Jaguar Gents: Jaguar XF S Review
Jaguar: known for its luxury saloons, a favourite among Bond villains, detectives and aristocratic types alike, conjuring images of grand tourers swathed in chrome, leather and wood. Though we may hark back fondly, today’s Jaguar is unequivocally in tune with affluent young motorists and contemporary through and through. With a hugely successful range of sports saloons, a luxury SUV and the F-Type coupé and roadster, the big cat is now positively purring.
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The car that changed the game for Jaguar was the original XF. Unveiled almost a decade ago, the Ian Callum-penned saloon, and later Sportbrake, brought Jaguar roaring into the 21st century. Fast forward to 2017 and SUVs are increasingly the default choice for some (and Jaguar’s own F-Pace is a fabulous looking driver’s machine), the second generation XF saloon remains a beguiling choice for anyone wanting sports car characteristics in a car that’ll seat five in high levels of comfort.
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On the outside, the elegantly styled, low-slung body looks poised and purposeful. The tapered headlights and trademark Jaguar grille give it a fierce expression; the Jaguar DNA is clear and it really cuts a dash. It’s not a revelation like its predecessor, but a natural evolution of a winning formula. The real change is underneath; an all-new aluminium bodyshell means the car is almost 200 kg lighter for improved performance and efficiency.
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And it shows. On the road, the XF handles superbly and is a genuine thrill to drive on country lanes and a refined cruiser on motorways alike. Our petrol XF S 3.0 V6 was also fitted with Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics technology, which analyses steering and body movements several hundred times per second and adjusts the suspension accordingly. The result is a fine balance of handling precision and ride quality, so driving fun doesn’t come at the expense of passenger comfort.
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As you’d expect, passengers are extremely well catered for in the XF’s sumptuous, spacious cabin. The wraparound dashboard is focused and sporting with brushed metal and leather surfaces, while our car’s optional panoramic roof floods the interior with light which adds to the sense of space and luxury. All of the key controls are pleasing to the touch and the overall impression of quality is befitting of the car’s price tag. Neat details such as the coloured stitching mark out this as the ‘S’ model, while the theatrical start up that has defined the XF interior is carried over. The simple and brilliant design details such as the rotating air vents and recessed gear selector, which rises out of the centre console, never fail to captivate.
A real Jaguar strength has always been housing the latest technology in aesthetically appealing cabins, and this new XF is no exception. The InControl Touch Pro is the latest and most advanced multimedia system Jaguar has ever offered. Synced with a smartphone, it puts all the key controls at your fingertips; you can even plan your journey and set the temperature of the cabin via a smart device. The sound quality from the optional 380W Meridian Sound System was also phenomenal, an option well worth considering when ticking the all-important options list.
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XF buyers will undoubtedly want their car to feel like it was made just for them, and Jaguar offers plenty of scope for personalisation. Our XF featured niceties such as carbon fibre trim, a head-up display and illuminated treadplates. All of these add to the car’s sense of occasion and give the XF a feeling of exclusivity. The favourite (and most important) option is the Cold Climate pack, which includes heated everything, notably the front windscreen. An absolute boon on cold days; we’re of the opinion that every car should have one.
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Indeed, there can be few experiences as indulgent as specifying a luxury car. Picking your exterior colour, wheels, upholstery, trim… a time to savour before taking delivery. Of course, the XF is brimming with character and driving dynamics, so when the time comes for collection, you can be sure that every journey you make will be an experience too. All in all, the Jaguar XF should certainly be on your shortlist.
Jaguar XF 3.0 V6 S/C 380 PS RWD
Price: £49,995 on-the-road
Price as tested with options: £58, 715
The facts and figures at a glance:
- Engine: 3.0 litre V6 S/C 380 PS
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Acceleration: 0-60mph in 5.1s
- Maximum speed: 155 mph
- Combined fuel consumption: 34 mpg
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 198 g/km
On the day we shot with The Grey Fox and the TwentyFirstCenturyGent both blogs you should check out.
Photography by Sikh and Dread
- Suit by Clements and Church
- Bag by Oppermann London
- Watch by Hugo Boss at Watchshop.com
- Glasses by Cult Eyewear
- Rose Gold ring by 77 Diamonds
NB: Sponsored post plus car loan.