Despite its somewhat elderly underpinnings (it is, after all, based on the same – admittedly modified – platform as the S-Type) the XF Jaguar is truly every bit the modern mid-size executive/luxury sedan. With engines ranging from an absolutely brilliant 2-litre four-cylinder engine up to the monstrous 5-litre supercharged V8 in this XFR, the XF covers the vast range between ‘frugal, elegant and serene’ and ‘angry, violent and drinking like an alcoholic Irishman’
Forget the ‘frugal’ part of the equation for now though, because we have the XFR. That means big power, big performance and big fuel bills, because if it has one fault, it is that it doesn’t exactly do ‘frugal’ well. Or at all, for that matter.
Outside
Likes: A perfect blend of elegance and aggro. Looks stunning in white with black alloys. Menacing LED DRLs and gaping intakes scream “GET THE HELL OUT OF MY WAY!”. Still distinctly a Jaaaaag…
Dislikes: The “Leaper” badge in the middle of the boot has always looked awkward and oddly out of place. The coloured stripes in the “R” badge are trying a bit too hard to be just like BMW’s “M”
Inside
Likes: Stunningly good build quality and materials. Nicely laid out. A nice mixture of traditional elegance and modern technology. Superbly comfortable. Meridian audio system is staggeringly good.
Dislikes: Sat-nav is still shit and a nightmare to use. Touch-screen system of menus is needlessly complex.
Under the bonnet
Likes: It’s a 5-litre supercharged V8 chucking out 375kW and 625Nm of torque – what’s not to like? The power is instant and aggressive, especially in Sport more. The torque is colossal and ever-present and the new eight-speed transmission is smooth and utterly seamless. It sounds magnificent and is utterly addictive.
Dislikes: Okay, there IS one thing not to like about it: the fuel consumption is horrifying if you climb up it. Which you do. Regularly.
On the road
Likes: The XFR’s side is very impressive. On the firm side – just to remind you what you are in – it is never jarring or intrusive, just pleasantly controlled and comfortable. Make the engine angry and it stays extremely comfortable, but changes direction like a sports car. Surprising amount of feel in the steering and a delicate precision as well.
Dislikes: It feels like a big car when you start chucking it around, despite its remarkable poise and grip.
Verdict
The XFR is a simply remarkable car. Inside it feels like it should cost a lot more than the $160,000 Jaguar NZ ask for it, while the performance on offer would make you suspect the same.
It rumbles and snarls at low speeds, yet is never anything more than utterly civilised to drive. Stamp on the pedal and it simply roars, terrifying animals and small children, yet still remaining remarkably willing to please.
Extremely comfortable and massively powerful, the XFR ticks nearly all the boxes for a modern sports sedan. The one it misses though, it misses quite comprehensively; BMW and Mercedes can make massively powerful V8s that offer searing performance, yet return remarkably frugal fuel figures when driven normally. Jaguar haven’t mastered that yet.While the company claims a respectable 11.6L/100km combined consumption figure, this is rarely achievable. The benefits of turbos over superchargers to be sure, but Jaguar is behind the ball on this.
Still, it sounds better without the restrictive nature of turbos, so just think of that instead of the rapidly emptying fuel tank whenever you nail the throttle and you’ll love it!
Price: $160,000
Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8
Power/torque: 375kW/625Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
0-100km/h: 4.9 seconds
Fuel consumption: 11.6L/100km
CO2 emissions: 270g/km
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