The Jaguar XF is the larger of Jaguar’s two current saloon cars. Since the departure of the luxurious Jaguar XJ, it sits at the top of the firm’s model line-up.
The Jaguar XF is a charismatic British alternative to the German cars that dominate this sector: that’s the Audi A6, the ever popular BMW 5 Series and the refined Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Jaguar puts the focus on sportiness, with the Jaguar XF offering driver-focused handling and a more assertive appearance than the usual executive car norm.
Following a facelift, interior quality has also increased to newfound levels, while prices have never been better value.
The latest Jaguar XF has been transformed since a mid-life facelift in 2021. This didn’t radically alter the exterior, which remains discreet-looking and understated, compared to, for example, the more exuberant Audi A6.
It did, however, introduce an all-new interior. This is head-and-shoulders above anything that went before. It’s appealing to look at, extremely high-quality, and has the sort of delicate detailing you normally associate with a Bentley. Jaguar overlooked nothing, and has even fitted active noise cancelling technology to ensure the Jaguar XF rolls along with the refinement befitting of such a plush cabin.
Jaguar also fits one of the best infotainment systems in the business, which it calls Pivi Pro. This large-format, high-definition system is super-slick to use and intuitive in a way few can match. It’s feature-packed, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa and numerous other functions.
The engine line-up is very focused these days. There’s now just a single fuel-efficient 2.0-litre diesel engine, plus a choice of two four-cylinder turbo petrol engines, offering up to 300PS. This has helped Jaguar significantly reduce prices for the Jaguar XF, making it look staggeringly good value alongside its rivals.
Pleasingly, the Jaguar XF still drives like a dream. It handles with rare finesse, boasting both a fluid ride and accurate, balanced handling. Its rivals set the bar high, but if you’re after the most rewarding large executive saloon car to drive, look no further.
Sure, it’s not the freshest car in this sector, and rear-seat passenger space isn’t a match for an Audi A6. The lack of plug-in hybrid tech also limits the Jaguar XF’s fortunes in the ultra-competitive company car sector. Nonetheless, if you want a car that feels like a Bentley for a quarter of the price, this big Jaguar saloon fits the bill.
The Jaguar XF remains competitive because of its superb-value pricing and its brilliant interior. It may be several years into its life, but it still cuts the mustard when you weigh up what it offers.
It’s one of the finest cars to drive in this sector, rewarding and pleasing the driver while rivals move towards autonomous convenience. The engines may not be the most exciting, but they still have enough power to enjoy the Jaguar XF on a twisting back road. This is a Jaguar that delivers the authentic experience the brand was once famous for.
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The one-two punch of a smooth automatic gearbox and gutsy diesel motor is still a powerful combination in large saloons, and for that reason, we think most buyers are best off with the rear-drive 2.0d with 180PS. It's got enough grunt to feel relaxed on the motorway, striking the best balance between cost and speed.
Yes, it's not likely to be the most popular fuel, but the shockingly high running costs and weaker in-gear stats of the petrols mean they're best avoided. Until Jaguar offers an efficient hybrid, the diesels are the best bet.
Prestige models come with all the kit you'll need, but if you are planning to upgrade, you'll get a lot more for your money by plumping for the luxurious Portfolio trim, instead of the sporty, but sparser R-Sport model.
For those buying used, bear in mind that Jaguar likes to update its cars every year, so the newest car you can afford will usually come with a better standard specification, infotainment system, or a smarter cabin.
Jaguar XF 2.0d 163 diesel: Available when the model first launched, this 2.0-litre diesel engine has 163PS with either a manual or automatic gearbox. It should manage a fuel economy of 50.4mpg and hit 62mph in 8.4 seconds with CO2 emissions of 99g/km.
Jaguar XF 2.0d 180 diesel: The more potent early 2.0-litre diesel engine upped power to 180PS, and came with a fuel economy of up to 50.9mpg. It would hit 62mph in 7.8 seconds with CO2 emissions of 109g/km.
