Skip advert
Advertisement

Jaguar XF 3.0 V6 Portfolio

Brit executive looks good and is loaded with kit

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Jaguar XF

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"68287","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

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. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Fiesta

2021 Ford

Fiesta

29,870 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,363
View Fiesta
Discovery Sport

2019 Land Rover

Discovery Sport

50,000 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £18,760
View Discovery Sport
e-Niro

2022 Kia

e-Niro

16,827 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £16,800
View e-Niro
C-HR

2022 Toyota

C-HR

30,500 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £18,800
View C-HR

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?

Details

Chart position: 1
WHY: It looks as good as ever, and new adaptive suspension option should ensure the Jaguar offers a much improved driving experience. Diesel S Portfolio is the flagship oil-burning model.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,199 off RRP*Used from £15,337
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,704 off RRP*Used from £7,649
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,400
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,780
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
Leapmotor B05 family hatch on route to the UK with sub-£30k price and 400-mile range
Leapmotor badge

Leapmotor B05 family hatch on route to the UK with sub-£30k price and 400-mile range

The Stellantis-backed brand will launch a Volkswagen ID.3-rivalling small car with almost 20 per cent more range
News
23 Apr 2025
Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible
Opinion - £10k used cars

Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible

Phil McNamara discovers that it’s harder than ever to find a good-value car at the affordable end of the market
Opinion
24 Apr 2025