Very first launched in 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the XF was penned by Jaguar's Design Director, Ian Callum. Of course, despite the significant design change from the Jaguar S-Type, Ian Callum went on to retain the 'leaper' Jag logo on the XF - smacked right in the centre of the boot lid.
The basic sub-structure of the XF has also been carried over from the S-Type, although the body has been stretched to meet crash safety requirements, and heightened to provide additional headroom without compromising on the sporty proportions.
Arrival of the new Jaguar XF that you see here includes the adoption of the new eight-speed automatic transmission, Meridian audio systems and the Intelligent Stop/Start system.Exterior
There's really no beating around the bush with this car. The Jaguar XF is one of the best automotive designs of the current era. There are quite a number of changes on its sheet metal and they all add up to continue the good looks of the Brit.
It looks more aggressive now and is extremely sleek and sophisticated. In front, the black hallmark Jag grille is surrounded by the British saloon's sharper head lamps, with well defined 'J-Blade' daytime running lights that's easily one of the most appealing in the business.
The basic sub-structure of the XF has also been carried over from the S-Type, although the body has been stretched to meet crash safety requirements, and heightened to provide additional headroom without compromising on the sporty proportions.
Arrival of the new Jaguar XF that you see here includes the adoption of the new eight-speed automatic transmission, Meridian audio systems and the Intelligent Stop/Start system.Exterior
There's really no beating around the bush with this car. The Jaguar XF is one of the best automotive designs of the current era. There are quite a number of changes on its sheet metal and they all add up to continue the good looks of the Brit.
It looks more aggressive now and is extremely sleek and sophisticated. In front, the black hallmark Jag grille is surrounded by the British saloon's sharper head lamps, with well defined 'J-Blade' daytime running lights that's easily one of the most appealing in the business.
The rear end of the Jaguar XF has always been likeable, thanks to its commanding looks that portray a sense of dynamism and purpose. Its elegantly simple designed, with tail lights that have been tweaked and are now slightly bigger.
These aren't the only changes on the XF. The sides of the car now sports the 'V6' moniker to remind others that it's a spanking new Jag that has been refreshed and revivified. In terms of its design language, there's just no doubt that this XF has announced Jaguar's return to the top shelf - where it rightfully belongs.
Interior
The cabin of the XF remains to be one of a kind. We absolutely appreciate the start-up procedure. While pressing the start/stop button fires the engine to life, it also sees the air vents automatically open and the rotary gear selector dial rise into position. While some may find this bit of theatre a gimmick, the XF backs it up with soft leather, tasteful wood trim and a pleasingly modern design.
There's somehow a futuristic sense of belonging that makes you the master of the machine. The bright and lustrous mix of chrome trims, buttons and controls you're faced with create a very warm and special ambience.
The cabin of the XF remains to be one of a kind. We absolutely appreciate the start-up procedure. While pressing the start/stop button fires the engine to life, it also sees the air vents automatically open and the rotary gear selector dial rise into position. While some may find this bit of theatre a gimmick, the XF backs it up with soft leather, tasteful wood trim and a pleasingly modern design.
There's somehow a futuristic sense of belonging that makes you the master of the machine. The bright and lustrous mix of chrome trims, buttons and controls you're faced with create a very warm and special ambience.
Another thing you'll be faced with is the three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel which adjusts electronically for rake and reach. Unlike its peers, the steering wheel is hard and firm (most of its competitors has a softer touch to them), giving you the feel of solidity without compromising on luxury.
When it comes to space, it doesn't lose out too. With a height of 1,468mm and a wheelbase of 2,909mm, room is more than sufficient all for five adults all round. It's just a waste that the car didn't come equipped with a sunroof - something that isn't lacking in its direct German competitors.
When it comes to space, it doesn't lose out too. With a height of 1,468mm and a wheelbase of 2,909mm, room is more than sufficient all for five adults all round. It's just a waste that the car didn't come equipped with a sunroof - something that isn't lacking in its direct German competitors.
Drivetrain
The six-pot engine that's tied to the new eight-speed automatic transmission gearbox is far from disappointment. The powerplant has a wide torque spread of 450Nm between 3,500rpm and 5,000rpm which helps greatly even on steep roads.
From a standing start, there's a hint of lag until the turbocharger comes on strong (just as there is with the Germans). Still, the Jaguar XF delivers good acceleration. Give the throttle a generous squeeze and it will send the car to the 100km/h mark in just 5.9 seconds - of course accompanied with the car's scintillating exhaust note.
In the twisty stuff, the car is decidedly sporty as it works effortlessly to reward you with a satisfying surge of power from the engine and feedback from the steering. Its body control is superb and it changes direction in a manner that utterly belies its considerable weight of over 1.7 tonnes.
It's so nicely balanced, even at fast pace, that you could mistake this five-door saloon as a three-door sports coupe. The excellent chassis dynamics of the Jaguar XF is well known and over the four days when we had the car, the new turbocharged 3.0-litre Supercharged V6 powerplant served as a reminder.
The six-pot engine that's tied to the new eight-speed automatic transmission gearbox is far from disappointment. The powerplant has a wide torque spread of 450Nm between 3,500rpm and 5,000rpm which helps greatly even on steep roads.
From a standing start, there's a hint of lag until the turbocharger comes on strong (just as there is with the Germans). Still, the Jaguar XF delivers good acceleration. Give the throttle a generous squeeze and it will send the car to the 100km/h mark in just 5.9 seconds - of course accompanied with the car's scintillating exhaust note.
In the twisty stuff, the car is decidedly sporty as it works effortlessly to reward you with a satisfying surge of power from the engine and feedback from the steering. Its body control is superb and it changes direction in a manner that utterly belies its considerable weight of over 1.7 tonnes.
It's so nicely balanced, even at fast pace, that you could mistake this five-door saloon as a three-door sports coupe. The excellent chassis dynamics of the Jaguar XF is well known and over the four days when we had the car, the new turbocharged 3.0-litre Supercharged V6 powerplant served as a reminder.
On paper, the XF generates a maximum power of 340bhp, sending all of it to the rear wheels before reaching a top speed of 250km/h. The building engine noise is overwhelmed by a shrill whine from the V6 supercharger once you reach around 4,000rpm. In short, the XF is impressive, but with a shorter, louder sports exhaust. It does beg the question as how the much anticipated F-Type will sound.
When under normal driving conditions, the XF wafts along in serene comfort over larger undulations, sending little or even none of the vibrations to the cabin.
Conclusion
We reckon the classy interior, styling and refinement is something you cannot deny Jaguar. It's simply there.
In fact, over 100,000 XF's have sold since 2008, which means Jag must have done something right because its cars have been selling.
When under normal driving conditions, the XF wafts along in serene comfort over larger undulations, sending little or even none of the vibrations to the cabin.
Conclusion
We reckon the classy interior, styling and refinement is something you cannot deny Jaguar. It's simply there.
In fact, over 100,000 XF's have sold since 2008, which means Jag must have done something right because its cars have been selling.
