Jaguar have long been associated with luxury and sophisticated driving. With the XF, Jaguar have taken that legacy to the next level. Not only is the saloon elegant and sophisticated, it’s also as ferocious as a sports car. The Jaguar XF is the perfect meeting point between classic car making, and modern styling. Jaguar certainly haven’t forgotten their roots, but they’re embracing the future too. Lining up against the Tesla Model X and the BMW 5 Series, it faces strong competition. We couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel and test it out. Here’s what we thought.
Styling – The first thing you notice is the impeccable styling and design on the XF. From the front, it’s unmistakably a Jaguar. The classic and iconic front grill boasts a careful snarl. Like it could rip your head off at any second. The body itself is still sleek and stylish, as you’d expect from a Jag in 2016. It certainly outshines the rival BMW and Mercedes in its class, if you ask us. As much as we enjoy looking at the Jag from outside, it’s time to get behind the wheel.
The engine – Before we do, let’s take a quick look under the bonnet. The XF comes with a 2.0 litre diesel engine as standard. Jaguar are clearly opting for economy over performance at the opening gate. However, if you’ve got a lust for power, a petrol version is available, and it’s a monster. It’s a 2.0 litre V6 that will produce 375 bhp. Ouch. This is Jag’s sports car prowess creeping in. To be honest, the diesel is more than enough for this executive model.
Performance – As you would expect, the drivability of the XF is flawless. On a day-to-day driving experience, the car is quiet, comfortable, and responsive. The Jag is packed full of driving assist technology, making it a seamless experience. The traction control is among the best we’ve ever tested, and you certainly don’t need to fight it in the corners.
Costs – The new XF starts at £32,000, rising to £50k for all the extras. However, if you click here for Jaguars, you’ll find a fantastic range of second hand XFs. And, the best thing about Jaguar owners is that the are meticulous about self-maintenance! As for running the car, the XF is surprisingly economical (when you pick the diesel engine). So, it won’t drain your wallet at the pumps.
Interior and technology – One of our favourite aspects of the XF is the interior. Jaguar are at the forefront of dashboard technology (they’re even building a ‘ghost car’ feature). The XF is flush with some of the finest tech in Jaguar’s laboratory. There’s a touch screen infotainment system which features smartphone integration. As for the decor, it’s strictly polished wood, and refined leather.
Practicality – We all know the Jag is a beautiful, refined car. But, is it practical on a day-to-day basis? The answer is yes. The back seats are roomy enough for a growing family, and the boot space is more than ample.
We’d love to hear from any XF owners out there. What are your thoughts about the new Jag?