The company with a big cat on its badge has been enjoying a period of incredible growth, with increased sales and all new models being launched over the last few years. The original XF was only released in 2008 where previously the company had been fighting for sales with the ageing S-Type, X-Type and XJ.
Our XF S test car is the second generation of Jaguar’s successful large executive saloon and will soon be part of a comprehensive line-up including: XE, F-TYPE, XJ, F-PACE, E-PACE and, a little later, the I-PACE.
With Jaguar’s future sales success likely to come from the SUV segment, we wanted to check if they were still making cars for drivers who like to be a little closer to the ground.
Setting eyes on the second generation XF and you’ll immediately be impressed by the improvements they made over the first generation car. Headlights and taillights have really been sharpened up to make sure the XF looks modern enough to take the fight to the Germans.
It’s impossible to write about Jaguar without referring to its Teutonic rivals, but with the XF they really have made a more striking and distinctive car than the 5 Series, E Class or A6. Those looking to stand out in the company car park could do no better than to buy the Jag, but what about if they value the inside of the car more or even driving dynamics?
The interior is where Jaguar falls a little behind its main rivals. Most of the materials feel a decent quality but there are a few that don’t pass the scratch test, and the infotainment feels a touch dated compared to the latest offerings from both Mercedes and BMW. Although the screens and dials are clear enough, full digital dashboards and large tablets in the middle are becoming standard in this sector – hopefully, something that Jaguar addresses with any mid-cycle refresh.
Our test car had a few optional extras inside with: Jet/Light Oyster stitch (no cost), Air quality sensing (£55), Cold Climate Pack (Heated front windscreen with heated washer jets, heated steering wheel and heated front and rear seats) (£525), Privacy glass (£385), InControl Touch Pro Navigation Pack with Meridian Stereo (380W) (£1,225), Side Door treadplate illuminated (£310), Powered steering column (£310), Cooled glovebox (£55) and Panoramic sliding roof (£970).
Of these options, you’ll definitely want to include the Cold Climate Pack (this is Scotland, after all) and Panoramic roof, however, the Meridian Stereo is also excellent, if hard to justify the cost. I’ve no idea what the Air quality sensing is supposed to do, as at one point we were stuck behind a smoking old Transit, and the car didn’t do anything to alert us.
Jumping in the car, you sit nice and low, which immediately gives you a feeling that you’re in something a bit sporty. In this regard, you’d be partly right.
The XF is supremely comfortable while on the move, both at city speeds and while hustling across country. The 3.0 litre diesel engine delivers 300PS and 700Nm(!) of torque meaning you can overtake slow-moving traffic with ease. A fast flowing A road is quickly dispatched, but when the road starts to get twisty, the XF soon starts to feel its weight. While the XF handles tight corners well, this is not a pleasurable experience as you feel the brakes fighting against the inertia. It should be noted that the brakes still do a very good job here and didn’t fade after a healthy workout.
While it can handle an enthusiastic handling test, where the XF excels is soaking up big miles at high speeds. The tune of the suspension coupled with the big diesel engine means it’s a very relaxing place to spend time – at least if you’re in the front seats.
The rear of the Jaguar seems a little claustrophobic compared to some rivals, even if the stats suggest there’s plenty of space. This will be partly due to swooping roofline meaning smaller windows and rear doors – a price worth paying for the stunning looks, especially as those paying will likely be sitting up front.
Overall then, the Jaguar XF S is a great choice for those who want a combination of style, cross country pace and comfort.
PRICE: £49,995 (£55,020.00 as tested)
ENGINE: 3.0 litre TDV6, 8 speed automatic
POWER: 300PS
TORQUE: 700Nm
PERFORMANCE: Top speed 155 mph, 0-6 mph 5.8 secs
CONSUMPTION: 51.4 mpg (combined)
CO2: 144 g/km
TT Rating:
