Skip advert
Advertisement
Long-term tests

Jaguar XF

First report: After 4,493 miles our reigning Car of the Year has got off to a flying start on our fleet.

Pros
  • Having first experienced a heated steering wheel in a Range Rover, I reckon they’re the next big thing! Operated using the XF’s classy touchscreen controls, it’s ideal for frosty mornings. And if you connect an iPod, you can select tracks on-screen.
Cons
  • Much as I love the look of the 20-inch alloys, the low-speed ride quality really bugs me. They ruin the car’s ability to smooth out rough surfaces – the way it copes with cobbles is verging on embarrassing.
Find your Jaguar XF
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Which is the most desirable seat in the Auto Express long-term fleet? It has to be behind the wheel of our new Jaguar XF.

As the firm’s second Auto Express Car of the Year in the space of three years, the four-door is already a winner, and we’ve put a top-spec diesel model into daily service.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Choosing the right spec for your XF is crucial. If the wheels are too small, the sleek, almost coupé-like lines are ruined.

But there’s no danger of that with the huge, optional 20-inch rims on our car. They fill the XF’s wide wheelarches, perfectly complementing the glossy black paint finish.

No matter who lays eyes on the car, they all fall for its styling. From every angle, it looks muscular and menacing, just as a Jaguar should – I never tire of coming back to it.

Step inside, and the uninitiated could be forgiven for thinking the XF is not practical enough to compete in the executive class. Its wide transmission tunnel and substantial dashboard give a cosy driving position. However, having completed a long-distance trip with four adults on board, I reckon the Jag offers just enough space. The boot is even more impressive – as long as you can live with the small opening – and there’s ample room for two suitcases.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

UX 300e

2021 Lexus

UX 300e

22,738 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £13,800
View UX 300e
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

21,226 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £18,697
View Puma
Kadjar

2022 Renault

Kadjar

40,315 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £14,997
View Kadjar
Grandland GSe

2024 Vauxhall

Grandland GSe

13,895 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £20,849
View Grandland GSe

With passengers on board, the XF has an audience for its party tricks. Press the pulsating backlit start button and the round gear selector rises from the centre console, while the air vents slide gracefully open.

Advertisement - Article continues below

After a month of seeing this every day, the novelty has worn off, but such features provide bags of showroom appeal. They also help detract attention from the plasticky column stalks.

Twisting the gear selector soon becomes second nature, yet the delay between choosing Drive and the transmission responding can result in an uncomfortable jolt.

My only other gripe on the move is with the low-speed ride quality, as those big wheels take their toll on the Jaguar’s suspension.

In all other respects, however, the XF has been faultless. Once up to speed, the springs and dampers provide breathtaking body control, making the car an agile sports saloon and a great long-distance cruiser all in one. Even though it’s soon to be superseded by a more efficient unit, the 2.7-litre diesel engine is also a top performer. The Jag rarely feels short of pace and, on extended journeys, fuel economy creeps up to 38mpg.

But its emotive appeal has rivals beat, hands down. You can’t fail to become fond of the XF – and I’m more smitten with every trip!

Second Opinion

Having driven the XF during our 2008 New Car Honours assessment, I always jump at the chance to have another go. The more I experience the XF, the more I love its desirability, style and refinement. But the chassis is the real winner. As I’m normally at the wheel of our long-term MINI, I am used to great handling – yet there’s no substitute for the purity of rear-wheel drive.

Owen Mildenhall
Road tester

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,572 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,700
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,038 off RRP*Used from £13,172
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Peugeot 208 GT is a sharp supermini for less than £180 a month
Peugeot 208 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Peugeot 208 GT is a sharp supermini for less than £180 a month

It may be getting on a bit, but thanks to distinctive styling you really wouldn’t know it – Peugeot’s 208 is our Deal of the Day for 7 July
News
7 Jul 2025