Jaguar XF 2.7-litre V6
No more excuses
Jaguar has been in the last chance saloon more times than it’s actually launched one. Finally, in the XF it’s got one that can deliver.
It’s been quite a few months for Jaguar: a new owner, the sad death of talismanic CEO Geoff Polites and the launch of its most significant new model for a generation. If ever we were witnessing the rebirth of a company, this is it. Alas, Jaguar has been here many times before, not least when it became part of the Ford Empire in the late ‘80s. Back then, promises were made about turning Jaguar into a major player to take on the mite of BMW and Mercedes.
Sadly they never quite materialised. Instead, Jaguar released a succession of (often very good) cars that didn’t quite hit the mark, held back either by unimaginative retro styling (successive generations of the XJ), humble Ford underpinnings (X-Type) or both (the recently retired S-Type). This time things are different. Jaguar believes its future success lies in producing relatively small numbers of highly desirable cars and not competing with the sprawling ranges of the Germans. In Tata, it has found an owner that will let them do it and the in the XF, a showcase for the future.
Worryingly, on first acquaintance, it looks less like the future, more a greatest hits of current trends. Walk around the XF and the coupe-like roofline, wedge shape and bulbous rear haunches put you in mind most notably of the Lexus GS, but also of the BMW 5-series and (whisper it) the new Vauxhall Insignia. That’s not to mention a rear end stolen from an Aston Martin DB9. However, it would be churlish to criticise what is a contemporary and fundamentally appealing design, given Jaguar has finally left retro behind.
In fact, with more exposure the character, subtlety and detail of the design begin to shine through: the smooth yet taut flanks, the solid stance and the delicate lines of the glasshouse. However, it’s what’s inside that really sets this car apart. Not that you’d guess as you slide into the driver’s seat for the most notable feature of the dash is its simplicity. The dials are clear and easy to read, there’s a welcome lack of fiddly buttons and everything is impeccably well finished.
The theatre begins by hitting the pulsating red starter button, which triggers the rotary gear level to gently rise out of the transmission tunnel and the air vents to rotate and reveal themselves. It’s totally unnecessary, but sure to put a smile on the face of any jaded exec after a hard day at the office. There are plenty of other ‘surprise and delight’ features too, such as the touch screen controls on the centre console, the sensor operated glovebox and the cool blue mood lighting.
It will all count for nought if the XF can’t compete on the road with BMW’s ubiquitous 5-Series, the stubborn class champion that always seems to pummel any new rival into submission. The omens are good as the previous S-Type was honed into a dynamically very accomplished car and the XF shares that car’s underpinnings. Thankfully, it’s an even better steer.
Hustled down a typically twisty British country road, the Jaguar impresses with its tight body control and overall composure. Combined with well-weighted, accurate steering, the XF delivers a supremely enjoyable drive. There is some roll, but it disguises a slightly lardy 1771kg kerbweight remarkable well. What’s most impressive is that it blends it’s athleticism with an acceptably comfortable ride. The only drawback is a surprisingly firm (for a Jaguar) low-speed ride. However it’s certainly no worse an Audi A6 or BMW 5-Series.
Where the XF falters slightly is in performance. The 2.7 V6 diesel engine pumps out 204bhp and 321lb ft of torque, significantly down on its rivals (the BMW 530d and Mercedes E320CDI produce 235bhp and 224bhp respectively). Allied to the aforementioned kerbweight, performance is somewhat blunted, the sprint to sixty taking 7.7 seconds, about a second longer than its rivals. The saving grace is an engine that goes about its business in an exceptionally refined manner, with a smooth and linear power delivery. Driven sensibly, nearly 40mpg is achievable too.
While we’re on the sensible stuff, the XF is priced competitively and comes well equipped. The luxury version (which is confusingly the most basic) kicks off at £33, 900 and comes with the requisite leather, wood and touch screen climate control. Add another £3k or so for the ‘Premium’ Luxury to gain plusher leather, keyless entry and larger diameter alloys.
The XF is a seriously impressive car, not so much for its talents (of which it has many – the looks, the handling, the exquisite interior), but because it has been produced by a small team with an uncertain future on a relatively miniscule budget. That the car is such a complete package with no significant flaws is all the more remarkable. There’s no need to make excuses for buying this car over a BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-Class or Audi A6. Quite simply, it beats them fair and square.
For: A genuinely unique and special cabin, great dynamics, desirability, potentially saving Jag
Against: Engine could do with more power
Verdict: The new class champion – and it’s not German