The 2010 Jaguar XF ranks 5 out of 13 Luxury Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 31 published reviews and test drives of the Jaguar XF, and our analysis of reliability and safety data. The Jaguar XF boasts a distinctive personality. An interior filled with high-tech toys, a pair of very powerful engines and a sporty profile distinguish this from more comfort-oriented luxury cars. “The historic British car company is combining sleek exterior design, innovative driver interfaces and strong performance with a luxurious interior. Yes, it’s a whole new type of cat. And we like it.” — Popular Mechanics
The 2010 Jaguar XF throws aside the retro-inspired designs Jaguar has pursued for years, opting for an aggressive, coupe-like profile outside and a high-tech ambience inside. Playful touches — like a start button that pulses until you push it to ignite the car’s engine, and a stainless steel rotary shift dial that rises out of the console and into the driver’s hand when the car starts — set the XF apart from everything else on the market.
The XF also makes no secret of its sporting intentions. There is no V6 here. The XF is available with a powerful V8 or an asphalt-rippling supercharged V8.”The XF has the performance and panache to stand out in the premium midsize segment…and a car with a heart is going to be tough to beat.” — Motor Trend
All-wheel drive, however, is not available on the XF. Buyers looking for AWD grip with a sporty spirit might want to consider the Audi A6 or BMW 5-Series.The XF is available in three trims — the Luxury model, the Premium Luxury and the Supercharged. A high-performance XFR is reviewed separately. “Is it surprising that the XF has landed Jaguar on our 2009 10Best Cars list, the first time in the award’s 27-year history? Absolutely. That is, until about five minutes into driving this new S-type replacement.” — Car and Driver
Jaguar makes its performance intentions clear with this car. Though most competitors focus on V6 engines and offer an optional V8 upgrade, Jaguar has completely forgone the six — buyers can choose from a big V8 and a big supercharged V8. Reviewers say it’s a crisp handler as well, but the lack of an all-wheel-drive option is a serious oversight at this price. The EPA estimates that the normally-aspirated XF should get 16/25 mpg, while supercharged models get 15/22.
The 2010 Jaguar XF is available with either a 4.2-liter V8 making 300 horsepower, or an asphalt-eating supercharged version of the same engine making a pulse-pounding 420 horsepower and a roaring exhaust note that satisfies something primal. The normally aspirated engine makes the car quick. The supercharged version puts the car in a whole different class. Reviewers tend to advise buyers looking for performance to step up to the supercharged model. Amazingly, it’s nearly as fuel-efficient as the less impressive engine. Both engines use the same six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for those who want to do their own shifting.
