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2018 Jaguar XF 2018 Jaguar XF

2018 Jaguar XF

The Jaguar XF is a mid-size luxury sedan that distinguishes itself from its rivals by placing a greater emphasis on high style inside and out. Dynamic handling and a plush interior are also among the four-door's strong points.

Overview

Built largely out of weight-saving aluminum, the XF stands out with a low roof line, an athletic stance, and tastefully miminalist chrome trim, touches that conspire to create an elegant and purposeful look. Streamlined headlights with LED daytime running lights arranged in a distinctive Jaguar "J-Blade" pattern add a muscular touch to the sedan's overall appearance.

Around back, the XF receives thin tail lamps that extend into the trunk lid. Buyers can choose from several different alloy wheels whose design range from elegant to sporty.

Life aboard

The XF's cabin is trimmed with the supple leathers and top-quality materials that one would expect from a Jaguar. It features a clean, uncluttered wing-shaped dashboard, a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, an analog instrument cluster, and a center console inspired by the one found in the smaller XE.

The XF offers ample space for five passengers. Trunk space checks in at 19.1 cubic feet, which is generous for the segment.

Connectivity

The XF ships with Jaguar's InControl infotainment system. Built around a ten-inch touch screen, InControl Touch groups the car's entertainment, climate control, connectivity and navigation functions into a single unit. All of InControl Touch's features are accessible via voice commands.

The XF's infotainment system also runs Jaguar's InControl Apps, a smartphone integration software designed to work seamlessly with both Apple and Android devices. Passengers can access the bulk of their phone's features on the touch screen and use additional purpose-designed apps to book a hotel room, get parking information, check traffic, and make conference calls.

Powertrain options

The XF's base engine is a 247-horsepower gasoline turbo-four which makes a respectable 269 lb-ft of torque. Next up is a 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder unit that makes 180 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 318 pound-feet of torque from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. The oil-burner sends the XF from zero to 60 mph in eight seconds flat. 

A new Ingeneum four-cylinder replaced the old low-output V6. This 2.0, turbocharged unit makes 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the S model benefits from a 380-horsepower evolution of the 3.0-liter V6. The extra horses lower the zero-to-60 time to five seconds flat, though fuel economy remains the same.

Rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission come standard regardless of which engine is chosen. Buyers who routinely tackle mother nature's worst in the winter can order all-wheel drive at an extra cost.

Trim level breakdown

The XF is available in four trim levels called base, Premium, Prestige, R-Sport, and S, respectively.

Base models come with hill start assist, Jaguar's All Surface Progress Control (ASPC) technology, torque vectoring, cruise control, an acoustic windshield, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, puddle lights, heated mirrors, a space saver spare, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, an eight-inch touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, HD radio, a HomeLink transceiver, keyless start and an alarm.

Stepping up to the Premium trim adds a memory function for the power front seats, a rear-view camera, a power-adjustable steering column, and 40/20/40-split rear seats.

Next up is the Prestige trim, which bundles heated front seats, four-way lumber adjustment for the front passengers, interior mood lighting, navigation, Jaguar's InControl Apps technology, parking sensors on both ends, and keyless entry.

The R-Sport model gets a body kit that includes a deeper front bumper, side skirts, and a spoiler on the trunk lid. It also gains dual-zone A/C, lane keeping assist, driver condition monitor, and a blind spot monitoring system with reverse traffic detection and closing vehicle sensing.

The range-topping S ups the ante with red brake calipers, 20-inch alloys, a specific body kit with gloss black accents, sport seats for the front passengers, and automatic high beams.

The list of standalone options includes heated front and rear seats and an in-car WiFi connection. Additionally, many of the features that come standard on the top three trims (like navigation and the suite of driving aids) can be added to the two entry-level models at an extra cost.

Occupant safety

The list of standard safety features includes front, side, and curtain airbags, emergency brake assist, as well as traction and stability control systems.

Key competitors

Buyers in the market for a Jaguar XF should also test drive the BMW 5 Series, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Audi A6, the Infiniti Q70, and the Cadillac CTS.

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