Jaguar XF: Luxury, Performance, and Advanced Features

I’ve always had a soft spot for the Jaguar XF. The first time I hustled one down a beaten-up B-road, it did that very Jaguar thing—silky ride, quick steering, and a calm, low growl that makes you late for dinner. It’s a premium sedan that never forgot it’s supposed to be fun. In a world full of laser-precise German saloons—hello BMW 5 Series and Audi A6—the Jaguar XF still brings a touch of theatre and genuine driver involvement.

Did you know? Early XF models (X250) had a rotary gear selector that rose from the console and air vents that rolled open when you pressed start. A bit of James Bond every morning.

Why the Jaguar XF still turns my head

On the commute, it’s relaxing. On a back road, it wakes up. The latest-generation XF (think 2021–2024 in the U.S.) mostly runs the P250 2.0‑liter turbo four with 246 hp and 269 lb‑ft, good for about 0–60 mph in the mid‑6s and an EPA rating around 25/33 mpg city/highway (28 mpg combined). Older cars broaden the appeal: supercharged V6s with up to 380 hp and, if you’re lucky enough to find one, the thunderous supercharged 5.0‑liter V8s in XFR/XFR‑S guise that can dip into the mid‑4s to 60. Subtle? No. Brilliant? Yes.

Steering that actually talks back—light, quick, and confident.
Rear‑wheel drive balance (AWD was available on some trims) that rewards smooth inputs.
Cabin hush that’s “hear-your-kids-arguing-in-the-back” quiet at 70 mph.
Real-world economy that won’t ruin ski weekend plans.

Jaguar XF interior: cosseting without being fussy

Slip inside and the XF feels tailored. Materials are rich without shouting—leathers that wear in, open-pore woods (on the right cars), and a driving position that suits tall drivers and long days. When I tried it on rough roads, the seat padding and damping combo was spot-on; your spine thanks you. Storage is decent, the trunk takes luggage for a long weekend with ease, and visibility is better than the styling might suggest.

Tech-wise, later cars with Pivi Pro are the ones to have: snappy responses, clean menus, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. Earlier infotainment systems could be laggy and a bit stubborn on first cold starts—worth checking on a test drive. And yes, you should pair your phone before leaving the dealer; a few owners mentioned to me that getting the system to “learn” you early saves faff later.

Jaguar XF driving experience: the feel-good factor

Here’s the XF’s party trick: it stays supple without going soggy. The eight-speed auto is drama-free in Comfort, yet quick-witted in Dynamic, and those paddle shifters actually invite use on a good road. Adaptive cruise and lane-keep take the sting out of motorway crawls, but switch them off on your favorite route and the chassis shines—there’s a lovely neutrality mid-corner, then a clean push from that turbo four or supercharged six as you unwind the wheel. It’s the “slippers and sprint spikes” combo: calm when you want it, eager when you don’t.

Side tip: If you’re looking at an older XF with adaptive dampers, check for clunks over speed bumps and ask for service records. They’re not fragile, but they’re not cheap either.

Jaguar XF vs BMW 5 Series vs Audi A6: the real-world comparison

I’ve done the back-to-back commute shuffle—same loop, three cars—and here’s how they shake out. The BMW 5 Series is the consummate all-rounder, the Audi A6 is uber-polished, and the Jaguar XF has the most character in its controls. Which do you want to live with? Depends whether you prefer clinical precision (Audi), unflappable competence (BMW), or a bit of soul every time you turn the wheel (Jaguar).

Jaguar XF vs BMW 5 Series vs Audi A6 (base four‑cylinder trims, recent model years)
Model	Engine/Power	0–60 mph (approx.)	Combined MPG (approx.)	Standout Trait
Jaguar XF P250	2.0L turbo I4 / 246 hp	~6.5 s	~28 mpg	Steering feel and ride balance
BMW 530i	2.0L turbo I4 / ~255 hp	~6.0 s	~27 mpg	Benchmark composure and tech breadth
Audi A6 45 TFSI	2.0L turbo I4 / ~261 hp	~6.1 s	~26 mpg	Serene cabin, slick infotainment

Numbers are close. The decision isn’t. The Jaguar XF feels the most “driven by a human” rather than engineered solely by spreadsheets.

Personalization done right: AutoWin Premium Floor Mats for Jaguar XF

Small upgrades make a big difference to daily life. I swapped into a set of AutoWin premium luxury mats on an older X250 and the cabin immediately looked fresher—and the heel pad doesn’t wear like the original velour. If you’re running an early XF (2009–2015), these are a no-brainer.

Tailored fit that doesn’t bunch under pedals.
Easy to clean after beach days or muddy touchline Saturdays.
Looks OEM-plus—exactly what a Jaguar deserves.

Jaguar XF ownership: the bits you should know

Let’s talk the stuff no brochure leads with. Reliability? Mixed, depending on model year. Later cars improved a lot, especially on electronics. Earlier ones can throw the odd infotainment tantrum or suspension knock. Running costs are premium-car realistic: tires, brakes, and adaptive bits aren’t bargain-bin, and insurance reflects the badge.

Two quick, honest notes from owners I’ve chatted with at meets:

Depreciation is your friend if you’re buying used (less so if you’re selling).
A thorough pre-purchase inspection—especially on V6/V8 performance trims—is worth its weight in saved headaches.

Buying used? Check every pixel of the infotainment, listen for suspension noises over speed humps, and inspect for water ingress in the trunk/spare well (rare, but I’ve seen it).

Jaguar XF: the verdict

Even with fierce competition, the Jaguar XF keeps its edge by feeling special from behind the wheel. It’s elegant enough for a Miami night out, comfy enough for a long London–Cornwall run, and lively enough to make you take the scenic route. If you value character and a genuinely refined drive, the XF still belongs on your shortlist.

Jaguar XF quick FAQ

Is the Jaguar XF reliable?

Later cars are better, especially with Pivi Pro infotainment. Earlier models can have electronics or suspension niggles. A pre-purchase inspection is strongly recommended.

What engines does the Jaguar XF offer?

Recent U.S. cars mainly use the P250 2.0L turbo-four (246 hp). Older models offered 2.0T, supercharged 3.0 V6 (340–380 hp), and in performance trims, supercharged 5.0 V8s. Diesels were available in some markets outside the U.S.

How quick and efficient is it?

P250 models do 0–60 mph in roughly 6.5 seconds and return about 28 mpg combined (EPA). V6/V8 models are quicker but thirstier.

Are maintenance costs high?

They’re in line with a luxury sedan: quality parts and specialist labor add up. Budget for tires, brakes, and fluid services, and you’ll be happier long-term.