Auto Trader

by Adrian Hearn

Jaguar has finally released details of its hotly-anticipated S-Type replacement – the XF.

Targeting a sector dominated by the Teutonic trio of the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes E-Class, the XF needs to be a brilliant car if it is to become a success for the Jaguar brand, which was put up for sale by Ford earlier this year.

Looks

With an outline a little like an luxury Ford Mondeo, the XF has a radical design shift compared to the more sober S-Type. It’s muscular and curvy, with gaping headlights, a large grille and is available with 17, 18, 19 or 20-inch alloys.

To the rear, the XF boasts twin exhausts and rear lights, which bear a large similarity with the gorgeous Aston Martin DBS.

While the exterior is forward-looking, inside Jaguar has gone back to its roots combining classic and contemporary by fitting the XF with more wood than any other Jag since the MK II saloon of the Sixties.

Performance

There will be a choice of four engines. The most popular is likely to be a 2.7-litre twin-turbocharged diesel V6 producing 204bhp and 320lb/ft of pulling power. This means 0-60mph in 7.7seconds and a top speed of 143mph. We’d expect this to manage a combined 35mpg.

The 3-litre V6 petrol hits 60mph in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed of 148mph, while the 4.2-litre V8 does the 60mph dash in 6.2 seconds before hitting a limited top speed of 155mph.

For those wanting a bit more oomph, Jaguar is also offering the XF with a supercharged 4.2-litre V8 producing 420bhp and 408lb/ft of pulling power. This means 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds and a limited 155mph top speed.

Safety

Jaguar has fitted the XF with all the safety features you would expect on a premium saloon including electronic brake assist, traction control and cornering brake control.

Trim levels

The XF is available in three trim levels; Luxury, Premium Luxury and SV8. All Luxury models come with sat-nav, Bluetooth, rear parking aid, cruise control and a six-CD autochanger.

Premium Luxury gets 18-inch alloys, softgrain leather seats, heated windscreen and an uprated sound system.

And the SV8 (only available on the supercharged 4.2-litre V8) is boosted with 20-inch alloys, bi-xenon headlights and Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS).

Pricing

Prices start from £33,900 for the entry-level 2.7-litre V6 diesel and 3-litre petrol, rising to £54,900 for the super-quick 420bhp SV8.

The Jaguar XF makes its official debut at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show before going on sale on March 1.

Our man Stuart Milne will be reporting live from Germany on September 11 so don’t forget to come back for all the news as it happens.

Auto Trader links:

Ford to sell Land Rover and Jaguar

Car reviews:

BMW 5 Series
Ford Mondeo