Used Jaguar XF Sportbrake long-term test: report 5

The car Jaguar XF Sportbrake R-Sport 2.0i 300PS petrol AWD Run by Alastair Clements, special contributor

Why it’s here Now that the facelifted model has been released, there are some great deals to be had on nearly new XFs. How does it stack up as a used buy?

Needs to Offer driver appeal and practicality in equal measure as it juggles the dual roles of executive express and family hauler

Mileage 9358 List price new (2018) £47,415 Price new with options £55,315 Value now £21,406 Test economy 19.4mpg Official economy 28.9mpg (WLTP)

20 April 2021 – Change isn’t always for the better

The second-generation Jaguar XF Sportbrake has been with us for more than five years, and while it still looks sharp on the outside, the interior in particular is beginning to look rather long in the tooth. That’s why Jaguar has just treated it to some cosmetic surgery to give it a refresh that should help it to compete against talented opposition such as the BMW 5 Series Touring and Volvo V90.

The interior has been the recipient of the most significant changes, the obvious one being the huge 11.4in ‘Pivi Pro’ touchscreen infotainment system, shared with the Jaguar F-Pace. 

So does my used car feel like a second-class citizen? I’m not sure that it does. Yes, the new car looks more modern and a little fresher thanks to the increased use of satin aluminium trim, but to my eyes it’s also a little fussier. The loss of the start-up performance, when the air vents rotate through 180 degrees and the transmission controller rises theatrically between the seats, seems a bit of a shame – even if it was more Roger Moore-era James Bond than The Matrix.

The screen on my car is smaller too, at 10.2in, and mounted a little low, but the sat-nav itself is intuitive and quick to pick a route. I also love the lay-out, with the dashboard designed to wrap around you like an aircraft cockpit, which gives an intimate feel that makes the car feel smaller and sportier than its external dimensions might suggest.

While there isn’t much to lift the gloom of the black-on-black finish, the wonderful panoramic roof – for which the first owner had to foot the £1125 bill – prevents it from feeling oppressive. Another pleasing feature that someone else had to pay for is the brilliant head-up display, which is a godsend when you’re enjoying the XF’s performance on a challenging road. That would have set me back £1270 if this had been a brand-new car.

I think I’d have been annoyed if I’d paid £980 for keyless entry, though, because it rarely seems to work. Despite that gripe, knowing you’re driving £55,315 worth of motor for less than half price is a very nice feeling indeed.

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