Jaguar XF Sedan-2014

PREVIEW

When you first start shopping for a midsize luxury sedan or performance sedan, the all-star models from Germany are likely to come to mind first. And certainly you're justified in starting and stopping your car search right there. But if you expand your horizons a little, you'll find that the 2014 Jaguar XF is equally as desirable and tops those class leaders in a few areas.

Where the Jaguar XF primarily sets itself apart from rival luxury sedans and sport sedans is in its distinctly British personality. Other luxury midsize sedans have a certain austerity and seriousness to their design. With the 2014 Jaguar XF, there's a palpable sense of occasion as the start button pulses red before start-up, the gear selector dial rises to meet your hand and the air vents appear seemingly from nowhere. And while the mainstream German sedans have a reputation for being drivers' cars, the midsize XF is just as engaging to drive and, when equipped with Jaguar's potent supercharged V8 engine, it's a roaring good time by anyone's standards. Further, the XF doesn't sacrifice luxury in the name of performance. Ride comfort and interior materials quality are on par with the competition.

Jaguar also offers plenty of variety in the XF lineup. On the entry-level end, there's a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder model. We don't find it very inspiring to drive, but if top fuel economy and an affordable price are what you're after, this is the XF to get. Still, most shoppers will find it worthwhile to step up to the V6-equipped XF 3.0, which provides brisk acceleration and offers an all-wheel-drive option as well. Then, there's the XF Supercharged. Along with stirring performance, this model receives higher-end interior furnishings that almost put it in another class. Finally, the performance-focused XFR and the ridiculously potent XFR-S add a strong dose of adrenaline to the mix.

An outdated infotainment interface is the main drawback to the Jaguar XF, as the car's audio-navigation system is more complicated to use, slower to react and generally less functional than the newer systems found in the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Moreover, you'll find that some of the leading-edge safety technology offered on these rivals simply isn't available on the Jag. In spite of these issues, the 2014 Jaguar XF is still well worth considering alongside the competition. It may just provide that elusive character that you find missing from the others.

FEATURES

Classified as a midsize luxury sedan, the 2014 Jaguar XF is offered in six trim levels based on drivetrain choices. These start with the base 2.0T and climb upward to the 3.0, 3.0 AWD, Supercharged, XFR and new XFR-S.

Standard features for the XF 2.0T include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic self-leveling xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, six-way power-adjustable heated front seats, driver memory functions, a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a 10-speaker audio system with CD player, iPod integration and USB and auxiliary audio inputs.

Besides adding a supercharged V6 engine, stepping up to the XF 3.0 and 3.0 AWD (all-wheel drive) gets you 19-inch wheels, automatic engine stop-start and selectable winter and dynamic driving modes.

For the 2.0T and 3.0 trims, a number of option packages can be added. The Portfolio Pack adds upgraded leather upholstery, a 16-way adjustable driver seat (12-way front passenger) and ventilated front seats. Technology features come from the Premium Pack option, which fits the XF with keyless ignition/entry, front and rear parking sensors, a voice-activated navigation system, a rearview camera and an upgraded 12-speaker Meridian sound system with HD and satellite radio. There's a Cold Weather Pack with a heated windshield and a heated steering wheel. Lastly, there's the Vision Pack with adaptive headlights, automatic high-beam control, auto-dimming sideview mirrors and a blind-spot monitoring system.

The XF Supercharged comes with almost all of the above options as standard (minus the adaptive and high-beam controlled headlights) and further adds a supercharged V8 engine, an adaptive suspension and 20-inch wheels with performance tires.

The XFR draws a bit more power from the supercharged V8 and adds the adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, a rear spoiler, extended side sills, unique exterior and interior trim, a power rear sunshade, front sport seats (18-way adjustable driver, 14-way passenger), 60/40-split-folding rear seats with pass-through and a 17-speaker Meridian surround-sound audio system.

The new XFR-S is limited to only 100 examples in the United States and has an increased power output, a carbon-fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, alloy pedals and piano black interior trim.

