What is it?

Back in 2007, the XF was responsible for giving its rivals - Mercedes, Audi and BMW quite a shock, and gave Jaguar a much needed boost, not to mention filling up their award cabinet. It was an instant hit.

When this, the second generation XF arrived in 2015, it was re-fettled using aluminium which made it significantly lighter, and, coupled with new diesel engines and transmissions, made it one of the most efficient cars in its class.

So, with its great reputation, and being the only Jaguar from the current line up that I hadn’t driven, it would be an understatement to say that I was looking forward to putting it through its paces.

On the road

Our first jaunt was a 2 hour trek to Harrogate. On the M62 the R-Sport wafted along with hardly a murmur of road noise.  Then, through the outskirts of Bradford heading towards the airport, it coped admirably with the pothole ridden roads, which surprised me due to its sportier R-Sport spec..  Just like a Jag should be, it was comfortable and relaxing when you want it to be, yet predictable and stable when you’re feeling a little boisterous.

On unrestricted country roads, all I can say is that it loved being flung around corners. It was well poised and balanced, but there were times that I wished I had the more powerful version.  Having said that, the 177bhp 2.0ltr turbo diesel is no slouch and gets you to 60mph in 7.9 seconds, with a top whack of 136mph. Although I love a manual gearbox, the 8-speed automatic is such a delight to use, and if it was my money, that’s what I‘d go for.

The electric power assisted steering needs a mention too, it’s light and accurate, even though the XF is quite a big car.  It was the same when I drove its bigger sibling last year, the long wheelbase XJ, it felt so nimble and light.

With a wad of electronic wizardry, new suspension and a severe weight loss program, the result is that the XF is great fun to drive.

Off road

Of course I didn’t take it off-road.  However, the AWD system isn’t just for keeping you on tarmac, nope, you have Jaguar’s ‘All Surface Progress Control’ (ASPC) which gives you added confidence in slippery conditions.  ASPC automatically controls the throttle and brakes enabling to pull away smoothly up to 19mph, whether that’s on snowy driveway, an icy incline or even towing on wet grass.

The system not only proved a very useful when I borrowed the F-Pace and nearly got myself bogged in soft sand, but as you can see in some of the photos, it proved its worth on an icy road in the middle of nowhere!

Interior

Although I was a little unkind about the similar dash layout in the F-Pace, I think it suits the XF much better, it’s clean and uncluttered.  I particularly like the way, when you switch on the ignition, that the rotary gear lever rises and the 2 outer air vents open up.  Yes it’s a gimmick, but I like it!  

Both the front and rear seats deserve a special mention for comfort and support, as well as more space than the outgoing model. On the subject of space, the boot is cavernous, and that’s before you flip the rear seats flat!

There are four trim levels to choose from: Prestige, R-Sport, Portfolio and S. The entry-level models get bi-xenon headlights, leather seats and JLR's 8.0in Incontrol infotainment system, while the R-Sport trim offers a more aggressive stance with sports seats and sporty suspension. The top of the range trim for the Portfolio models includes keyless entry, a Meridian sound system, front parking sensors and reversing camera and more.

Engines 'n' transmissions

The XF comes with numerous options, from a 2.0ltr, 160bhp RWD diesel manual that can achieve a combined 71mpg, to the range topping 2.0ltr 250bhp AWD petrol that will reach 150mph, and give you a combined 41mpg.

This was the 2.0ltr turbo diesel with the following stats: 177bhp - 136mph, 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds, 58mpg combined, C02 = 129 g/km

Conclusion

Ever since I clapped eyes on Jaguar's beautiful Series 3, with its classic lines, pepper-pot wheels, 6-cylinder and V12 engines, I was in automotive love.  But time stands still for no man, or woman, and the XF was born to compete in a particular niche, which it does with style.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed the XF experience, I wouldn’t buy one, and that’s for the same reason I wouldn’t buy a Range Rover Sport. It isn’t because they’re bad cars, they aren’t, far from it, it’s purely because I know that there’s something bigger and better lurking around the corner, and in the Jag's case, it’s the XJR. 

Base price - £38,650 Incl options £48,995

Website: www.jaguar.co.uk