The Jaguar XF has won much praise from motoring journos across the world for being the first Jag in a long, long time to shed the brand’s somewhat dowdy image in favour of a truly modern and dynamic one. This is a Jaguar that’s properly equipped to take the brand out of the 20th century and into the 21st, and it’s a mighty impressive piece of kit.

In fact, the lads over at British car mag Auto Express have been so impressed by the XF that they’ve voted it in as both ‘Car of the Year’ and ‘Best Executive Car’, adding to the growing list of accolades the XF has accumulated since its launch.

It’s been recognised for being the best diesel car (What Diesel), the best limousine (Top Gear), having the best sound system (What Hi-Fi?) and for having the best interior (CAR), in addition to the three other ‘Car of the Year’ awards its also managed to snare.

The XF represents a new dawn for Jaguar and its timing could not have been better. Before it arrived in Jaguar showrooms, the automaker was burdened by a stale lineup that was mostly favoured by retirees. Now, thanks to the XF, Jaguar has a car that can appeal to younger, hipper audiences while still keeping those octogenarians happy, and the fact that it can comfortably beat its German rivals in terms of equipment and dynamics certainly helps it justify its existence.

With over 22,000 orders placed for the XF worldwide, it’s clear that the driving public shares Auto Express’s optimism. The car has helped lift Jaguar sales by 29.2 per cent over the same time last year, which is great news for a brand that’s only just recently changed owners. Suffice to say, it’s clear that the whatever car Jaguar releases next, it’ll have a hard act to follow.

[Auto Express]