Introduced in 2009, the Jaguar XF was and still is a nice blend of old-school tradition and new-school sass and technology. It is somewhat of a detour from the tradition that has been a trademark of Jaguar for decades and that in itself is huge news.
The makers of Jaguar love all things tradition-based, so much so that they have inadvertently sacrificed sales over the years to cling to that tradition. The XF is obviously a product of a new way of thinking for Jaguar and the result puts this model, if not at the head of its class, then darn close to the head.
The XF is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle with a nice 5.0-liter V8 that kicks out 385 horsepower and if that’s not enough you can get the supercharged model with 510 horsepower that is guaranteed to blow your socks off on a test drive. All trims have a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift paddles on the steering wheel. Upon first look your first impression is that it is, indeed, a Jaguar. It has just enough of the traditional lines to guarantee you won’t mistake it for a Toyota. But upon closer inspection you will notice the sleeker roof line and slightly different front-end, and step inside this Jag and you will be shaken to the core by the lush interior loaded with all the technology you could ever hope for. This is a midsize luxury sedan that looks and acts like a sports car and judging from sales there are quite a few people out there who like the new direction that Jaguar is taking.
The price tag for a new XF will cause some hiccups and deep breaths for some, but at just over $50,000 for the base model it really is a fair price for what you are getting. And if you can find a 2009 model for around $30,000, and you can afford it, then you should jump on that deal with both feet and then prepare yourself for the envy your friends will bestow upon you. Be prepared for sticker shock on used parts; replacement parts are best purchased at a salvage yard if you can find a yard that carries an XF.
It may be a stretch to think the Queen will be driving around in a new XF anytime soon, but you can bet the more daring members of Parliament will give it a drive should they get the opportunity. After all, even the most staid of the British gentry needs to blow their socks off on occasion.