Smooth Operator: We begin a year with Jaguar's XF
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
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Jaguar?s 2009 XF is widely regarded as a make-or-break car for the British brand now owned by Tata of India. The XF replaces two models, the forgettable X-Type and the decent S-Type, which never sold in any significant numbers. In terms of size, the XF competes with the heavy hitters from Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW: the E-class, the A6 and the 5-series.
To say that the XF is an important car for Jaguar is an understatement. So, we thought we would flog one for a year and find out if we can get an indication of whether the car will be up to the task.
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The XFs come in three trim levels: luxury, premium luxury and supercharged SC. We ordered the top of the line, of course, with the supercharged V8, and the car came loaded. The only option we checked was the adaptive cruise control--but more about that later. The sticker price is $66,675, including destination.
Our XF?s blown 4.2-liter V8 delivers 420 hp and 408 lb-ft of torque. It is fitted with the ZF?s six-speed automatic, a terrific transmission. The XF uses the XK coupe?s basic suspension of unequal aluminum wishbones in front and rear and available with computer-controlled adaptive dampening.
Most people on staff think the car looks good, but more than once, we?ve been asked how we like our Lexus.
The XF is one hell of a good driver, though. Jump on the gas, and there is no lag. Just a bunch of forward thrust, enough for the car to hit 60 mph in 5.57 seconds when we tested one in California. The supercharged V8 produces most of its torque from 2,000 revs to its 6,200-rpm redline, with no peaks or valleys.
The XF?s variable-ratio steering is light and, for the most part, quick. Through the slalom, it can feel a bit slow, but the car goes where you point it, and the body motions are well controlled. In sport mode, the adaptive shock management eliminates squat, dive or lean, and the ride is still mostly comfortable. (Yes, you can turn the stability control all the way off.) There is plenty of grip from the sport tires, though snow tires have been fitted in anticipation of winter.
Overall impression: So far, so good. A comment from the logbook said, ?This is a smooth, terrific cruiser, with a quiet and very comfortable cabin. Unless you really boot it, you would hardly know you have more than 400 hp underfoot. But I constantly found myself cruising at 90-plus without realizing it. That?s when I started using the cruise.?
?I find the car somewhere between luxury roller and sports sedan in terms of ride, handling and performance,? said another staffer. ?The supercharged V8 gets it going in a hurry.?
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