Jaguar XF 25t road test review
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Luxury life is hotting up for Jaguar. The brand is building momentum thanks to its entry-level XE and its inaugural SUV, the F-Pace, arrives next month, opening the door to a new breed of buyers. They're two crucial models in developing the brand that was struggling for a luxury identity under former owner Ford.
But a rare mainstay of the Jaguar lineup – the mid-to-large sedan – has soldiered on, recently replaced with an all new XF, the car we've tested here. While the design is very much in keeping with the previous XF – and the XE, for that matter – the all-new model is fresh from the ground up, sitting on a new platform and with all new metal.
Yet the XF has plenty of headwind in the form of the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class that dominate this segment in terms of sales. Each of the German rivals will usher in an all-new model within 12 months, something set to ramp up the pressure on the hard charging Jag.
What do you get?
Value may not be the number one consideration at this end of the market, but it still plays a part. So Jaguar's starting price of $82,800 gives it a decent start against its predominantly German rivals. The range continues up to $128,200 for a supercharged V6 that for now is the performance hero.
There are five engine choices, the 20d (2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel), 30d (3.0-litre twin turbo V6 diesel), 25t (2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol), 35t (3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol), S (a more powerful version of the same supercharged V6). You can then choose between four trim levels – Prestige, Portfolio, R-Sport and S – not all of which are available with all engines.
Taking a broad view, the Prestige is the most affordable and more traditionally presented with 18-inch alloy wheels. The Portfolio adds bigger wheels (19s) and some extra gear, including head-up display and digital radio. The R-Sport gets a body kit as part of its visual changes as well as sports suspension. And the S adds more sporty touches, including adjustable dampers ($2400 on other models), but is reserved for the flagship supercharged V6 petrol engine.
The car we've tested here is the XF 25t R-Sport, which sells for $89,800.
Included with all XFs are rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, dual-zone ventilation, smart key entry and start, parking sensors front and rear, reversing camera, electric front seats, leather trim and alloy wheels.
Safety is also a strong suit, something that needed to be following the disappointing independent crash test results of the original XF. As well as a structure that now earns a five-star rating, there's auto emergency braking standard, as well as lane departure warning and six airbags for full outboard head coverage.
Yet at the same time there's plenty left to the options list, something that can quickly ramp up the retail price of an XF. Options include everything from heated seats and digital radio to a sunroof and all sorts of colour and trim options. You can also up the standard 8.0-inch centre touchscreen to 10.2 inches.
It's worth keeping in mind that if you don't want a white or black XF then you're paying between $2000 and $4000 more for one of 15 metallic hues.
Jaguar offers service plans, too, for up-front payments of a service schedule. For the 25t it provides 96,000km and six years of servicing for $1350.
What's inside?
Like the exterior, the XF's cockpit is similar to other Jaguars, which means a well-positioned steering wheel with a tactile, chunky hold. There are hints of Jaguar theatre; the lower of three blue-lit strips dips around the volume button to replicate the semi circles in the LED shape of the tail lights, for example. And the start-stop button pulses red when you first sit in the car, at which point the outer air vents twirl around, ready for operation. The gear selector rises from the console, too. Touch sensitive overhead lights are a nice touch, although it pays to play around with them to familiarise yourself with which mode you're selecting.
There are also Jaguar badges everywhere, from the front door sills and centre of the dash to the silver streaks on the air vents. Clearly Jaguar feels it has a branding job to achieve.
There's the occasional letdown to the distinctive presentation that is much lighter on for traditional wood, long a hallmark for the marque. For example, the scratchy plastics on either side of the centre console feel cheaper than the softer (and classier) dash top. And the window switch cluster for the driver is a fraction too much of a reach forward. The general layout, too – with a dominant curve on the high dash – is an acquired taste.
The instrument cluster is dominated by two vaguely retro dials, but it's the central display and head up that is most useful for keeping track of what's going on, displaying a digital speedo and myriad trip computer details.
In the centre, it's all about the touchscreen (8.0-inch standard, or you can option a 10.2-inch screen) that's split into four quadrants for easy diving between audio, phone, navigation and settings.
There are two cupholders and a covered console, neither of which provides much storage space. But combined with a phone-sized hole ahead of the circular gear selector it somehow seems adequate.
Where the XF makes up points is in the back seat, especially for owners of the original XF. As well as nicely sculpted outer pews and air vents to feed fresh air aft, there's plentiful head room. That rear space is an impressive feat given the sleek, svelte shape of the roofline, although kids may not like the relatively high windowline that reduces side vision for smaller humans.
