The first-generation Jaguar XF luxury sedan debuted in 2009. The car is completely restyled for 2016, and the second-generation XF builds upon its predecessor's great successes.
Jaguar has always been about evolutionary tweaks to its lovely shapes, and the XF retains its overall shape, with just revisions. Now, however, that shape is rendered in weight-saving aluminum rather than steel.
Powering this lovely cat is a supercharged 3.0L V6, which -- as found in the F-Type 2-seater -- comes in two guises: one makes 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque; the other produces 380 horsepower and 332 pound-feet. Each is mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, and the XF will scoot to 60 mph in just five seconds when equipped with the high-output unit. Rear-wheel drive is standard, though all-wheel drive is available across the model range.
Four XF trims are offered: Premium, Prestige, R-Sport and S. The Premium trim includes 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, automatic stop/start technology for increased fuel efficiency, an eight-inch touchscreen, power-adjustable front seats, a 40/20/40 split-fold rear seat, a 380-watt, 11-speaker Meridian audio system and rearview parking camera with guidance lines.
Stepping up to the Prestige includes all the Premium features, along with 19-inch wheels, keyless entry, heated Taurus leather seats with four-way power lumbar support, a heated steering wheel, mood lighting, navigation, and a front parking aid.
XF R-Sports add a dash of visual athleticism to the mix, with 19-inch Vortex wheels, a special body kit that includes a revised front bumper, side sills and vents, plus chrome exterior accents. LED headlights with adaptive high beams complete the outside accessories, while R-Sport instruments and SiriusXM satellite radio grace the inside. Meanwhile, a lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitor with closing vehicle sensing, and reverse traffic detection up the safety quotient in the R-Sport.
Finally, the XF S builds on the R-Sport treatment by adding black side sills, a rear valance and spoiler, plus red brake calipers and Adaptive Dynamics, which modifies the car's responsiveness in acceleration, throttle, cornering, braking, and shifting with respect to both road conditions and driving style. Special S instruments and badging round out the interior.
Options and packages include a Cold Climate Package, with heated seats front and rear, heated steering wheel, and a heated windshield. The Vision Package adds adaptive LED headlights, front and rear parking aids, and a blind-spot monitor. On the S, a Driver Assistance Package brings park assist, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and more.
Standard safety features on the new XF include dynamic stability control and traction control, a tire pressure monitoring system and a host of airbags.
Lightweight, All-aluminum Body
Ample Interior Room
Luxurious Appointments
Athletic Yet Elegant Styling
Optional All-wheel Drive
Powerful Supercharged V6 Engines
The Jaguar XF has been completely redesigned for 2016. Perhaps the biggest change is the move from a steel body to a weight-saving all-aluminum one that is glued and riveted. Interior spaced -- particularly in the rear -- is greatly improved over the previous model thanks to the new skin, and power comes from one of two supercharged V6s, which are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The XF is priced from $51,900.
The luxury sedan world is often regarded as a German and Japanese realm, with Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Lexus all making claims to the throne. But he British-built Jaguar XF puts a kink in the works thanks to its incredibly handsome styling, potent powertrain, and undeniable luxury. Now, thanks to its lightweight aluminum body and improved interior space, the XF may just have tipped the scales in its favor
