Jaguar XF review
When it comes to luxury executive cars, you’d be forgiven for instantly thinking of the big German manufacturers. Yet Mercedes, BMW and Audi can’t quite scratch the itch that Jaguar does. With sleek styling, excellent handling and plenty of kit, this classy British option is perfect for business or pleasure. All this and more in our Jaguar XF review below.
Pros
- Motorway mile-muncher
- Powerful engines
- Luxurious cabin
Cons
- Not great fuel economy
- Larger wheels aren't as supple
Interior
Our rating: 8/10
While Jaguar may be a heritage brand with a lot of history, they refuse to rest on their laurels.
In recent times, they’ve chosen to innovate and pioneer in all sorts of ways.
The most notable of which hits you when you get inside an XF and survey your plush surroundings.
Tech and features
The interior is so stylish and well-groomed it wouldn’t look out of place on the cover of GQ magazine.
If you’re equally as impeccable looking, you needn’t worry about messing up your perfectly coiffed hair or well-pressed outfit.
There’s ample room inside, whichever seat you’re in.
Noticeably large windows offer near-panoramic views.
These are great for driving and a nice plus point for passengers during scenic treks.
For that really high-end experience, later flagship versions offer decadent Windsor leather upholstery, a seamlessly adaptive cruise control option and a crisp Meridian sound system.
The touchscreen console is, ironically, a nice touch.
The newer version boasts an impressive 11.4-inch curved glass screen, giving you access to the easy-to-use Pivi Pro infotainment system.
Later XFs feature sharpened up and refined most aspects of the interior.
Even the earliest models are pretty lavish places to sit in and enjoy.
Performance
Our rating: 8/10
No Jaguar XF review would be complete without a mention of just how ridiculously fun the thing is to drive - and how luxurious it feels to be behind the wheel.
There’s an opulence to driving a Jag.
Handling and ride comfort
While older models feel sturdy sometimes to the point of heaviness, the XF has a surprisingly light touch.
An iron fist in a velvet boxing glove, if you like.
The steering is alert and responsive, and there’s a punch to the acceleration.
Preferred driving positions can be easily saved and recalled in the second and third generations, which is a real knockout feature.
Practicality
Our rating: 7/10
One of the best aspects of the Jaguar XF is that it’s both a high-performing executive saloon and a supremely practical family car.
So not only does it have jaw-dropping looks and a powerful engine, but it’s also sensibly built.
Boot space
You only need to glance into its large boot to see proof of that.
With the back seats folded down, there’s more than enough room to fit an actual jaguar inside.
Although we wouldn’t recommend it.
Storage solutions
A roomy glovebox and two generous front door storage areas allow plenty of space for maps, sunglasses, endless yellowing receipts, half-melted Fruit Pastilles and whatever else you stuff into them.
Running costs
Our rating: 5/10
Fuel economy
Compared to some of its rivals, the Jaguar XF falls a little short in terms of economy, with a slightly lower miles per gallon ratio than you may want, regardless of the engine size you plump for.
Don’t expect to be able to get much more than between 30 and 35 mpg.
The verdict
Interior
8/10
Performance
8/10
Practicality
7/10
Running costs
5/10
Jaguar truly are icons of British motoring and they’ve proven their credentials here once again with the impressively sleek, powerful and yet sensible XF.
Does ‘XF’ stand for ‘eXtremely Fabulous’? Of course not. Should it? Absolutely.