Mercedes W124 vs Jaguar XJ40 - 80s Executive Battle!

Two legends, one verdict! Joe takes the Jaguar XJ40 and the Mercedes W124 for a proper twin test—two iconic luxury saloons from the late '80s and early '90s that defined an era of executive motoring.

Is the Jaguar all about British charm and wafty comfort, or does the Mercedes bring its legendary build quality and engineering to steal the show? We dive into design, driving dynamics, reliability, and that all-important sense of occasion.

Which one would you pick? Let us know in the comments!

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Chapters:
Intro: 00:00
Jaguar XJ40: 00:35
Mercedes W124: 08:18
Conclusion: 14:27
Outro: 15:29

[PadraigG-uv]

I have a w124 my father bought it from the Mercedes factory in 1992 in Stutgart….33 years old and it’s my daily driver ….still going strong…

[garethhanna]

I've owned two XJ40 4.0's. The first, a 1989 Daimler, was the worst built car I've ever had, rusting everywhere and all manner of electrical gremlins.
The second, a last of the line 1994 Daimler, was the best built car I've ever owned, the thing was a proverbial tank. The Ford money had worked its
magic, the late XJ40's were the car it always should have been.

[jms]

Most of us would go for the Merc for its trouble free reliability and build quality, but deep down what we'd really like is the Jag.

[JCOX]

I've had a W124 87 300E and a W126 420SEL, I am picking up my first 4.0 XJ40 tomorrow! This video made my night! Thank you. 🙏🏽😁

[damiencampbell]

Jags have really nice interiors. I like them.

[herbieopf]

I own a 1992 4.0 XJ. Wonderful car, at times a pain but i love it

[conormcgowan]

The W124 is a Superb Car, amazing German over engineered vehicle . My dad had a beautiful 94 E220 CE, high specification model, fond memories of this car as a kid in Dublin.❤

[tomy]

The XJ40 is a magnificent design that still looks stunning on roads today, nearly 50 yrs later. IMO, jaguar's finest designed car including the most beautiful interior in a Jaguar.

[WHEELBIKER]

The W124, especially the earlier ones, were THE best mid-level Mercedes ever!

[chrispenn]

Nice to see such an early XJ40 in such lovely condition - brings back happy memories of mine!

[marklorne]

Forgot to say - splendid video! My dad ran Volvo 7/940 estates during that era, the Volvos did have self-levelling suspension, but as an extra-cost option. The Volvos were just like the Mercs, solid and dependable, the Mercs just had that little bit extra kudos (and a lot more pricey!).

[mpersad]

I was lucky enough to own a 1990 4tr XJ 40 Sovereign and then a Mercedes W124 300TE estate. I bought the Jaguar with my heart and the Mercedes with my head, particularly as I had four children! They were two of the best cars I ever owned. Terrific review of two classics.

[rustybearden]

Clever, insightful, and useful presentations like this make your channel an entertaining and informative source for all things automotive - very well done!

[albertofernandez]

Xj40 sovereign may not be a car for dayly use, but whenever you sit behind the steering wheel you feel so especial that It pays off for all the efforts to keep It in good shape. And of course not to forget that always you put it on the road IS a sensation and a turning heads machine. An eternal classic more valued now than in the 90s, well it also happened to Van Gogh after all...

[James-ldjc]

The Mercedes W124 coupe is absolutely beautiful. That Jag looks like a wedding car...

[martyable]

I've got an xj40 4ltr straight six Daimler Sovereign, square headlights. In its day, not such a head turner, but now it's an occasion everywhere l go. Has new glitches every time l use it but not insurmountable. Great classic car 👌

[lucianene]

I don't care how well-built the Merc is, I'd take the Jag any time.

[ivanguidi]

The real Jag's rival is the Merc W126!!! Unbelievable

[lrlgqze]

The W124 is hard to beat. I bought a 1987 300E when I moved to Australia from Canada in 2009. Great car, it had had 211k when I bought it and 263k when I sold it 3 years later and moved back to Canada. I want a XJ, just looking for the right buy.

[WeekendAristocrat]

You are a wonderful presenter! Great subject material also.