2017 Jaguar XE 35t Vs. 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 [Head 2 Head - Episode 91]

On this episode of Head 2 Head, Jason Cammisa and Jonny Lieberman explore the burgeoning segment of mid-grade performance machines.

Way back in Episode 67, the then-brand-new Jaguar XE beat the once-dominant BMW 335i to capture the crown. In terms of pure driving joy, Jag had Bimmer’s number. But there’s a new AMG in town, and the boys can’t even agree on whether or not it’s a “real” one.

On the one hand, 12 months ago, the essentially unchanged C43 was sold as a non-AMG C450 4Matic. On the other, in terms of acceleration, the C43 barrels down a dragstrip like a real AMG. Acceleration notwithstanding, is the C43 good enough to stick it to the subtle, lithe, lively Jaguar? There’s only one way to find out!