Over the last thirty years I have owned BMWs , Jaguars, and Mercedes Benz. Each has its own distinct qualities and characteristics. I have owned each successively and at one time had both a 2000 XJ8 Jaguar and a Mercedes CLK 550 cabriolet. Living in the Northeast at the time, I drove the Jaguar in the winter and the convertible in the spring , summer , and fall. I did this mainly for the traction on the Jag although both cars weighed about the same, The irony was that the Jaguar was no better in the snow than the Benz.97 However it was a much more formidable car in the event of an accident , which fortunately I never had to prove. However the convertible in the summer was an exciting drive. The Benz was also a much more powerful car with an exceptional pickup from 0 to 60. It also was a much more reliable car although both vehicles have exceptional service plans and are quick to respond to any issue I may have had. My current Benz is the best I have owned . Classically styled with an aerodynamic sleekness , it is built to impress. I have had more compliments about its looks than any of the aforementioned vehicles.