2009 Jaguar XF Premium Luxury Hephzibah GA

November 19, 2009   By Brian Alexander, Road Test Editor

2009 Jaguar XF

2009 Jaguar XF
DriverSide Overview
Last year, Jaguar’s  XF  rewrote the book on what most of us traditionally thought a Jaguar should be. It wasn’t a stately coupe to be used mostly for trips to and from the country club like the  XK , nor was it a too-old-for-this-world full-size luxury sedan like the  XJ . What it represented was a new way of thinking. Except last time Jaguar tried something new they targeted entry-level volume sales with the X-type, a BMW 3-Series rival that missed the mark by a generous margin. That had us a bit worried about the XF. Luckily the British carmaker decided to go closer to its luxury roots, producing a twenty-first century mid-size luxury car with plenty of standard luxuries and subtly modern styling. The supercharged, 420 horsepower version was lauded heavily last year, but really, how much power does one need? Realistically, less than that, and the 4.2-liters worth of naturally aspirated V-8 in the standard model should prove ample for most. Plus, there’s the added bonus of a lower buy-in price for the less rampant standard engine. If it’s the plush, high-end sedan treatment you’re looking for, the XF is happy to oblige.

What's to Like
The rising gear selector and rotating air vents may seem a touch superfluous, but they consistently impress. Interior is immensely comfortable and quiet at all speeds, with fit and finish that’s at the top of the class. Ride control is plush when you want it to be, but push harder and you’ll find an engaging chassis and precise steering.

What's Not to Like
A lot of the XF’s functions, including much of the climate control system, are activated through the multimedia screen, which can make finding the exact option you’re looking for complicated. iPod controls and displays are a bit wonky and it won’t let you go back a song when in shuffle mode.

The Drive: 
DriverSide Driving Impressions
The moment you depress the Start/Stop button the XF, strange things start to happen. As the engine catches with a subdued yet distinctly V-8 growl, a cylindrical gear selector rises from its flush position in the center console and the air vents perform a “look at me” act of their own, flipping around from their flat position in the dash. It sounds dramatic, but in reality fits the high-tech approach of the XF well. Once out on the road, the XF is keen to make quiet, rapid progress. Steering is luxury car light yet accurate and predictable. So long as you rev the engine above 4,000 rpm there’s plenty of power, and the automatic gearbox is eager to keep you in the powerband. Paddle shifting adds to the evocative drive, though their plastic construction is at odds with the rest of the XF’s interior components.

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