We journalists tend to judge vehicles relatively first of all. Relative to the competition of course. So it can happen that the actually convincing sedan of an imported brand in comparison with the always a little more perfectionist German competition draws the short straw. Brands like Lexus, Infiniti or Jaguar can sing a comparison test song about it.
As us the new one Jaguar XF was put in front of the door, so we were double curious. How well has the sedan of the upper middle class, both in comparison to the previous generation as well as with the predominantly German competition? The answers in advance, they are: very good and good.
With the big V6 diesel with 221 kW / 300 PS we had chosen perhaps the optimal combination of power, prestige and economy. Just for info: There are two more diesels on offer, four-cylinder with 163 and 180 PS - economical, but for the almost 5 meter long Jaguar maybe a little too much of the understatement. In addition, the British also offer two six-cylinder petrol engine, with either 340 or 380 PS. For those who would probably talk quite rough drinking habits only a gentler run and the available at extra cost all-wheel drive.
But now to our vehicle. At first glance, the XF, which has only been available in the new generation since autumn last year, has not changed so much visually at first glance. And yet the sedan looks much more dynamic and exudes more lightness, as the somewhat staid predecessor. The streamlined lines, the shortened front overhang, an extended wheelbase - all contribute to the impression that you are dealing with a sportsman in tailor-made: The elegance outweighs, but the muscles shimmering at every point through the fabric ergo the metal skin.
Incidentally, the lightness is not just about appearance: if the predecessor was still quite heavy, which was also noticeable in the lack of agility on the road, the new looks simply fresh. No wonder, according to Jaguar, the diet provides up to 190 kilograms less weight. The lightweight body alone should save up to 80 kilos compared to competitors.
That makes a positive difference in every way. The big diesel is the XF much less heavy on the front axle, as in the predecessor. The Jaguar has always been able to go straight and long distances, now it can also do bends and turns. Also thanks to the eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF, which always masters the situation. Let's talk about top speed and maximum speed here, mention only the 700 Newtonmeter torque at 2.000 rpm. No questions should be left unanswered. Oh yes, our test consumption was 7,2 liters (standard: 5,5 l), which is very acceptable given the performance.
We were delighted with the interior of the XF, the beautiful leather, the predominantly soft plastic, the clean processing. There are also advances in the area of operating logic, entertainment and navigation. However, there is still room for improvement here. As an example, the overloaded with buttons steering wheel is called, the menu is not always clear and the medium-speed navigation. We are silent on the variety of assistance systems available in the test car. They are sometimes more, sometimes less useful - but are probably just for a vehicle of this class today.
Nevertheless, and especially because of that, it is gratifying that the XF has remained a driver's car. Of course, in the back it sits very comfortably in the outer places. But as befits a Jaguar, the most beautiful place is front left (or front right in his home country). The Brit masters both the sporty-dynamic start as befits his outfit as the sovereign-calm appearance. The latter then even fits a bit better to drive, transmission and steering. And this, although the XF is by no means soft tuned, he seems even more taut and shares that on Querfugen also quite clearly. Does not matter, because overall it is in the interior very comfortable and quiet.
So it can be stated: The XF is a whole (car) world better than its predecessor and at the same time probably the best Jaguar in the range. And he moves as close to the German top dogs as never before. What's more, he actually drives for the first time in his career practically even at eye level.
Author: Peter Eck / SP-X