Item: Jaguar XF
Rating: 4
Author: What Car? Team

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The XF has a similar amount of outright boot space to its key rivals, the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63"> 5 Series</a> and<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17174"> Mercedes-Benz E-Class</a>. However, access is less impressive, because the XF's boot aperture is small even by saloon standards, so loading broad items can be tricky.

The boot also narrows dramatically towards the rear seats. This means that, when the seatbacks are down, you’re left with a narrower tunnel to squeeze items through than in the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/review/n61"> Audi A6</a> and 5 Series.

An electric boot lid comes as standard – a feature you have to pay extra for on the 5 Series.

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

As part of its update in 2021 the XF’s interior was overhauled, with a big focus on improving material quality. And things did improve. The buttons feel nicely damped, denser feeling plastics are present throughout the interior, and the 11.4in touchscreen acts as a nice focal point for the dashboard, with its convex display helping it blend into the dashboard in a neat fashion.&nbsp;

It is a shame, however, that the hide used on the leather seats doesn’t feel particularly plush or expensive, while the fake plastic metal-effect trim in our test car looked cheap compared with what you get in an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/review/n61">Audi A6</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">BMW 5-Series</a>. It edges the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17174">Mercedes E-Class</a> for interior quality, but it’s a close run thing.&nbsp;

Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

It’s easy to get comfortable behind the wheel of the XF. Even entry-level S-grade cars come with heated 12-way, electrically adjustable front seats (with adjustable lumbar support), while stepping-up to R-Dynamic SE or HSE trim nets you 16-way electric sports seats with a memory function – this lets you save your preferred seat settings and recall them at a touch of a button.&nbsp;

No matter what trim you opt for, though, the driver seat lines up nicely with the pedals and steering wheel. Our only minor grumble is that the steering’s telescopic adjustment range is a little short for driver’s over six-foot.&nbsp;

As standard, you get clear analogue dials, but go for an R-Dynamic model or tick the option box for Jaguar’s ‘Interactive Driver Display’ and these are replaced by digital dials on a 12.3in screen. They put a wealth of useful information just below your sightline and make the optional head-up display a worthwhile extra rather than an absolute must. Meanwhile the rest of the dashboard is well laid out and easy to get the hang of, with physical buttons for the climate control and media volume. That’s not the case with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/review/n61">Audi A6</a>, which uses a touchscreen for the climate controls, and, while that looks great, it's distracting to use while driving.

OUR PICK

Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

The cheapest engine in the lineup is also our favourite: the 201bhp 2.0-litre diesel (badged D200). On paper it might not be quite as quick as a BMW 520d, (0-62mph taking just 7.2 seconds in the BMW opposed to 7.6 in the Jaguar) but in the real world it feels impressively punchy from low revs and is plenty quick enough to whisk you up to motorway speeds without any fuss. Four wheel drive is available, but, since the rear-wheel drive version is cheaper, more economical and has more feelsome steering (more on that below), we wouldn’t bother unless you live in a particularly weather beaten part of the country. 

http://example.com

2.0 D200

20-d200

We have yet to sample this engine in the XF, but we have experienced it in the smaller XE, where it proved to be perfectly adequate. 


2.0 P250

20-p250

Surprisingly, the range-topping P300, despite having significantly more power than the D200 diesel, doesn’t feel significantly quicker in most day-to-day situations. That’s because you really have to rev it out to make swift progress; peak power being made at a heady 5500rpm. And while a revvy petrol engine might sound well suited to a sports-orientated saloon, the standard fit eight-speed gearbox (fitted to all XFs) can be a bit sluggish to respond when you ask for a quick burst of acceleration, rather undermining the point of plumping for the most potent petrol.


2.0 P300

20-p300

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.&nbsp;

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.

Time was that if you wanted an upmarket car then you would automatically turn to the Germans, but the first generation of Jaguar XF changed all that, while simultaneously redefining what the storied British brand stood for.

