Jaguar XF review

The Jaguar XF comfortably undercuts all of its main rivals, including the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. That’s rather impressive when you consider how well equipped it is as standard. Jaguar’s finance deals could be better though, and resale values aren’t as strong as its key competitors. 

The entry-level 2.0 diesel D200 has the lowest CO2 emissions in the XF line-up and is the logical choice for company car drivers. And in base form, the XF’s low emissions put it in a lower benefit-in-kind (BIK) category than an equivalent A6 and E-Class. 

We have yet to put the XF through our True MPG testing procedure but we saw an average of 49mpg from the D200 on our mixed test route.

Entry-level S-grade cars aren’t stingy on kit. Heated 12-way electrically adjustable leather seats, cruise control, automatic LED headlights and wipers, LED daytime running lights, a powered tailgate, front and rear parking sensors and the 11.4in Pivi Pro infotainment we mentioned earlier are all standard. Because it's so well equipped, it's our favourite – but you might wish to dip into the optional extras list to add a couple of things.

Stepping up to R-Dynamic SE trim adds a powered steering column, keyless entry, 16-way electrically adjustable sports seats, digital dials, directional indicators and additional safety kit. It’s also worth pointing out R-Dynamic-grade cars also get more aggressive styling including black detailing, bigger alloy wheels and a bespoke bodykit. 

Meanwhile, range-topping R-Dynamic HSE trim gets luxuries such as 20in alloy wheels, sport seats with Windsor leather, a fantastic 400W Meridian Sound System and adaptive cruise control with steering assistance.

The XF attracted three stars in our latest 2020 What Car? Reliability Survey, finishing below the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class, but ahead of the Volvo S90. 

Meanwhile, Jaguar as a brand finished a disappointing 21st out of 31 manufacturers in the same survey, below Lexus and BMW, but ahead of Audi and Mercedes. 

Every new Jaguar comes with a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty as standard that can be extended if you're prepared to pay a bit extra. You can have MOT cover added, too.

Every XF gets a host of safety equipment as standard, including automatic emergency braking, a lane departure warning system, a driver attention monitoring system and six airbags. There’s also an optional Driver Assist Pack, which adds blind spot assist, a clear exit monitor, adaptive cruise control, a rear collision monitor and a rear traffic monitor that warns you if another vehicle is crossing your path when you’re reversing.

In its Euro NCAP safety test, the XF scored five stars – the same as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. However, a closer inspection of the results reveals that the XF isn't quite as good at protecting child or adult occupants as the E-Class. Scores are almost identical to those of the 5 Series.

An alarm and engine immobiliser are fitted to deter thieves. Indeed, Thatcham Research has awarded the XF full marks for its resistance to being driven away and good marks for its ability to resist a break-in in the first place.

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