The folding rear seats and 17-speaker sound system in the XFR and XFR-S are optional on the other XFs, as are a variety of wheels, exterior and interior trim and styling upgrades, and adaptive cruise control.

INTERIOR

Bringing the Jaguar XF to life is a bit of an event unto itself. Pressing the pulsating starter button also triggers the gear selector dial to rise from its flush position on the center console, and what were once flat dash-panel elements rotate to reveal the air vents. The cabin retains much of the old-world charm of Jaguars past, but with a modern interpretation that includes contemporary materials. That said, you're likely to find the seating a little tighter in both the front and rear compared with the accommodations in the E-Class and 5 Series. But it's entirely suitable for a true midsize luxury sedan, and the sense of compactness contributes to the Jag's more engaging feel once you're behind the wheel.

Cargo capacity, on the other hand, is quite generous for a midsize luxury sedan at 17.7 cubic feet. Split-folding rear seats further increase capacity and allow for the transport of longer items; they're standard on the XFR and XFR-S and optional on other XFs. Along with the folding seats, you also get a center pass-through with a ski bag.

The only notable disappointments in the XF's interior are the limited rearward visibility and the outdated infotainment system. Large roof pillars limit the view behind, requiring reliance on the parking sensors or rearview camera that is optional on lower trims. Jaguar's infotainment interface trails competing systems with its small display, plain graphics, slightly delayed responses and over-complicated menu structure.

UNDER THE HOOD

With five different engines, the 2014 Jaguar XF lineup has something for every taste and budget. The XF 2.0T is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 240 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission available, and it sends power to the rear wheels. In Autoexpress testing, this model accelerated to 60 mph in 8 seconds, which is slow for a base-model sedan in this class. On the plus side, the XF 2.0T is rated at an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined (19 city/30 highway).

The XF 3.0 makes use of a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine rated at 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants are available, and Jaguar estimates the rear-drive version will reach 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, while the AWD model is claimed to make the same run in 6.1 seconds. The EPA estimates fuel economy for the rear-drive 3.0 at 21 mpg combined (17 city/28 highway) and the AWD version at 19 mpg combined (16/26).

Things start getting serious with the XF Supercharged, which sports a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 producing 470 hp and 424 lb-ft of torque. In testing, we hit the 60 mph mark in a quick 4.5 seconds. The more potent XFR squeezes out 510 hp and 461 lb-ft from the supercharged V8, and the XFR-S manages a further increase to 550 hp and 502 lb-ft. In Autoexpress testing, the XFR-S accelerated to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Despite the spread in power output, the EPA rates all V8-powered XFs at 18 mpg combined (15/23).

All V6- and V8-powered Jaguar XF sedans have an automatic stop-start function that shuts off the engine at stops to increase fuel economy.

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Jaguar-XF-Sedan-2013

PREVIEW

Midsize sedans, even those from premium automakers, can have a certain me-too kind of presence. Usually, there's only so much designers can do, or have been willing to do, with a four-door sedan aimed at generally conservative and cautious buyers. But the 2013 Jaguar XF happens to be a pleasant exception. With a design presence and air of exclusivity, the XF makes an impression that its more mainstream rivals struggle to replicate.

Distinctiveness is on display for the XF's interior, where the pulsing-red start button and transmission gear selector that rises from its resting position in the center console stand in stark, high-tech relief to the dense leather and wood that more symbolizes Jaguar's past. There's still plenty of leather in there, but it now competes with convincing metal and plastic finishes and a deluge of electronics features to define the XF's unique, effective and impressive interior.

Mechanically, there are a lot of changes for the 2013 Jaguar XF. Two new engines debut: a turbocharged four-cylinder and a supercharged V6. The new supercharged 3.0-liter V6 -- it replaces the now-discontinued base 5.0-liter V8 -- pumps out a healthy 340 horsepower that certainly befits a sport sedan. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder may be pushing the boundaries of luxury-car acceptability, but it does pump out 240 hp and returns pretty good fuel economy. All-wheel drive is a new addition to the 2013 XF as well, though for now it's only offered with the V6. Of course, the supercharged V8 remains on tap for those placing a priority on power.

