The Diverse New XF Lineup

Jaguar's "XF" was unveiled to journalists at the end of March 2016. The announcement was made in September 2015, so after a six-month wait, the opportunity to experience the actual car finally arrived. As befits its "dynamic" positioning, the model leaves a lasting impression with its excellent driving performance.

The Jaguar XF is a full model change from the previous generation, which was first released in its home market in 2007. This time, it shares its basic platform with the Jaguar "XE". The lightweight structure, utilizing aluminum for 75 percent of the body, achieves a weight reduction of up to 190 kg compared to the previous XF. Dimensions show a 50 mm increase in wheelbase, while the overall length is reduced by 10 mm. The vehicle height is 5 mm lower. Through meticulous packaging refinement, rear legroom has increased by 15 mm, knee room by 24 mm, and headroom by 27 mm.

Jaguar XF 20d

Jaguar XF 20d

The extensive lineup is also shared with the XE. The newly developed 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engines, "XF 25t Pure" and "XF 25t Prestige," previously introduced in the XE, are available, along with the 340-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engines, "XF 35t R Sport" and "XF 35t Portfolio." At the top is the "XF S" with a 380ps 3.0-liter V6. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel version was also launched simultaneously, with "XF 20d Pure" and "XF 20d Prestige" models offered. In total, there are seven models in the lineup. Prices start from 5.98 million yen for the XF 20t Pure (gasoline). The range extends up to 11.05 million yen for the XF S.

The test drive began in Nagoya Station and focused on Kashikojima Island in Ago Bay, Ise-Shima. The models prepared were the four-cylinder 25t Pure, the top-of-the-line V6 S, and the diesel 20d Prestige. A rich variety of options. The course included city driving, highway driving, and the Ise-Shima Skyline, which winds through mountains from Ise to Toba, as well as the Pearl Road, a winding coastal road on the Shima Peninsula. It was a varied and enjoyable course for driving enthusiasts.

The new XF was a model rich in character, along with its engines.

The Distinctive New XF

The most basic grade in the new XF lineup is the XF 20t Pure (5.98 million yen). However, as a Jaguar Land Rover Japan spokesperson explained, "It's not a custom-order model with simplified equipment, but a catalog model that fully satisfies customers." Even when compared to the higher-grade 20t Prestige (6.68 million yen), it doesn't appear significantly inferior.

The main differences are that the Pure features 17-inch wheels (the Prestige has 18-inch), synthetic leather seats called "Racktech" (the Prestige has leather seats), and seat heaters are an option (standard on the Prestige). Features like electric seats, safety systems such as autonomous emergency braking and lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and the touchscreen infotainment system named "InControl Touch Pro" are all standard equipment. This strengthens the persuasive power of its pricing, positioned between the Mercedes-Benz C 250 Avantgarde (5.34 million yen) and the E 250 Avantgarde (6.87 million yen).

Jaguar XF 20d

Jaguar XF 20d

The newly developed 1,998cc four-cylinder engine produces a maximum output of 240 horsepower (177 kW) and a maximum torque of 340 Nm. With maximum torque available from 1,750 rpm, the engine is designed to prioritize fuel efficiency by operating mainly at lower revs. Indeed, it feels powerful from the start, and its acceleration is also quite impressive. It's a remarkable achievement, a world away from 2-liter engines of the past.

The XF S, equipped with a 2,994cc V6 engine delivering 380 horsepower (280 kW) and 450 Nm of torque, is a model that fully harnesses the potential of this powerplant. The engine reaches its maximum output at 6,500 rpm and maximum torque at 3,500 rpm, making it a high-revving engine that is genuinely enjoyable to push. As the revs climb, it accelerates powerfully, while the suspension moves with supple grace, and the car's response to steering inputs is remarkably direct. This is the model that exudes the sportiest impression.

With the V6 unit, selecting "Dynamic Mode" in the Jaguar Drive Control alters the shift schedule, allowing the engine to perform more spiritedly. As the revs increase, the response sharpens, and combined with the taut suspension, the connection between driver and car feels more intimate. The 3-liter V6 model is reportedly popular in markets worldwide. However, production is outsourced to a Ford factory, making it difficult to increase output, which is a source of concern for Jaguar. Even in an era where "downspeeding" – utilizing strong torque at low RPMs to provide acceleration while improving fuel economy – is prevalent, the age-old principle that a car's evaluation hinges on the quality of its engine remains firmly in place.