Explaining the XF's success at the time, we wrote: "Next to the German giants, with their prolific output, Jaguar is a bit of a cottage industry. So it’s all the more impressive when a new Jaguar matches a Mercedes for refinement, a BMW for driving dynamics and an Audi for interior wow-factor. Design-wise, it was a huge departure from manufacturer that rarely showed signs of radical thinking, and it certainly hit the spot; in 2008, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/every-what-car-car-of-the-year-winner-since-1978/n17074">the then-new car scooped the overall victory</a> at our<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/"> Car of the Year Awards</a>. And it wasn't a one year wonder, either: it remained our favourite executive saloon in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Fast forward to today, and while the Germans still continue to dominate in terms of raw sales numbers, the luxury car class is more competitive than ever; Jaguar’s late noughties success showed brands such as <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/lexus">Lexus</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volvo">Volvo</a> that there is a place in the luxury car market for brands that were willing to do things a little differently.&nbsp;

To ensure the XF (now in its second generation) still stands out in this increasingly competitive class, Jaguar has treated it to a number of updates over the years. The most recent introduced a heavily revised interior (developed in conjunction with the F-Pace SUV), an 11.4in touchscreen infotainment system, a mild-hybrid diesel engine and a rationalisation of the trim line-up. That last change was more significant than it sounds; it had the effect of dropping the base car’s list price well below those of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/review/n61">Audi A6</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">BMW 5 Series</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17174">Mercedes E-Class</a>.&nbsp;

But is all that enough to keep the XF relevant against such strong competition? Over the next few pages, we’ll tell you everything from what it’s like to drive and how practical it is, to how much it will cost you to buy and run. And if you decide to buy, our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/jaguar/xf/saloon/deals">New Car Buying service</a> is at your disposal. It could save you a packet on hundreds of great cars, including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/jaguar/xf/saloon/deals">Jaguar XF</a>, with no need for any tedious haggling.

Interior space is one of the XF’s strongest assets. Two tall adults will feel cocooned by the way they sit low in relation to a high window line, but there’s actually more leg room than you’ll find in a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">BMW 5 Series</a> and enough space between the driver and passenger to not get in each other’s way.&nbsp;

Located in front of the gear selector there is a small shelf that will take most wallets, keys or a mobile phone (and an optional wireless charging pad), while beneath the central armrest is a cubby big enough to accept a bottle of water or a small packed lunch – you’ll also find a USB, USB-C and 12V socket in there. The front door pockets will struggle to accept a large water bottle because they are rather shallow, but at least the XF’s glovebox is a better size, with room for more than just the owner's manual.

This is where the XF shines. Despite its not insignificant footprint, the XF handles with the agility and athleticism of a much smaller car. A large part of this is down to the steering, which is well weighted, precise and quicker than most key rivals', including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">BMW 5-Series</a>.&nbsp;

The tyres generate plenty of grip, giving you lots of confidence when driving the XF quickly along a twisty road. This is helped by the standard-fit torque vectoring system, which helps the car to turn in even more willingly by gently braking the inside wheels in tight corners.

On versions with adaptive suspension, engaging Dynamic mode tightens the handling up even more, but it's best left for super-smooth roads. R-Sport models remain flatter in corners thanks to their lowered, stiffened sports suspension.

The XF features Jaguar’s Pivi Pro infotainment system. Its responses are swift and the 11.4in touchscreen's graphics are impressively sharp. There’s also lots of functionality, including standard <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a> phone integration.&nbsp;

As touchscreen systems go, it's one of the best in the class; it’s relatively easy to use on the move, thanks to having a line of conveniently placed digital shortcut buttons and a handily configurable home screen. The reason we say ‘relatively’, though, is that we’d still prefer the option of a physical rotary controller like you get in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">BMW 5-Series</a>. Such an interface would make the system less distracting to use while driving.&nbsp;

The standard 180W sound system is perfectly acceptable, but music lovers can pick from two upgrade options: a 400W Meridian Sound System with 12 speakers (standard on R-Dynamic HSE models) or a more powerful version of the same system with a 600W and 16 speakers. So far we’ve only sampled the former and it is utterly fantastic with weighty bass notes balanced by crisp, precisely drawn highs.

