The Jaguar XF has received its first facelift. From the "A" pillar forward is new, but more importantly with the latest version we tested in Germany there is a new, very economical 2.2-litre diesel engine available. This means the very handsome rear-wheel drive XF now starts at €44,995 thanks to reduced CO2 (tax band 'C').
BMW's 520d, Mercedes E-Class and Audi's A6 2-litre TDi are XF's main rivals and the five-seat Jaguar is there or thereabouts in terms of asking price and with the latest modifications it certainly is up there with the best in class.
XF is a large, imposing car so can we expect a 2.2-litre to do the job of moving it around without feeling underpowered? Yes, is the simple answer. The 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine is a tried and tested unit that has undergone some serious revisions to make it fit in the XF and also to meet the firm's exacting standards in terms of performance.
The engine produces 190bhp, which is impressive enough, but way more impressive is the 450nm of torque created. Fuel economy is excellent too, mainly thanks to the clever engine stop/start system that is a pretty trick. XF stops and restarts using intelligent electronics that operate at class-leading speeds. New also to the XF is the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox. Gear changes are silky smooth and the box also allows group 'up' or 'down' shifting - something enthusiastic drivers will appreciate.
The four-cylinder engine could never hope to feel as smooth as a six but somehow there is little evidence to be felt from the driver's seat of increased harshness or vibration. The only thing that drivers will notice is some four cylinder-like engine noise when accelerating hard. On a mixture of Autobahn and Alpine driving the XF 2.2 was an effortless and reassuring drive. Despite the small displacement, the entry-level engine performed well.
There are some subtle changes inside the cabin - like revised seats - that offer more support when cornering and overall the cabin feels more luxurious. Some new exterior colours also help freshen up a car that in truth didn't need much freshening up! The exterior shape features a more pronounced front end with new lights that feature a signature ‘J-Blade’ LED running light set-up, while the bonnet and wings get a makeover too. The XF looks more purposeful now.
On day two of my XF test-drive Jaguar let me loose in the outrageously rapid XKF - with 510bhp and 625nm of torque unrestricted sections of Autobahn were the place to be (I'll review this beast another time). With a price tag of €114,495, XFR is a toy only a few will get to enjoy but boy, will they enjoy it!
Almost back in the real world I took the 3-litre diesel 'S' with its 275bhp and 600nm of torque for a spin. The six-cylinder engine is lovely. Progress is rapid and composed at the same time. The massive pulling power figure of 600nm of torque means that you won't have to tow a caravan on holidays - you can tow the house!
The 'S' starts at €64,995 (Luxury) and rises up to €75,795 for the 'Portfolio' version. One toy from the options list stood out - the 1200-watt stereo from 'Bowers and Wilkins' that has Dolby surround sound and, get this, 17 speakers!
The new Jaguar XF means business and at €45,000 it is a genuine alternative to the A6, E-Class or 520d - Executives have never had it so good.
Michael Sheridan
