Jaguar's latest model is going to shake up the executive car market. The XF is a real alternative to your Merc, Beemer, Lexus or Audi.
First impressions of the new five-seat saloon show a remarkable similarity to the Lexus GS. That's pretty ironic when you consider that for years Lexus has been accused of paying quite a bit of 'homage' to European brands!
Up close the comparison is less obvious as the S-Type replacement appears much more muscular. The XF design team was under the direct control of the same man who penned the Aston Martin DB9 and Jaguar XK - so Jag really couldn't go wrong.
The XF features some gorgeous lines and while there are four engine options the exterior remains very similar across the range bar the size of alloy wheels that come as standard. Jaguar has taken a leaf from Lexus again in terms of offering great levels of specification as standard.
Inside the car is fresh and there is a striking new take on dash layout and design. The S-Type was a dull enough affair inside but the XF is the polar opposite. Jaguar says the XF has a unique 'Handshake' to greet you on entering the car. The 'Stop/Start' button pulses like a heartbeat (their words not mine; but I'll go along with it), a rotary gear selector dial pops up beside your left thigh and the dash mounted air vents turn from closed to open in dramatic fashion. When you push the Start button the tuned exhaust note emits a pleasant meaty burble.
95% of XF's (and all Jags these days) are diesel so the entry point 2.7 litre V6 turbo diesel unit will be the big seller. It has buckets of go and returns very good fuel consumption figures (remember the petrol powered Jags of old that came with two fuel tanks as they did only 12 to the gallon on a good day!).
For the same asking price of €69,950 you can opt for a very smooth V6 petrol unit, but unless you have money to burn the residuals will hit hard when you come to resell or trade in.
If you do have a few quid to spare there are two V8 petrol versions (Yum). Both are 4.2 litre but one is normally aspirated and delivers 300bhp, while with the addition of a supercharger (basically a big mechanical pump that runs off the engine, forcing more fuel/air mix into the engine) means the SV8 produces 420bhp, topping the XF range. It is a tempting machine as it comes in at a lower price than many other performance rivals at €113,450.
XF follows the stunning XK Coupe in what looks like a very successful makeover at Jaguar. What was once a niche brand is likely to become as mainstream as its Germanic rivals. The new dash and interior are a revolution in Jaguar terms and when viewed at night quite interesting as they feature very cool blue backlighting, which adds to the glamour and sense of occasion.
Overall the XF is very fine car.
Michael Sheridan