Saloon

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

The cheapest engine in the lineup is also our favourite. Badged D200, this 201bhp 2.0-litre diesel might not be quite as quick on paper as a BMW 520d, (0-62mph takes just 7.2 seconds in the BMW opposed to 7.6 in the Jaguar) but&nbsp; it feels impressively punchy from low revs in the real world, and is plenty quick enough to whisk you up to motorway speeds without any fuss. Four wheel drive is available, but, since the rear-wheel drive version is cheaper, more economical and has more feelsome steering (more on that below), we wouldn’t bother unless you live in a particularly weather-beaten part of the country.&nbsp;

The alternatives are the 247bhp and 296bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrols (badged P250 and P300 respectively); the former is only available with rear-wheel drive and the latter exclusively with four-wheel drive.&nbsp;

Surprisingly, the range-topping P300, despite having significantly more power than the D200 diesel, doesn’t feel significantly quicker in most day-to-day situations. That’s because you really have to rev it out to tap into the full performance on offer; peak power comes at a heady 5500rpm. And while a revvy petrol engine might sound well suited to a sports-orientated saloon, the standard fit eight-speed gearbox (fitted to all XFs) can be a bit sluggish to respond when you ask for a quick burst of acceleration, and that rather undermines the point of plumping for the most potent engine. We haven’t yet sampled the less powerful P250, but when we experienced it in the smaller Jaguar XE, we found it to be perfectly adequate. It’s also more frugal, cleaner, and quite a lot cheaper than the P300, so if you have your heart set on a petrol XF, we reckon it’s your best bet – just don’t expect mind-bending performance.&nbsp;

Superb handling and reasonable running costs. Well worth a look

Two six-footers will find their knees well clear of the front seatbacks and won't have to put up with their heads brushing the rooflining. In fact, leg room is better than in the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63"> BMW 5 Series</a>.

However, three adults side by side won’t have quite as much shoulder room as they would in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">5 Series</a> or the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/review/n61">Audi A6</a>. The base of the middle rear seat is also raised, making it uncomfortable to sit on, and there’s very little room for the middle occupant’s feet. Then again, the same goes for most of the XF's rivals.

Each front seatback has a pocket and there's one in each rear door, too, although the latter is quite narrow.

The sole diesel engine in the XF line-up, the D200, might not be quite as hushed as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/review/n61">Audi A6</a> 40 TDI’s under hard acceleration, but it’s quiet and subdued around town and at a cruise. The P300 petrol, meanwhile, is even smoother and quieter, but it’s a shame that it doesn’t make a more sporty sound when revved to the redline.

Wind noise isn’t a major issue, with only a slight whistling from the windscreen pillars at higher speeds. However, you might notice a few engine vibrations through the steering wheel, while the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox can frustrate with its tendency to dawdle during shifts.

The XF attracted three stars in our latest <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2020-what-car-reliability-survey/n20042">2020 What Car? Reliability Survey</a>, finishing below the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class, but ahead of the Volvo S90.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

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.

The ride is a little bit firm around town, but at higher speeds the XF is comfortable on both standard suspension and the optional adaptive set-up, dubbed Adaptive Dynamics. This is available on all models, but only in conjunction with an option that Jaguar calls 'Configurable Dynamics’ which, you guessed it, gives you access to different drive modes.&nbsp;

Whichever system is fitted, expansion joints and rough roads pass beneath you with minimal fuss and the XF's body doesn't bounce up and down over dips and crests. Of course, adding bigger alloy wheels makes the ride firmer (something you’ll find on most cars) but even on massive 20in alloys the ride never feels uncomfortable.

Rear-wheel drive R-Sport models with either the D200 or P250 engine fitted have a lower, stiffer sports suspension set-up. Unfortunately, the low speed ride comfort suffers as a result.