These 2013 additions certainly help round out what was already one of the more distinctive choices in the midsize luxury sedan segment. Granted, the XF still has some flaws, most notably its awkward electronics interface and a lingering reputation for less-than-stellar reliability. But overall we like the XF and find it to be a great choice among more mainstream luxury sedans such as the 2013 BMW 5 Series, 2013 Lexus GS and 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

FEATURES

The 2013 Jaguar XF comes in five distinct trims: XF 2.0; XF 3.0; XF 3.0 AWD and the high-performance XF Supercharged and XFR.

The 2.0 and 3.0 models comes standard with 18-inch wheels (19s for AWD), automatic bi-xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, a sunroof, automatic wipers, cruise control, automatic dual-zone climate control, heated six-way power front seats, driver memory functions, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Other standard equipment for all XFs includes Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 7-inch touchscreen display and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player and a USB/iPod interface.

The optional Convenience package adds keyless ignition/entry, auto-dimming side mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, voice controls and a rear sunshade. The Premium package includes adaptive front headlights, front parking sensors, a rearview camera, a navigation system and a 12-speaker Meridian premium sound system with satellite radio. A Cold Weather package adds a heated steering wheel and a heated windshield.

The XF Portfolio Pack adds upgraded leather upholstery, 16-way front seats with ventilation and a faux-suede headliner. A Sport Portfolio package variant is also offered; it further adds 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels and special interior and exterior trim.

Along with their more powerful V8s, the XF Supercharged and XFR models include the contents of all the available XF option packages. The XF Supercharged and XFR also are fitted with an adaptive suspension, bigger brakes, 20-inch wheels and summer tires. Adaptive cruise control, a high-output 17-speaker Meridian surround-sound audio system and 60/40-split-folding rear seats are stand-alone options.

INTERIOR

Although the inside of the XF is far from the spongy lounges of Jaguar's past, there's still an overall feeling of warmth and texture that the more tech-oriented interiors of Jaguar's German rivals can't generate. There are large expanses of aluminum on the dashboard facing and trim areas, but the look is of high fashion rather than hard metal and it mixes elegantly with the soft leather on the XF's seats and small areas of wood trim. The gauge cluster is modern but simple, with the attention going to the automatic transmission's signature "handshake," rising out of the center console each time the driver triggers the engine's start button.

The XF's center console is dominated by a touchscreen navigation system. It's been improved over the years, but compared to the electronic interfaces found in other midsize luxury sedans, the Jag's still suffers from slow response times, antiquated menu structures and a smallish display.

While backseat headroom and rear visibility are at a premium, the XF's trunk capacity, at 17 cubic feet, is one of the segment's largest.

UNDER THE HOOD

The 2013 Jaguar XF lineup introduces two completely new engines: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a supercharged 3.0-liter V6.

The four-cylinder becomes the XF's base engine and develops 240 hp and 251 pound-feet of torque. As with every 2013 XF engine, the four-cylinder is coupled to the all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy ratings for the XF 2.0 are 19 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. In Autoexpress testing, the four-cylinder XF accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8 seconds, which is below average for a base-model midsize luxury sedan.

The XF 3.0 carries the new supercharged V6 that churns out 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, figures that are not far off from the previous 5.0-liter V8. A 0-60 time of around 5.7 seconds is expected. The V6 is the only engine that can be linked to all-wheel drive. Fuel economy stands at 17/28/21 for rear-drive and 16/26/19 with AWD. The four-cylinder and V6 engines also have automatic engine stop-start functionality at stoplights to help achieve their fuel economy estimates.

The XF Supercharged packs a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that produces 470 hp and 424 lb-ft of torque. In Autoexpress testing, this engine propelled the car up to 60 mphin  a quick 4.5 seconds. A modified version of this engine in the XFR produces 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. Both have EPA ratings of 15/23/18. Expect acceleration from zero to 60 mph to be in the low 4-second range.

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