Likes - Monumentally seductive good looks
- Excellent, rewarding performance
- Luxurious, comfortable interior
Dislikes - Can become rather expensive
- Plastic shifting paddles
- Rotary transmission dial can be counterintuitive
Tech Specs - XF: 4.2 liter 8 Cyl. 300 hp
- XF Premium: 5.0 liter 8 Cyl. 385 hp
- 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway (4.2 liter
- 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway (5.0 liter)
- 0 to 60 mph 6.2 seconds (4.2 liter)
- 0 to 60 mph 5.5 seconds (5.0 liter)
What's New/Changed - The “Premium’s” normally aspirated 5.0 liter engine
- New trim levels
The Vehix View - Few luxury vehicles can match the well-rounded line of Jaguar XFs. Fewer still can duplicate the XF’s balance of ride and handling while maintaining its luxury pedigree. Additionally, not a single competitor can match its personality.
First Impressions
The lines of the Jaguar XF (view photos) are striking in person. Some find similarities in portions of the design and others are reluctant to accept such a modern-looking vehicle from the (formally) anachronistic automaker. Upsetting the applecart may be unacceptable to those who want their Jaguar’s style to remain in the past.
I think it is lovely.
Indeed, the design lines caress the steel rather than force it to bend. This is a vehicle that looks sculpted rather than designed on a computer. A theme emerges when you look at the XF at certain angles, something sensual and delicate prevails.
Despite the beauty, Jaguar managed to infuse the XF with just enough masculinity to balance the package. Judging by the shape of future Jaguars (which compliments the modern shape of the XF), the automaker is maintaining and nurturing the XF’s design language.
Pricing, Trims and Options
The base XF features a 4.2 V8 and the base model starts at about $52,000. The XF Premium has a brand new 5.0 liter V8 engine and starts at about $56,000. One of the exceptional optional additions I highly recommend is the Bowers & Wilkins 440W surround sound system with HD Radio ($1,875).
Among the other main options, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) is $2,200. Electric rear window sunblind is $450 and the heated, three-spoke leather steering wheel adds $300 (a toasty luxury in cold climates).
The accessory list is rather lengthy with everything from chrome accents for the mirrors to a leaping Jaguar hood ornament.
Interior Features
There are four interior options and all are based on a theme. I personally enjoyed the Barley seats with Truffle interior and Canvas headliner (which is one of the four options). It looks scrumptious enough to eat and is unique among luxury car interiors.
Vents are automated, opening and closing when the XF is powered on and off. The entire dashboard is aluminum, accented with leather and wood judiciously spread throughout. The hockey-puck sized gear selector pops up just as the vents do when the Jaguar XF is fired up. Although easy to use, it diminishes the sporty feel of the XF. Sometimes, the gear selector is a bit slow in communicating with the transmission.
Jaguar tried something novel with the glove compartment. Rather than simply adding a button or lever to open, they added a hard to see bull’s eye above the glove box that is touch sensitive. This is a bit of a gimmick and the opener was a bit temperamental for my tastes.
Safety, Quality and Reliability
There is no data available from IIHS or NHSTA regarding the 2010 Jaguar XF’s safety rating. It does come with a 4 year, 50,000 mile limited warranty and a host of safety systems including full-length side airbags, lane departure system and a robust traction control system.
Reliability and quality have improved for all Jaguar products over the past several years.