Under-thigh support is also great, while there's some room to slide feet under the front seats, cementing the comfort equation.
Three across the rear is more of a challenge, largely because of the hump in the centre of the floor. But there's at least breadth there to cater for a trio of adult bums.
The boot is long and broad, although not particularly tall. Helping its functionality is the 40/20/40 split-fold rear seat, for more loading options of long or bulky items.
Under the bonnet
While Jaguar is slowly updating its range to include the new-generation Ingenium engines it designed in-house with sister brand Land Rover, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo currently in the XF hails from the old days of Ford ownership.
It's a strong mill, mustering 177kW of power and 340Nm of torque, the latter from just 1750rpm. And paired to the intuitive eight-speed automatic it makes for a broad spread of usable urge.
Left in Drive it's a sucker for low revs and high gears as it chases fuel economy, something not as suited to the sporty nature of the car. But choose the Dynamic mode and S (for Sport) and the transmission is more likely to hold a ratio, allowing better access to the punch on tap, revving cleanly to 6500rpm.
That said, it's an engine that feels like it's more about getting the job done than the excitement and verve some expect from a Jaguar.
Fuel use is claimed at 7.5 litres per 100km, which is towards the thirsty end for this sort of vehicle. And you can expect to use closer to 10L/100km in regular driving.
On the road
It's clear dynamics have been a major focus for the XF. In gentle driving it is a relaxed and calm cruiser. Despite low profile 19-inch tyres the ride is compliant over sloppy surfaces, albeit with the occasional sharp hit through the body on more challenging imperfections. It's also respectably quiet and refined.
Yet it's when pushed that the XF starts to show off its engineering maturity and the effort that's gone into ensuring it's an enjoyable car to punt along. It's a car that seems to get better with pace. Launch it at a bend and it tucks its nose in intently, clawing the road in the process, something helped by decent grip from the Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres. There's a fluidity to its brisk progress, with excellent poise reinforcing confidence. Indeed the XF covers twisty ground with grace and surprising haste.
Steering, too, is accurate and responsive and, again, comes alive when on a more challenging stretch of bends. It really is a fantastic car to enjoy the drive in.
The XF's brakes admirably arrest 1.6 tonnes, only tending towards fade after repeated punishment.
Verdict
For those used to German luxury the XF is something of an acquired taste; its interior, for example, is completely different to anything from the traditional prestige brigade; while there are positive elements, parts of the presentation are let down by some of the finishes.
And while the four-cylinder engine delivers decent performance, it's not the standout for this big cat, especially when it comes to frugality.
Instead, it's the way it tackles bumps and corners that cements the XF as a highly accomplished four-door that deserves consideration for those shelling out close to six figures.
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2016 Jaguar XF 25t price and specifications
Price: $89,800, plus on-road and dealer costs
Country of origin: England
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 177kW at 5500rpm
Torque: 340Nm at 1750-4000rpm
Fuel use: 7.5L/100km
CO2 emissions: 179g/km
Transmission: 8-speed auto, rear-wheel-drive
Weight: 1590kg
Safety: 6 airbags, stability control
The Competitors
BMW 528i Luxury
Price: $97,900, plus on-road and dealer costs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol; 180kW/350Nm; 8-speed auto; rear-drive
Fuel use/CO2 emissions: 6.7L/100km, 156g/km
Safety: 8 airbags, stability control
Pros: Free-revving engine meshes beautifully with eight-speed auto; dynamic nous
Cons: Suspension can crash into large bumps; interior storage light-on
Our score: 7/10
Mercedes-Benz E250
Price: $96,900, plus on-road and dealer costs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol; 155kW/350Nm; 7-speed auto; rear-drive
Fuel use/CO2 emissions: 6.4L/100km, 148g/km
Safety: 9 airbags, stability control
Pros: Spacious interior; comfortable and quiet; well equipped
Cons: Auto transmission not as sporty as some; new model around the corner
Our score: 7/10
Audi A6 1.8 TFSI
Price: $80,990, plus on-road and dealer costs
Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol; 140kW/320Nm; 7-speed auto; front-drive
Fuel use/CO2 emissions: 5.7L/100km, 133g/km
Safety: 8 airbags, stability control
Pros: Willing engine and slick transmission; spacious cabin and boot; classy interior
Cons: Petrol engine options limited; not as engaging to drive as rear-drive rivals
Our score: 7/10