The Jaguar XF comfortably undercuts all of its main rivals, including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/review/n61">Audi A6</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">BMW 5 Series</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17174">Mercedes E-Class</a>. That’s rather impressive when you consider how well equipped it is as standard. <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/pcp-or-hp-which-car-finance-option-makes-most-sense/n1163">Jaguar’s finance deals</a> could be better though, and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/depreciation-what-is-it-and-how-do-i-avoid-it/n1122">resale values</a> aren’t as strong as its key competitors.&nbsp;

The entry-level 2.0 diesel D200 has the lowest <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/new-official-fuel-consumption-and-co2-tests-explained/n1213">CO2 emissions</a> 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 <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/company-car-tax-bands/n1255">benefit-in-kind (BIK)</a> category than an equivalent A6 and E-Class.&nbsp;

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.

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 <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-euro-ncap-and-how-does-it-work/n14328">Euro NCAP</a> safety test, the XF scored five stars – the same as the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63"> BMW 5 Series</a> 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<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17174"> E-Class</a>. 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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Just like the driver’s seat, the front passenger seat has electric height and backrest angle adjustment as standard, making it easy to fine-tune the perfect position. It even gets electrically adjustable lumbar support as standard, allowing you to fend off lower back pain on longer journeys.

The rear seats fold in a 40/20/40 configuration as standard – a feature you have to pay extra for in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">BMW 5 Series</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17174">Mercedes E-Class</a> – and the seatbacks lie almost flat when they're folded down

R-Dynamic-spec brings more aggressive styling, including black detailing, bigger alloy wheels and a bespoke bodykit. That’s on top of the regular S niceties, including 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 a 11.4in Pivi Pro infotainment system.

R-Dynamic S

r-dynamic-s

Stepping up to R-Dynamic SE trim (from R-Dynamic S trim) adds a powered steering column, keyless entry, 16-way electrically adjustable sports seats, digital dials, directional indicators and additional safety kit. 

R-Dynamic SE

r-dynamic-se

R-Dynamic Black

r-dynamic-black

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 assist.

R-Dynamic HSE

r-dynamic-hse

The Jaguar XF is great to drive, well equipped and manages to undercut key rivals with a competitive list price, and that helps to make up for an interior that isn’t quite as plush as the class best. Go for the D200 diesel if you’re a company car buyer or worried about fuel costs and stick with entry-level S trim if you want the best value for money. 

The driver will have no problems seeing out of the front of the XF. Its thin windscreen pillars mean very little is obscured at junctions. Similarly, the front side windows are deep enough that roundabouts and T-junctions are no bother at all.

The rear side windows aren't too pinched, so anyone sitting in the back won't feel claustrophobic. The rear pillars are quite thick, though, obscuring the driver's over-the-shoulder view.

Thankfully, all XFs come with front and rear parking sensors, a 360deg camera and if you pay a bit extra you'll get a Clear Sight rear-view mirror, too. At the touch of a button, this becomes a digital screen that shows a live camera feed from directly behind the car, so you can still see what's behind even if the rear window is obscured. LED headlights are standard on all versions, although stepping up to R-Dynamic SE trim also gets you high-beam assist. Pixel LED lights, meanwhile, are available as an option – these can stay set to main beam even when you don’t have the road to yourself, by shaping their light output to avoid dazzling other road users.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plush ride and the ability to cruise in near-silence </li> <li>Powerful and efficient engine</li> <li>Space for passengers to stretch out in the rear seats</li> <li>Exquisite materials and build quality</li> <li>Endless luxuries on the options list</li> <li>Sensible fuel and tax bills</li></ul>

If you’re in the market for a luxury car, you’ll be after a sumptuous interior, a ride that can soak up the worst of the UK’s pockmarked roads and supreme refinement that allows you to travel at speed in near-silence.

Your cheapest (and smallest) options are the Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class and brilliant BMW 5 Series, the latter of which is so good we voted it our 2017 Car of the Year. Larger options that are definitely worth considering if you plan to travel in the back include the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and the Mercedes S-Class, which is beautifully finished inside and not as expensive to run as you might think.

Or if money really is no object at all, the Rolls-Royce Ghost is hard to overlook – especially in extended-wheelbase form. It’s as opulent as cars get.

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Jaguar XF review

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