Jaguar XF : First Look

Jaguar has never been one to overreach on its model lineup, usually only having three or four models out at once. When it was introduced in 2008, the Jaguar XF consolidated the company’s two existing smaller executive models, the compact X-type and midsize S-type, into one neat, handsome package. The 2013 Jaguar XF continues to do everything the first model year did, providing an executive sedan with sporting capabilities. In its efforts to change brand perception, the Jaguar has produced a very competitive vehicle that doesn’t play to the brand’s past, but instead plays to the demands of the market. The XF is a Jaguar model that can be placed right among its competitors, unlike the previous Jaguar models for the class, which have always been segment outsiders often overlooked.

New For 2013

The XF gets two smaller-displacement engines to join the range of V-8s that have traditionally powered the sedan here in the U.S. First is a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 expected to make at least 340 hp. Next is a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 estimated to produce 240 hp. A new eight-speed automatic transmission is the XF's other notable addition.

Exterior

The body of the 2013 Jaguar XF is pure modern European sensibility. The vehicles it replaced were not the best Jaguar had ever done in the exterior department – the gaping oval grille on the S-Type and the strange, bug-eyed headlight assemblies and outdated body lines on both are features that barely stood up in the market, and will not stand the test of time. The conservative rectangular mesh grille with horizontal headlight assemblies above thin, horizontal air inlets, leading to a gently sculpted hood in the current model is not out of place in the overall market, and not extremely dissimilar to its German counterparts. The curves of the body are simple and clean, and the greenhouse slopes gently down to the trunk in the rear. Every XF gets a power sunroof. 18-inch wheels are standard, with 19- and 20-inch wheels available. A Sport Portfolio Package changes the front bumper and grille, while adding extended side sills and a rear trunk spoiler. The Speed Package, available only on the XFR, adds larger front and rear spoilers.

Interior & Cargo

The 2013 Jaguar XF is, for the most part, a spacious and luxurious vehicle on the inside. The front seats have plenty of head and leg room, and the interior is decked out nicely in leather upholstery, soft plastics, and walnut and aluminum trim. The back seats are a bit cramped, short on head and leg room, with this room being transferred to the trunk, which provides a class-leading 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
All trims of the 2013 Jaguar come with automatic climate control, a 10-speaker sound system with AM/FM/CD/Satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, heated and power adjustable front seats, and steering-wheel mounted controls. A navigation system with DVD drive and hard-disk storage is optional. The climate, audio, and navigation controls and displays all run through a seven-inch color touch-screen display at the top of the center console. This control system also responds to audio commands through the optional InteractiveVoice system. Two different stereo systems are available as upgrades, as are ventilated front seats, adaptive cruise control, and a heated steering wheel.