The Jaguar XF is an impeccably tasteful, yet relatively eccentric midsized luxury sedan. This low-slung Brit is also among the sportiest in its class. Agile handling and lively steering make this cat capable, nimble, and fun to drive.
Several idiosyncrasies separate the Jaguar from its competition, including distinctive coupe-like styling and futuristic, if not flamboyant controls. For example, after you press the start button, a hockey-puck shaped rotary gear selector rises from the center console and the retracting air vents motor open. The scent of leather permeates the wood-trimmed cabin.
The 2013 update brought a lot of mechanical changes, including two new engines, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and newly available all-wheel-drive. We tested it with the 3.0-liter supercharged V6. This engine provides quick and effortless acceleration and gets 21 mpg overall with all-wheel-drive.
Practicality isn't the Jaguar's primary mission. A center touchscreen handles many cabin controls, but is confusing, distracting, and slow to respond. It also takes a bit of dexterity to slip in or out of the low-slung sedan with grace. Seating space is also a bit tight, especially in the rear.
While absorbent and controlled, the XF's ride feels taut and buttoned down, with an underlying firmness. It lacks the creamy suppleness that previous Jags exhibited so well. The cabin is quiet enough, but isn't as hushed as the best in the class.
The best overall engine choice is the supercharged V6. That engine offers an all-wheel-drive version, and we expect most XFs sold in the snowbelt to come equipped in this manner.
The XF requires a lot of expensive option packages to get the level of equipment we'd expect in this class. One essential is the Premium Package with its rear camera, navigation, upgraded Meridian stereo, and adaptive headlights. Another good choice is the Convenience Package, which adds blind spot monitoring, full keyless entry, self-dimming headlights, and voice controls for the audio and navigation systems. Buyers in cooler areas may want the Cold Climate package. Finally, if you want power lumbar adjustment, something readily available on many sedans, you'll need to spring for one of the interior upgrade packages.
The redesigned 2016 XF got a lightweight architecture and new engines. It's dressed in evolutionary styling, but the real changes came under the hood and inside. Two supercharged V6s, making either 340- or 380-hp, are offered. Power is routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission. In base form, Jaguar's new InControl Touch infotainment system is centered upon an eight-inch touchscreen, featuring a new user interface. InControl Touch Pro features a 10.2- or 12.3-inch touchscreen. The nav system uses memory of past drives and real-time traffic info to offer alternate routes.
All 2016 models also got the Protect and Remote system that allows monitoring the car and performing various functions using smartphone apps.