Jaguar XF 3.0d 300 diesel: Available in the early days of this generation of XF, this 3.0-litre V6 diesel had 300PS, which meant a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds and up to 43.2mpg, with CO3 emissions of 169g/km.
Jaguar XF 3.0 Supercharged 380 petrol: The flagship engine at the XF's launch was a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 with 380PS. It would hit 62mph in just 5.3 seconds, although fuel consumption driopped to 34.0mpg. CO2 emissions were 198g/km.
Jaguar XF D200 diesel: A 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel with fuel-saving mild hybrid technology, the sole Jaguar diesel still made produces 204PS, for 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds. It averages an impressive 56.6mpg and company car drivers will pay tax on CO2 emissions of 131g/km. It is available either in rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive guises.
Jaguar XF P250 petrol: The entry-level current petrol engine produces 250PS and drives the rear wheels only. Zero to 62mph takes 6.9 seconds – making it as fast as a hot hatchback – but fuel economy drops to 33.5mpg and CO2 emissions are 190g/km.
Jaguar XF P300 petrol: A 300PS version of the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, the P300 is four-wheel drive, and does 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds. It also averages just 31.1mpg, while CO2 emissions rise further to 205g/km.
You can’t buy a poorly-equipped Jaguar XF. Since its mid-life refresh in 2020, the spec has been standardised to a high level that few rivals can match for the money. It means all model grades and trim levels are appealing, with comprehensive specs across the board.
The Jaguar XF Prestige was the entry-level XF when it was first introduced, but it's well appointed with leather heated seats, cruise control and satellite navigation.
The Jaguar XF R Sport model took things a step up from the Prestige with sports seats and a sportier look, with stiffer sports suspension to make the driving experience more engaging.
The Jaguar XF Portfolio boasts simliar levels of upgrade over the Prestige as the R-Sport, but with a less racy look and feel. The leather's nicer, the wheels are bigger and you get an upgraded Meridian sound system, too.
The Jaguar XF S was a trim reserved for the more powerful models when the XF launched. It boasted a sportier bodykit and 19-inch wheels, but most of the extras were under the bonnet.
The Jaguar XF Chequered Flag was introduced in 2019 as a special edition, with side vent badges, black alloy wheels and full-leather sports seats inside.
The Jaguar XF R-Dynamic S may be the current entry-level Jaguar XF, but even this has an extremely generous standard specification, including the firm’s latest award-winning Pivi Pro infotainment system.
The Jaguar XF R-Dynamic SE has luxurious extras, including larger alloy wheels and a crisp Meridian sound system.
The Jaguar XF R-Dynamic Black is a stylish alternative to SE grade, with an eye-catching black-themed exterior that also extends to the interior trim.
The Jaguar XF R-Dynamic HSE is the most luxurious Jaguar XF, thanks to an indulgent Windsor leather interior and multi-adjustable electric front seats.
The Jaguar XF 300 Sport is a sporting limited edition that combines the high spec of HSE with the stylish ‘black pack’ features of the R-Dynamic Black. It’s only available with the most powerful 300PS engine.
The Jaguar XF’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4962mm
Width: 1982mm
Height: 1456mm
Ground clearance: 135mm
The Jaguar XF’s boot size is:
448 litres
1474 litres with rear seats folded
Jaguar launched the current XF in 2015, and any cars registered before April 2017 will pay road tax based on their individual CO2 outputs. This could be £20 for a low-spec diesel, or up to £305 for the V6 S petrol.
All cars built after that pay the same flat-rate of VED. Currently this is set at £180 for petrol and diesels. Be aware that most of the range cost over £40,000 when new, and those cars attract a higher 'Premium' tax rate as well. This adds an extra £390 a year over the first five years of ownership after registration, before dropping down.
The Jaguar XF is a rather expensive car to insure, partly due to its lightweight aluminium-intensive construction. The Jaguar XF D200 diesel has insurance ratings starting from group 35 (out of 50), with the Jaguar XF P250 petrol from group 36. The more potent Jaguar XF P300 petrol is from group 38 upwards.