X MARKS THE SPOT (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_jaguarxf_2018

By Jonathan Crouch

The Jaguar XF has evolved and improved, now offering a smarter package that includes the brand's mild hybrid tech. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 72

If you think the big three prestigious German brands have the Executive car segment sewn-up, a drive in the improved version of Jaguar's second generation XF may be enough to make you reconsider. Even in the face of tough competition from rivals like the BMW 5 Series, the Mercedes E-Class and the Audi A6, this car still offers quite a compelling range of virtues. But it won't be around for much longer.

Backgroundword count: 188

This MK2 Jaguar XF, launched back in 2015, proved to be lighter, more efficient and packed with technology, an improvement on its predecessor in every possible respect, aided by its hi-tech aluminium-intensive architecture. But time moves on. Since then, we've seen all-new versions of all this car's key market rivals, yet the XF still soldiers on as a bit of a left-field choice in the full-sized executive segment. Earlier in 2024, it got its final update before production ended in the summer, but it'll stay on sale until the end of the year aiming to offer a more sporting, dynamic choice in the full-sized Executive segment. To put that in competitive context, it's more BMW 5 Series than Audi A6 or Mercedes E-Class, though buyers of all three of these cars might still be tempted by this model's luxurious cabin technology and very affordable pricing. In the last decade, German rivals like these have dominated this market sector as Jaguar re-built its reputation amongst business buyers. And this is still an elegant, progressive display of British engineering and craftsmanship. Is it worth a last look? Let's find out.

Driving Experienceword count: 250

Stay with us here. The XF range still hinges around a 2.0-litre diesel four-cylinder engine and while that doesn't sound too exciting, it's where the sales are. It now comes in a single 204PS D200 state of tune, offered with rear wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and features the brand's MHEV mild hybrid engine tech, which can assist the engine under acceleration. As a result, the rear-driven model gets to 60mph in 7.1s. The conventional petrol options continue much as before, 250 or 300PS versions of Jaguar's usual 2.0-litre Ingenium unit in the P250 (RWD) and P300 (AWD) variants. Both feature the engine technologies including a twin scroll turbocharger and Continuous Variable Valve Lift (CVVL), for a strong combination of refined performance and efficiency. The P250 makes 60mph in 6.5s, which the P300 AWD variant manages the same sprint in 5.8s. All engines are paired with Jaguar's eight-speed automatic gearbox, which can be controlled using the steering wheel shift paddles for added driver engagement. Across the XF range, driving dynamics suit a relaxed but purposeful style. The chassis delivers near perfect 50:50 weight distribution and huge strides have been made to perfect refinement. Ride is another class-leading XF quality. This Jaguar shares its suspension set-up with the smaller XE model, which means struts with double wishbones at the front and an 'integral link' independent set-up at the rear. The steering uses the same electric power-assisted set-up as the Jaguar F-Type and XE, while active dampers are on the options list.

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