We’ve heard quite a bit of grumbling over the past couple of weeks about how the new Jaguar XE S could possibly be better than the BMW 3 Series. Whether or not this actually is true isn’t as relevant as the fact that Jaguar is striking very close to BMW, in terms of performance and comfort. The Cadillac ATS seems like an afterthought, now that the Jaguar XE is in town. But Jag isn’t stopping there, as it’s come out with the new Jaguar XF, and Auto Express has a video of it to show us.
This new 2016 Jaguar XF isn’t an entirely new car, but more of a strong update. The previous XF was due for a much needed update and now it’s gotten just that. Not that the XF was bad, in fact it was very good, but just starting to show its age. The new Jaguar XF shares the same familial face as the XE and, while handsome, isn’t much different from before. But the latter isn’t really relevant as the XF is a fantastic look machine, as is the rest of the Jaguar lineup. The rear end is slightly sleeker than the XE’s.
In the video, the presenter shows us that the interior isn’t much different from that of the XE, however it does have some extra interior bits and a more spacious and open cabin, obviously. The motorized vents open up after ignition, as does the motorized gear selector. It’s all very nice and very premium feeling, if a little gimmicky. The new InControl touchscreen infotainment system is far improved over the previous XF’s horrid one, which is an incredibly welcome addition. Though, I have a feeling it will still pale to the slick and intuitive iDrive, MMI and COMMAND systems from its German competitors.
The engine options are a pair of 3.0 liter supercharged V6s and a pair of turbocharged diesel engines. The two engines tested in the video are the 2.0 liter turbodiesel on the road and the more powerful of the 3.0 liter supercharged engines for the track. The presenter claims the diesel as the engine to get, as it’s cheaper to run. However, buying a Jaguar XF with a diesel engine is like dating Hannah Davis and making her wear a mask all of the time, it kinda takes the fun out of it.
On the road, the XF is composed, stable, quiet and comfortable. The same Integral-Link rear suspension that helps the XE slightly edge out the 3 Series is here to help the XF as well. Its road manners are superb and in line with Jaguar’s “Grace, Space and Pace” mantra. On the track, the XF S proves that it can properly handle as well. Turn-in is sharp and precise with accurate steering and the chassis is dynamic and confident. The engine pulls strongly and the transmission shifts crisply. The one thing that stood out in the video is the subdued manner of the engine noise. It wasn’t as angry or shouty as the F-Type’s, which is actually a good thing. The F-Type sounds incredible but it can get old after awhile.
All in all, this new XF seems to be a big improvement over the previous model. No way to tell for sure how it stacks up against its BMW 5 Series an Audi A6 rivals, but it’s definitely a serious contender.
