher quality, it is also, as confirmed by creaking noises from the Jaguar dashboard.

In the interior, the calm optics speak for the Jaguar

Only the MMI system cannot be operated as intuitively as the touchscreen of the Jaguar XF, which is bought there with absolute blindness of the screen in direct sunlight. In contrast, it makes no difference in terms of practicality whether the automatic transmission is operated with a selector lever or with a rotary knob. The calm appearance alone speaks for the Jaguar solution. The center console of the Audi A6 appears to be packed full in comparison. Of course, that doesn't change the way the automatic transmission works. Manual interventions are also unnecessary here, even though significantly less torque is available at 450 Newton meters - but that already at 1,500 revolutions (Jaguar: 2,000 rpm). The appropriate levels are served calmly, but in the country road duel with the Jaguar XF, this happens a tad rougher. But who is upset about whether they have won 146 million or 136 million in the lottery?

With both models, expensive extras drive up the budget

On the other hand, its more effective brake and naturally better traction could be more decisive. At first glance, of course, the significantly lower basic price speaks for the Audi A6 , but if you upgrade it to the level of the Jaguar XF, the difference melts as quickly as the inheritance in the hands of tax officials. In this class, amenities such as bi-xenon light and metallic paint, which are now regarded as mandatory, cost extra on both models. Nevertheless, due to the lower maintenance costs and better resale value, the Audi A6 not only secures the cost chapter, but also the overall victory. Only in the drive and in the environmental chapter does he find his master in the unexcited Jaguar XF - and of course in the non-scored individuality rating. These are definitely reasons to visit the Jaguar dealer with a well-filled briefcase.