Launch Drive: Four model range for Jaguar XF

It was the original Jaguar XF that started the latest Jaguar revolution. Developed in the Ford days but launched in 2008 under Tata control, it provided the company with the Ian McCallum designed sports sedan template that spawned the XJ and XE.

No wonder then that the second incarnation of Jag’s mid-size premium sedan doesn’t appear much different from the outgoing model. Under the skin, though, it’s a completely different car. Like the smaller XE (and the imminently SA bound F-Pace) the latest Jaguar XF is underpinned by JLR’s new modular platform – making it lither and lighter (by as much as 190 kg) than its predecessor.

At 4.9m, the latest product from Castle Bromwich is also 7mm shorter than its predecessor with a 66mm shorter front overhang,  yet its wheelbase (at 2.9m) is 51mm longer, offering 15mm more rear legroom, 24mm more rear knee-room and up to 27mm rear headroom. For now the new range comprises of four models, the XF Prestige, XF R-Sport, XF Portfolio and XF S.

Power is provided by either a 132kW/430Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel, a 177kW/340Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol and 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol mill delivering either 250kW or 280kW and 450Nm, all coupled to an eight-speed ZF auto transferring  the power to the rear wheels. Exterior tweaks are evolutionary, but inside the instrument panel now sports Jag’s signature ‘Riva Hoop’, inspired by the XJ, while the rest of the layout is reminiscent of the XE.

The Jaguar XF is fully equipped, systems including forward-collision alert, 360 degree-cameras, self-park control and driver-drowsiness alert. Jag’s InControl Touch display, four-zone climate control and 10-colour ambient lighting are also standard. It’s the first Cat with adaptive full-LED headlights, laser HUD, lane assist, driver condition monitoring and self-parking (both parallel and alley dock) while Configurable Dynamics is optionally available on all V6 models with Adaptive Dynamics. With its longer wheelbase, lithe body and good weight distribution the new XF rides and handles even better than its XE feline sibling, its nimbleness ensuring impeccable road manners.

The supercharged 280kW S-model has some serious grunt, and a symposer adds to the aural fun, but the diesel or two-litre derivatives are actually more practical as everyday drivers. The volatile exchange rate means pricing starts at a heady R714 000 for the diesel model, going up to R1.1-million for the 3.0 V6 S, making the XF expensive compared to its German rivals. A pity, as it certainly deserves consideration. Even so, we cannot wait for the XFR’s arrival…

*This review was first published in AutoNews by Ferdi de Vos.