Jaguar Ingenium Engine

Jaguar Ingenium Engine

The XE 20d, powered by the 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine from the Ingenium series, was also prepared from the outset for this test. The XE also received this engine option at the same time. While sharing many parts with the gasoline engine, it produces a maximum output of 180 horsepower (132 kW) and a maximum torque of 430 Nm. This high torque is comparable to that of the 3-liter V6 XF S. With maximum torque available from 1,750 rpm, it offers strong performance from a standstill and excellent acceleration. The characteristic diesel knocking sound is barely audible.

It is truly remarkable that a luxury saloon like the XF, with its large body nearly five meters in length, can now be driven so satisfyingly with a 2-liter diesel engine. In terms of spaciousness, luxurious appointments, and abundant features, it rivals, or even surpasses, the large-displacement cars of the past.

The new XF boasts many noteworthy features.

A Dramatic Entrance Experience

The new Jaguar XF is immediately recognizable as a sibling to the XE, sharing a strong family identity. The front features a rectangular grille and slender, vertically oriented headlamps, while the rear is equipped with combination lamps inspired by semicircles. Distinctive XF features include the six-light window graphic with a rear quarter window, and the rear combination lamps, which, unlike the XE's single semicircle, feature two side-by-side.

The dynamic character is a shared trait with the XE. The silhouette, with its short deck emphasizing coupe-like elements by shortening the length of the trunk lid, creates a sense of movement throughout. Furthermore, sporty details such as large air dams enhance this impression. Yet, the interior is luxurious. In the Pure and Prestige trims, customers can choose between black or ivory interior colors. The 35t Portfolio offers a wider selection of seat upholstery colors, along with wood panel options. The S and Portfolio models feature two-tone leather seats with contrast stitching, and the latter also offers perforated leather.

Jaguar XF S

Jaguar XF S

"The experience begins the moment you step inside," explains a technical representative from Jaguar Land Rover Japan. The meticulous design of the new XF extends beyond the combination of leather and wood. The dashboard, inspired by the luxurious Italian motorboat Riva, features effective use of lighting. The engine start button pulses at a rate of 72 times per minute, reportedly referencing a human heartbeat. When the engine is started, the rotary gear selector slowly rises, and after a slight delay, the air vents rotate open. While the representative describes these as "dramatic theatrical effects," the car itself seems to possess a life of its own (perhaps fitting for the Jaguar name?).

As briefly mentioned earlier, the safety equipment is abundant. This includes autonomous emergency braking, a lane departure prevention system that uses steering input, torque vectoring which controls braking at each wheel during cornering to support optimal line tracing, Surface Progress Control that allows for constant-speed driving on slippery surfaces using only steering wheel input, and adaptive cruise control.

Those seeking a luxury saloon with a strong sense of individuality should try the new XF. If you enjoy driving, the XF S is a great choice. For those who frequently undertake long journeys, the XF 20d would also be suitable. The wide range of choices is a significant appeal.

Jaguar XF S | Jaguar XF S
Body Dimensions | Length 4,965 x Width 1,880 x Height 1,455 mm
Wheelbase | 2,965 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,830 kg
Engine | 2,994 cc V6
Maximum Output | 280 kW (380 ps) / 6,500 rpm
Maximum Torque | 450 Nm / 3,500 rpm
Transmission | Electronically Controlled 8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain | FR
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 5.3 seconds
Maximum Speed | 250 km/h
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 10.6 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | 198 g/km
Price | 11,200,000 yen

Jaguar XF 25t PURE | Jaguar XF 25t Pure
Body Dimensions | Length 4,965 x Width 1,880 x Height 1,455 mm
Wheelbase | 2,965 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,760 kg
Engine | 1,999 cc Inline 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel
Maximum Output | 132 kW (180 ps) / 4,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 430 Nm / 1,750-2,500 rpm
Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain | FR
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 8.1 seconds
Maximum Speed | 229 km/h
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 16.7 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | 114 g/km
Price | 6,140,000 yen

Jaguar XF 20d PRESTIGE | Jaguar XF 20d Prestige
Body Dimensions | Length 4,965 x Width 1,880 x Height 1,455 mm
Wheelbase | 2,965 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,760 kg
Engine | 1,999 cc Inline 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel
Maximum Output | 132 kW (180 ps) / 4,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 430 Nm / 1,750-2,500 rpm
Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain | FR
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 8.1 seconds
Maximum Speed | 229 km/h
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 16.7 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | 114 g/km
Price | 6,930,000 yen