Jaguar XF

Great looks alone aren’t enough to guarantee success in the executive class – and Jaguar knows this only too well. That’s why the XF is nearly as good to sit in and drive as it is to look at.

The Jag still attracts most attention for its styling, though, and in flagship diesel trim, it’s easy to see why. Gorgeous 20-inch alloys and the firm’s Aerodynamic Styling kit (which comprises a unique front bumper and lower side sills) mean it trumps the BMW for looks. Purposeful twin tailpipes and standard-fit xenon headlamps also ensure it stands out from the crowd.

Inside is familiar XF fare. Climb in and you’re greeted by a pulsing red starter button. Press it and the rotary gear selector rises seductively from the centre console, and the air vents automatically rotate to their open position. Few cars raise your expectations like an XF, and top-of-the-range Portfolio trim won’t leave you disappointed. 

With so much kit as standard, there’s precious little to spend your money on. Ours was fitted with an optional heated steering wheel (£240) which was great in the recent cold snap, while the useful blind spot warning system accounted for another £460. 

It’s just a shame that rear headroom is so tight, as tall passengers will find their hair brushing against the suede roof lining. It’s cosier up front, too, and while we’ve few complaints about the layout or build quality of the cabin, it doesn’t generate the same luxury car feel as the BMW – despite its classy leather dashboard and wood grain trim. And after experiencing the widescreen display of the BMW’s optional sat-nav, the XF’s set-up looks small.

Fire up the 3.0-litre V6 diesel, and the Jaguar sets out its stall with a more muted engine note. This quietness remains across the rev range, which boosts refinement inside. In isolation the XF’s performance is impressive, and it’s only when you step from the Jaguar to the BMW that you appreciate the incredible overtaking pace of the faster 535d. The British car’s six-speed gearbox isn’t as smooth or fast as its rival’s impressive eight-speed unit, either.

The Jaguar outperformed the 5-Series under braking, though, with a solid performance in all of our tests. Unfortunately, the XF doesn’t generate as much traction as the BMW, so its rear tyres break away sooner. This compromises its pace off the line and demands a more delicate approach as you exit corners. The XF is easily controllable, but it doesn’t inspire as much confidence as the BMW. There’s more body roll during direction changes and the front tyres surrender their grip sooner than their German rival’s. 

The new adaptive suspension system doesn’t deliver the same level of adjustability as the BMW’s, but its simplicity is part of the appeal and it strikes a good balance between comfort and control.

Given its huge wheels, the firm low-speed ride of our test car was good – and at higher speeds it absorbs bumps and ruts effectively. But is this is enough to redress the balance and score a victory for the XF?