WE LIKE
1. Design, particularly the interior
2. Road behaviour
3. Refinement
WE DON'T LIKE
1. Several engines slightly short of power
2. Sat nav a little fiddly
3. An aluminium body, like the XJ's, would improve its enviro-credentials
The XF heralded a new kind Jaguar, of forward-looking design rather than retro-flavoured, as all its saloons had been for decades. It's an offering in the executive segment, competing with the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E Class and Audi A6, and it comes in the one, four-door saloon, body style with a choice of V6 petrol and diesel engines, and a pair of V8s. There's no entry-level 2.0 litre offering, Jaguar having no choice but to steer clear of the most popular engine choice because it has no suitable power unit as yet. But that may well have the effect of improving the car's residual values. So will the fact that even the entry-level Luxury models come with leather trim and satellite navigation as standard.
The XF's mechanicals are based on those of the S-Type saloon that it replaces (it might have looked dated, but the S-Type drove very well) and the successful XK coupe. But unlike the XK, and the larger XJ, its bodyshell is made from steel rather than lightweight aluminium.
The XF impresses even before it turns a wheel, not so much with its exterior style which is entirely contemporary and attractive - if a bit Lexus-like - but with its interior, which is like no other car in this class. There's wood, leather and aluminium inside, but it's used in fresh ways that look so much more modern and appealing than in Jags past. Firing up also produces the novel design features of the transmission's rotary gear selector rising from the centre console, and four dash-mounted airvents rotating to the open position. Press a pulsing 'start' button, and you're ready to sample a subtly impressive motor car.
Recent revisions have made the 3.0 diesel noticeably quicker, with power outputs of 240 bhp and 275 bhp, which has rendered the V6 petrol obsolete . The normally aspirated V8 is yet swifter, but only the supercharged V8, which is electrifyingly quick, manages to truly test the superb chassis. And consuming roads, any kind of road, is what the XF does best, its lithe, grippy chassis as at home on twisting mountain road as it is a sweeping autostrada. Fine steering and decent feedback make a sporting saloon of this car, which is why the ride is a bit firmer than expected of a Jag, though rarely uncomfortable.
Speaking of which, there's decent room in the XF's cabin, front and rear, and a reasonably sized boot, though it's the interior's ambience that occupants are more likely to enjoy and remember. This is a desirable car in a segment dominated by the three German models mentioned earlier. For the first time in a long while, buyers can choose a Jaguar not because it is different, but because it is better.
Average
User reviews (13)
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Robin21 October 2009
Typical Fifth Gear, out of date British car comments. They all have new engines now, two 3 litre diesel engines and two 5 litre petrol engines. Are you as out of date with your German cars?
Report as inappropriateJonathan26 October 2009
Robin - agree completely but I think you were supposed to rate the car not the article! I have the 3.0D and it is fantastic.
Report as inappropriateRob Skinner06 January 2010
I have a Jag XF, with the 2.7 diesel engine, it looks good and if the weather is fine it handles well. Pity it's snowing and is parked up at the moment due to being too hazardous to drive, it will not hold the road and hates ice and snow, it will not move even in the snow mode. Other issues are headlights - if like mine you did have the halogen lights, they are very poor and I have changed to xennon bulbs, but they keep blowing every few months. Initially costing £50 for jaguar to change the bulb but it now takes me 20 minutes to take the headlamp unit out and change the bulb, practice makes perfect. I have my XF on a 3 year lease and due to the high CO for the 2.7 engine is costing a fortune in tax. Why did they not hold off with the 2.7 diesel until the 3.0 diesel was ready before bringing the XF out into production.
Report as inappropriateVolvoguy27 January 2010
Even though it says Volvoguy, I really like this car. I used to lease one, much better than any Mercedes.
Report as inappropriateVolvoguy27 January 2010
Like I said Great car!!!!!
Report as inappropriateMo24 March 2010
My daily drive is a Seat Leon Cupra R with a few mods running at 280bhp. I am lucky enough to have access to a 2010 3.0D XF and must say that it is a truly amazing car. Excellent fuel economy for such a large car and they fairly shift for their size. From the outside they look very different which is a good thing in my opinion. The interior has been designed with comfort and style in mind. They really are lovely to sit in and drive. Handlng is very good too and the brakes are very responsive and give excellent stopping power. Overall an excellent car . . . Still love my Cupra R though :)
Report as inappropriateChas Gordon24 April 2010
Hi- Have just had a test drive in the XF 3.0D and it is fantastic.Goes like stink and holds the road like you would not believe! I love the interior, the styling, in fact I love everything about it. Have ordered the S version and expect delivery end of May. I will keep you posted, must admit I have very high hopes!!!
Report as inappropriateandrew owst11 June 2010
Purchased a one year old XF2.7 diesel with 3Kmiles on the clock November 2009. In the last seven months have driven 13,000 completely trouble free miles of superb motoring. On a traffic free country road (believe me there is still the odd one left in the UK) in sport mode using the paddles, fantastic handling. If, like me, your budget would not run to the 3.0litre diesel, the 2.7 is still an excellent engine. Agree with comments about the snow. Hopeless but then so are the Mercedes and BMWs. I gave up and used my son's series 3 Landrover for a week.
Report as inappropriateGraham30 August 2010
I have the 2009 XF 4.2 SV8, my word is it quick but slotted into "sport" with "race" depressed it can destroy a full tank in under 60 minutes !
Report as inappropriateChris02 January 2011
XFR 5.0 - Had it almost a year, still puts a smile on my face when I drive it.
Report as inappropriateBrad13 April 2011
What Car rated it best Executive car of the year! Test the XF with the 3.0 litre diesel engines! Brilliant!
Report as inappropriateHorleyDon13 April 2011
Test drove the BMW 5 and the Jag XF. Sold on the XF...now looking to buy (used) the XF 5.0 V8 Portfolio. I know its going to be juicy....but I can just polish it all day!
Report as inappropriateIan13 June 2011
STEREO / SAT NAV The XF is the first car to have sounds by Bowers and Wilkins, and the systems work well, though some may find it short of bass. All XFs get sat nav infotainment systems, which are slightly fiddly to use. - what rubbish, it has a sub-woofer !!! - also 5thG needs to update this. The 3.0 D and 3,0 D s are now upgraded and there is a 2.2 D now - which easily outpaces all those VW/Audi 2.0 TDI variants.
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