Jaguar XF saloon (2008 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

The Jaguar XF is undoubtedly the most stylish car in its class, and some could argue its one of the best looking cars of any type on the road. The bold grille – which sits lower and wider as part of the 2011 facelift – harks back to the XJ6 of 1968, and the rear is Aston Martin-esque. Other tweaks made as part of the 2011 facelift include LED daytime running lights in the new, more streamlined headlight units and larger taillights. The changes are substantial, and will ensure the XF remains eye catching. The XFR sports saloon has a more aggressive bodykit, featuring a front bumper with large vents, a rear diffuser between four exhaust pipes and a pair of vents in the bonnet.

Our rating: 5

2. Interior

Jaguar has pulled out all the stops to make the cabin that extra bit special from the moment you press the starter button. The round, gear selector rises, the air vents rotate to the open position and at night the interior glows a calming pale blue. All of the materials used in the cabin are first-rate, from the polished wood inlays to the metallic appliques that finish the interior off nicely. The interior oozes appeal and is one of the best examples on the market, at any price. It mixes traditional style with up-to-the-minute technology brilliantly. The seats are like armchairs and remain comfortable whether you are nipping round to the shops or driving hundreds of miles.

Our rating: 5

3. Practicality

Jaguar cars have never been the roomiest, and the Jaguar XF is no different in that area. Thanks to the sloping coupe-like roofline, headroom in the rear of the car is at a premium. Only the tallest of passengers will be affected though, and rear legroom is adequate rather than generous. Thanks to the hefty transmission tunnel that runs through the cabin, the XF is best as a four-seater. Boot space is pretty good though, with 500 litres of luggage room, and 923 litres with the seats folded. There’s a smidgeon more boot space in a BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It’s easy to get a perfect driving position thanks to the electric steering column, and electrically adjustable seats. Due to the narrow windows and high tail, rearward vision isn’t the best. Thankfully rear parking sensors are fitted as standard. Though it will be rare for a Jaguar XF to pull a caravan, it can actually tow a highly reasonable 1,850kg.

Our rating: 3

4. Ride and handling

The driving experience is one of the best aspects of XF ownership, with a magic-carpet-like ride and handling that makes you want to attack bends faster and faster. There’s lots of grip, decent turn-in and plenty of feel through the communicative steering. The refinement from all of the engines is top notch and backed up with a silky smooth purr while both wind and road noise are kept in check. The XF is a real motorway-mile muncher too, soaking up the distance eloquently thanks to excellent refinement and a serene driving experience. The XF is a real motorway-mile muncher too, soaking up the distance thanks to excellent refinement and a serene driving experience, although the lighter 2.2 has a far firmer ride than the larger engined models. The XFR is a four-door supercar, with super sharp handling to match. It comes with Active Dynamics, which alters the balance between ride and handling, and Active Differential, which prevents wheelspin during cornering in order to improve stability

Our rating: 5

5. Performance

Starting with the smallest diesel, a 2.2-litre four-cylinder which develops 188bhp and has 332lb/ft of pulling power, the XF range has no shortage of engines. The 2.2 will be the biggest seller, thanks to its low running costs, but is the least refined of the engine lineup due to noise and rattles at low speeds. Jaguar’s claim that at speed it is as refined as the larger 3-litre six-cylinder unit is correct, with the 2.2 feeling more at home on a motorway cruise. It offers plenty of go, with a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds and a 140mph top speed. Two 3-litres are available, producing 240 and 275bhp, and both have colossal pulling power – 369 and 443lb/ft – which makes them supremely refined. The standard 3-litre will reach 62mph in 7.1 seconds, while the hotter ‘S’ model will shave 0.7 seconds off of this. Top speeds are 149 and 155mph respectively. Petrol options are both 5-litres, with the standard car offering 385bhp and a 5.7 second 0-62mph time, and the white-hot XFR packing 510bhp for a 4.9 second 0-62. Both will reach a limited 155mph.

Our rating: 4

6. Running costs

The best-selling 2.2-litre diesel models can cover 52.3mpg, and emit 149g/km of CO2 making it the greenest Jaguar ever. The Audi A6 offers a cleaner diesel, with emissions of just 129g/km, but the performance is some way off that provided by the Jag. The 3-litre diesels both return 44.8mpg emit 169g/km, while the petrols emit a wallet-bashing 292g/km and will struggle to stay above 20mpg. Used values and insurance groupings are on par with the A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class.

Our rating: 3

7. Reliability

Jaguar always seems to do well in reliability surveys, with class-leading build quality and a below average number of faults. Jaguar dealers treat their customers well, and owners are generally happy with the XF. Auto Trader’s XF owners currently score it 4.2 out of five stars in their appraisals.

Our rating: 4

8. Safety

The Jaguar XF scored four out of five in the Euro NCAP crash tests. There’s driver, passenger, side and head airbags, together with a rare feature – a pedestrian deployable bonnet, which pops up in the event of a collision, and is designed to put more space between the person’s head and the solid engine block. In addition, there’s dynamic stability control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and traction control. Finally, there are ISOFIX child safety seat fasteners for the rear seats. Disappointingly, there isn’t the option of rear side airbags, nor ISOFIX fittings for the front seats.

Our rating: 4

9. Equipment

One of the biggest assets of the Jaguar XF range is that the majority of the essential kit comes fitted as standard. The entry-level SE model features 17-inch alloy wheels, an electric park brake, leather upholstery, rear parking sensors, climate control, keyless entry and start and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. Luxury models add sat-nav and electric front seats, and Premium Luxury versions also feature heated front seats, 18-inch alloys and an upgraded audio system. The Portfolio edition is supplied with a 1,200-watt Bowers & Wilkins stereo, heated and cooling front seats and 19-inch alloys. Diesel S and 5-litre V8 versions, available in standard, Premium and Portfolio guises add bespoke body styling and Jaguar’s Active Dynamics system. The XFR is offered as a single model, with unique styling and Active Differential among the highlights.

Our rating: 5

10. Why buy?

The Jaguar XF will appeal to buyers who value the driving experience and strive to stand out from those that buy the German premium brands in droves. It’s great to look at, fantastic to drive and cosseting to travel in and the 2.2-litre diesel offers a cost-conscious introduction to the brand. Vist the Jaguar website now for more information on the Jaguar XF.

Our rating: 5