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2010 Jaguar XF is a classy, premium luxury sedan
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While it bears little resemblance to Jaguars of old, the 2010 Jaguar XF sedan projects a new persona. Almost everything has been retooled, re-designed and rebooted into the luxury sedan segment. The result is a handsome work of art that stands apart from the competition.
Born under Ford ownership and now in the hands of India’s Tata Motors, the new Jag is luxury personified. Its performance and handling have been compared to that of premium German sports sedans. But despite these tantalizing accolades, the XF has some flaws, with most blamed on its high-tech – perhaps unnecessary – wizardry.
For starters, the XF has an industry first rotary electronic shift knob that automatically rises from the console (while HVAC dash vents simultaneously open) when the engine is started. To select PRNDS, the knob must be twirled to the desired gear. A novel design and one I must admit is better than BMWs flick shifter that leaves you wondering what gear is selected. My main concern here is what happens when it breaks.
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Then there’s the GPS nav system and some secondary controls that are complicated to program and use, particularly when driving.
Last but no least is a really dumb glove box switch. It looks like a silver bull’s eye embossed on beautiful ebony veneer wood trim, but it’s actually a sensor. Rub you finger over it and the glove box door drops open …. sometimes. I tried it four times and it wouldn’t open. My neighbor came over to see the car and when prompted, rubbed it once and it opened. Can you imagine telling a police officer – who just pulled you over for speeding - that you’re unable to retrieve your insurance card because you can’t open the glove box.
But on to the finer points.
Powered by a hot 385-hp, 5.0L V8 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission (with paddle shifters), this car can sprint like the animal for which it’s named. Great power, though, promotes great thirst. XF’s fuel economy reflects 16 city, 23 EPA highway mpg. But then there’s the sweet rumble emanating from the dual exhaust tips that signifies there’s something special under the hood.
And if this doesn’t satisfy you, the XFR version is offered with a 510-hp supercharged and intercooled V8. However, the standard configuration is more than most folks who buy this car need.
Riding on 20-inch wheels, the XF rides quietly with just the right amount of road feel. Not too stiff, not too soft. There’s nary any dip or sway in hairpin turns. And it’s sure-footed just like a warm-blooded jaguar.
Jaguar interiors have always been upscale and gorgeous and this one is exceptional. Heated/cooled leather seats (the cup holders are also heated/cooled) with accent stitching makes for an elegant cabin. Rear seats are a bit softer with less side support but cozy all the same. Even the pillars are covered in a suede material, as is the headliner. And to compliment an exquisite interior is a pricey ($1,875) Bowers & Wilkins sound system plus hard drive for music storage. Trunk space gets a two-hardsider rating but a pair of golf bags require the split rear seats to be folded.
There are few options on the XF since most goodies like Bi-Xenon headlamps, blind spot monitor system, smartkey, keyless entry/start, are all standard. The major option was the Portfolio package at $4,000 that includes ventilated front seats, contrast stitching, Alston headliner, electric rear window sunblind and sexy 20-inch Senta wheels. Before this and the audio, the XF base-priced at $56,150 but bottom-lined at $62,875 including delivery. This is about the going price for a luxury sedan, albeit one with a long British heritage.
For detailed specs on the XF check www.jaguar.com.
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