The F-Type, the F-Type, the F-Type. Ever wonder how Emma Watson's sisters feel? Well, the Jaguar XF does.
While the pretty, two-door F-Type sports car gets all the paparazzi's attention, the four-door XF sedan continues to best it in sales. There's a practicality here, one that's doubled by the traction provided by the all-wheel drive system.
The XF, then, is the Jaguar bought by those who want a little everyday livability with their style. However, without the glittering halo cast by the spotlight, how does this more-sensible Jaguar hold up in the ordinary world?
Design
First off, no, it's not quite as gorgeous as the F-Type, but the XF is no shrinking violet. It's not a fussy shape, a silhouette made with classic English understatement, but there's just enough standing out here to be unique.
The side vents are better executed than some of the German competition, the grille isn't so large as to be overbearing but adds a nice bright spot of chrome, and the snarling, red-ringed Jaguar's head in front takes the place of the beat-you-over-the-head-with-it aggression you find in other marques. It's an older design, but one that's aged well.
This being the Luxury model, the wheel choice is a 19-inch multi-spoke alloy that's again not all that fussy. If you'd like your cat's-paws to have a little more claw, the Sport versions have really great looking 20-inch grey wheels.
Environment
Powering up the XF is done by pressing a "beating" red starter button for a second or so, causing the engine to fire and the air vents to slowly rotate open. It's a neat bit of theatre, similar to that found inside the F-Type. However, the XF is a bit more like the now-defunct XK coupe on the inside. There's nothing about the interior that jumps out at you as a wow factor, and the navigation and infotainment screen is a little on the small side.
There's Old World, and then there's getting a little bit old. The XF was launched in 2008 as a 2009 model, and on the inside at least, it's now out-styled by the competition.
However, taste is a subjective thing, and there's something to be said about the simplicity of the Jaguar's controls, dial-shifter, and generally uncluttered layout. Were it not for the way infotainment functionality is impacted by being squeezed a bit by that small touchscreen, the ergonomics would be just fine.
Performance
Jaguar offers the XF in Canada with a 2.0-litre turbo engine making 240 horsepower, a 3.0-litre supercharged V-6 making 340 h.p., and a 5.0-litre supercharged V-8 making 510 h.p. This week's tester had the middle option, and while I briefly wished for the bonkers V-8, the feeling went away every time I drove past a gas station.
The supercharged six is a lovely little motor, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that's also well up to the task. This being the Luxury model, both the ride and feel of the drive are a little on the soft side, a little of that grace that forms the old Jaguar byline of Grace, Pace, and Space.
Punt the car into sport mode and start asking for a little more from the engine and transmission, and the XF responds with surprising alacrity. While not as fresh as the aluminium-intensive construction that's coming our way with the new XE sedan and F-Pace crossover, the XF's chassis is actually very finely tuned.
The all-wheel-drive system has no issues putting the power down from a launch, where the XF feels considerably faster than its quoted 0-100 kilometres per hour time of 6.4 seconds. Once on the move, the system reverts to a rear-drive bias that hustles quite nicely, even if this is the softer, luxury model. The steering isn't super-communicative, feeling like it's tuned primarily for comfort, but there's plenty of grippy confidence here to be had.
And while we're on the subject of confidence, let's talk about the Anglo-Indian elephant in the room: reliability. Traditionally, Jags have been just the thing to buy if you wanted a car that self-changed both oil and coolant by leaking both all over your driveway.
Like all modern complicated luxury sedans, I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of a service bill in 15 years time. However, under parent company Tata's control, both Jaguar and Land Rover have improved by - pardon the pun - leaps and bounds, to the point where they're not far off the German competition. And if you're going to lease one during the warranty coverage period anyway, it's up to your service adviser to keep a stiff upper lift.
Compared to the fleets of 5 Series BMWs and E-Class Mercedes-Benzes I passed, the XF did indeed feel like something unique and special. That's just the job a Jaguar is supposed to do.
Features
As mentioned, the XF is a little behind the times in terms of infotainment. The touchscreen navigation works just fine, but hooking up an iPod took a little longer than expected, and there was no Bluetooth streaming audio.
However, for $67,500, this Luxury-level XF came with a 10-speaker audio system, a stop-start system, and a backup camera. It also had an optional heated windscreen, which might not be an absolute necessity in the lower mainland.
Fuel economy for all-wheel drive and a supercharged V-6 isn't bad, rated at 13.9 litres/100 kilometres city and 8.8 l/100km highway. Observed economy hit right between those parameters, thanks to some mild weather.
Green light
Good feature load-out; smooth, comfortable ride; easy-to-use infotainment; excellent space.
Stop sign
Sedate interior styling; cramped infotainment; retained value and reliability not as good as competition.
The checkered flag
A nicely equipped and styled alternative to the ubiquitous German offerings. Pip-pip, eh what?
Competition
Mercedes-Benz E350 ($59,500): Recently restyled, Mercedes-Benz's E-Class is now basically a slightly smaller S-Class - and that's a good thing. You can get it with all manner of options, and the model range spreads from sedan to convertible to 577 h.p. station wagon. You get one guess as to which one I'm buying when I win the lottery.
Compared to the XF, the E-Class is a known quantity, with a comfortable ride and a stunning array of technology. The only real knock against it is its popularity. If you own one of these cars, you'll very likely park next to your twin from time to time.
