There’s something special about a Jaguar, and after spending the last few days driving the XF S I’m somewhat smitten by this vehicle – it’s so much of what I love about cars in one single package. With a face like that what’s not to love?
Jumping in at the top-level of the XF – driving the S with its 3.0 litre Supercharged V6 – is probably a good way to fall in love with a car, of course if you’re budget limits you to the base model this would be a crazy thing to drive – but for those with the coin to spare in the market for a large luxury sedan I’ve got to suggest a test-drive at the very least
The 10 Minute Test Drive
It’s a glorious feeling inside a Jaguar, the fit and finish is not quite to the standard of the Germans, but for many this will simply drip luxury at every angle. The boat like approach to the sweeping rounded dash grabs your attention while in this model the two-tone interior is a great way to show off your luxury car.
The @JaguarAUS XF S is a thing of beauty, and it drives bloody nice too. Review soon @EFTM https://t.co/Y0b0g5GnGT pic.twitter.com/i5Tvv7LYUb
— EFTM (@EFTM) April 18, 2016
If you’re at the dealer ready to hit the road, please put the windows down. Because of ample insulation you won’t get to experience the Supercharged V6 in all its glory, so at the very least give it a boot full when you turn it over first time.
From then on during your drive you’ll be a little underwhelmed. In standard drive mode (not sport) which I think most would resort to 99% of the time, this is a pleasure to drive. Goes where you point it, and goes where you need it no matter how quickly you ask it to.
It’s that ease of which the Jaguar XF drives that reminded me of my first test-drive in a BMW. You expect something overwhelming, but in fact what you get is a refined experience.
The boot is HUGE
If you are testing the XF S then give it a boot-full off the line to understand why you’re investing in the Supercharged engine – you won’t be disappointed.
Overall, you’ll return to the dealer with a smile on your dial ready to understand where this baby sits in your budget and up against the competition.
Ins and Outs
This is no toy. 280kW power and 450NM of torque. 0-100kp/h in 5.3 seconds. Happy days folks.
The standard features list is long… like – very long:
- 8-speed electronic auto transmission w/- Sequential Shift, gearshift change paddles and All Surface Progress Control
- Adaptive Dynamics
- Torque Vectoring
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control
- Jaguar Smart Key System- Keyless Start
- ‘S’ bodykit (Sports front bumper, Gloss Black side sills, rear valance, boot mounted spoiler) & bright sport pedals
- ‘S’ branded Metal tread plates and multi-function steering wheel
- Park Assist
- DAB+ Radio
- Intelligent Stop/Start
- Hill Launch Assist
- JaguarDrive Control w/- Eco, Dynamic, Normal and Winter modes
- Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)
- Electric Parking Brake w/- drive away release
- Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Driver and front passenger airbags w/- seat occupant detector for passenger, front side and full length side window curtain
- Cruise Control w/- Speed Limiter
- Electric front & rear windows w/- one-touch open/close & anti-trap
- Rain sensing windscreen wipers
- Body coloured, heated, electric exterior door mirror
- Two-zone climate control
- USB, Auxiliary socket and iPod connectivity
- Bluetooth streaming and telephone connectivity
- Interior Mood Lighting
- LED Headlights w/- LED J-blade Daytime Running Light, automatic levelling and headlight powerwash
- Sports suspension
- Dark Hex Aluminium instrument panel finisher
- Carbon fibre veneer & Jet headliner
We’ll get to the options later.
Now comparing features make for make and model to model is bloody hard. So you’ll need to drive the competition and work out what’s really important to you.
For my mind though, you’ll struggle to be disappointed with your Jaguar XF – even without the options. My only disappointment has been lack of Adaptive Cruise Control – this is a feature you really can make use of on a freeway drive, so I’d like to see that brought into the standard package.
The Tech Inside
This XF doesn’t have the full LCD instrument cluster found on some Range Rover Sport variants, but it does have an LCD centre display between two analogue dials.
Your centre console infotainment system is great, including DAB+ radio. Bluetooth connectivity is a breeze and seems to reconnect quickly each time you drive.
I am left wondering when Jaguar will embrace Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – it really adds to much to smartphone users and can save the R&D investment in infotainment systems. In time I guess, In time.
Aside from those user facing features, there is of course all the safety tech on board – with lane guidance, emergency brake assistance and the like you have a second driver in the on-board computer as is common these days.
Hip Pocket
You’re looking at $128, 200 to get you started, then let the options roll. The vehicle we drive has fitted:
- Carbon Fibre Veer -$3300
- Sliding Panoramic Roof- $3200
- 20” Labyrinth alloy wheels (Gloss Dark Grey/Diamond Turned)- $2650 Heated/cooled front seats- $1500
- Reverse Traffic Detection & BSM & CVS- $1420
- SoftDoor Close Double Lock & Keyless Entry- $1300
- Powered electrical boot lid- $1100
- Lane Keeping Aid + Driver Drowsiness- $1060
- 14×14 Way Sports Elec Front seats – $800
- Black Pack (Gloss Black radiator grille and surround, side power vents, boot lid finisher and side window surround)- $510
Yep, that’s a total of $145,040 plus on-road costs. No slim pickings, but – you’re competing here with the 5 Series, E-Class, A6 and others – you need both quality and options to ensure people who consider the Jaguar XF at the same time as the others can option up the very same car features.
EFTM Rubber Stamp
This is a great car, so easy to drive and always with so much in reserve.
What I like most is that it’s unique. There simply aren’t that many XFs on the road. Now while Jaguar would probably prefer to outsell the others, while the chance is there – the uniqueness is an asset.
I had people ask “is that your Jag out the front” and then tell stories of their favourite Jags. I had people in carparks walk-by and tell me what a great looking car it was.
I even had an argument with a courier driver who delivered a parcel to my home as to whether this was an XE or XF but he loved it.
On drivability and features it’s got what it takes. Add to that the unique appeal and the joy of the Supercharged V6 and this Jaguar XF gets the EFTM Credit Rubber Stamp.
