Jaguar XF buyer’s guide
FROM £5,000 Mk1 exec was a game changer for Jag, and is still a fine buy
Original version of exec is now great value used
THE arrival of the XF marked the start of a new era for Jaguar. Until this stylish four-door saloon with its coupé-like profile was launched, the big cat’s design language didn’t seem to have moved on from the company’s heyday in the sixties.
Then, suddenly, here was a car that didn’t look anything like a Jag – and it was all the better for it. The XF wasn’t just a pretty face, though, because under the skin was a class-leading set of mechanicals that ensured the model was brilliant to drive.
It was just as good inside, with the cabin beautifully built, modern and spacious. No wonder the XF has won group tests, reader satisfaction surveys and awards galore.
History
THE XF saloon replaced Jaguar’s S-type in April 2008, with 3.0 V6 or 4.2 V8 petrol engines, or a 2.7 V6 diesel; the V8 also came in 410bhp supercharged SV8 form. A refresh in March 2009 saw a 5.0-litre V8 replace the 4.2-litre unit, while the SV8 became the XFR and the 2.7 V6 diesel was replaced by a 237bhp 3.0-litre unit.
A year later, a high-power (271bhp) 3.0litre diesel engine arrived in the XF S. The XF got a big facelift in September 2011, plus its first four-cylinder engine, the 188bhp 2.2D.
The XF Sportbrake estate was launched in 2011, along with a 161bhp version of the 2.2D engine. The naturally aspirated V8 was replaced by a supercharged 3.0-litre V6. A new Mk2 XF arrived in 2015.
Which one?
ALL of the XF engines are excellent, with the 2.2D capable of providing swift, smooth progress that concentrates on economy.
The V8s are fabulous to drive, but costly to run because they focus on performance. The V6 diesels are the best compromise of performance and economy, and the 3.0D is particularly impressive.
Luxury trim has touchscreen multimedia, eight-way electrically adjustable seats, satnav, 17-inch alloys, leather trim, climate and cruise control and rear parking sensors. Premium Luxury adds a premium sound system, 10-way seat adjustment, 18-inch wheels and a heated windscreen.
Portfolio models feature heated and cooled seats, a 1,200-watt sound system, auto-dimming mirror and 19-inch alloy wheels. A DAB radio and adaptive cruise control were options on all models.
Alternatives
THE German trio of Audi (A6), BMW (5 Series) and Mercedes (E-class) is the Jag’s nemesis. All well established by the time the XF arrived, these have been available for years in saloon or estate forms, with excellent engines and transmissions.
They are superbly built, refined, safe and well equipped, as well as spacious, costly to buy and extremely desirable. Less obvious choices are the Lexus GS and Volkswagen Phaeton, which are both available only as saloons. The hybrid-only Lexus is incredibly refined, comfortable, well equipped and top value; the VW is roomy and good value but it’s now rather dated. Also consider the Skoda Superb; although the badge isn’t as prestigious, the car lives up to its name.
Verdict
WHEN it was in production the Mk1 XF racked up one award after another. It was our 2008 Car of the Year and was voted by you as the Car of the Decade in 2011.
Having scooped first place in our 2009 Driver Power survey, it had five top five places in a row. This year it was third in our used car satisfaction poll. It would be easy to think that because the XF isn’t German it isn’t an exec class contender; these results prove it is more than just a mere contender.
“Having scooped first place in our 2009 Driver Power survey, it had five top five places in a row”