2015 Jaguar XF 3.0 AWD – Test Drive, Specs, Rating, Price

The Ultimate Reward for Financial Accomplishment

Some say it’s hard work while others hit a stroke of luck.  Regardless of how you get there, the Jaguar ownership remains (and always will be) exclusive to those that make it to the top.

During its first debut in 2007, the Jaguar XF marked a bold statement in British engineering. Since then, the 2015 Jaguar XF has continued to push the envelope of exquisite design, unparalleled luxury,excellent driving performance and an overall unique touch.

But when it comes to the business-class, the Germans remain dominant in the popularity contest.  And because they’re so good at it, the luxury sedan market is crowded with fierce competitors.  The Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class and the BMW 5 series are only a few to mention in the long list of alternatives.

Distinctive Character

Women often claim men become better looking as they get older, and the Jaguar XF makes a prime example.  Considering that the Jaguar XF has been around for nearly 8 years, it’s still able to hide its wrinkles, dress sharply, and most of all, hold its charm.

Virgin eye contact brings a tingle of excitement along with it.  It’s the combination of the massive chrome plated front mesh grille, complex LED headlights and highly unusual contours that makes the Jaguar XF so visually captivating.  Though the Jaguar XF does a great job holding its looks, side panel contours are kept simple but sparked with a chrome plated Jaguar emblem.  Its rear is slightly more toned down than its front fascia display.  But even with a slightly decaffeinated display on its side view, the Jaguar XF still visually conveys a clear message of prestige and integrity from all angles.

It’s interesting to note that unlike other car manufacturers, the Jaguar XF marketing material emphasizes more on the interior and mechanical performance than its exterior.  Not to say its outer shell ain’t good, but it really is, the interior of the Jaguar XF that brings the whole luxury experience to a new level.

At the upper-tier luxury class, the looks and feel department does not disappoint – at all.  On a first seating, the overall layout is surprisingly simple.  It feels fresh, clean and contemporary thanks to its high quality material, mesh-printed metallic plastic, and mahogany wood.  There were no identifiable areas of flimsy materials.  Even the leather seats are kept minimal with simple flat surfaces, but still remains soft to the touch while providing excellent comfort that can also be both heated and cooled via climate controls.   And for an executive car, the Jaguar XF meets high expectations for adequate leg room in the rear seats.

On another worthy note, the audio experience is exceptional with its sound clarity and rich bass.  This is made possible thanks to its 17 speaker Meridian audio sound system.  And if you haven’t googled it yet, Meridian is a well respected manufacturer of high-fidelity and quality audio equipment.

From the crisp click of every button on the center console to the tough suede leather on the steering wheel, the Jaguar XF simply feels a million bucks.

Fluid Movement

Powertrain options are offered in all scales throughout the engine size spectrum from a 2.0 I4 Turbo, a 3.0L V6 Supercharged, or the menacing 5.0 V8 Supercharged engine producing 510 horsepower available only in the highest XFR trim.  An additional 40 horsepower can be gained with the XFR-S, raising the final power output to 550 horsepower.  Our particular tested model came equipped with a 3.0L I6 AWD Luxury package.

Acceleration is swift and ultra linear thanks to its supercharger characteristics – a feature definitely to be missed by its 2.0T counterpart.  Flooring the pedal from a stand still won’t raise any goose bumps either as its heavier curb weight of 1880 Kg. and inherent friction within in its AWD system is mostly to be blamed.  But its 0 – 60 is achieved in under 5.5 seconds, and that is not shabby.

Coupled to the engine shaft is a well-behaved ZF 8-speed automatic transmission.  Under sequential mode, shifts are relatively responsive, but not at a performance level – save that for its F-Type.  I do find that 8-speed to juggle with is a bit excessive, but perhaps on the track, the added chain rings will prove its worth.

Addition to an extra set of gears you’re paying for, the Jaguar XF is equipped with its own Adaptive Dynamic suspension system capable of monitoring vehicle dynamics at a rate of 500 times per second.  This electronic data is then used to dynamically adjust its suspension damping settings on the fly.  What you get out of this is the best of both driving comfort and performance.  And speaking of performance, the Jaguar XF handles well.  Working in conjunction with its EHPAS, steering is sharp and precise and suspension movement is fluid and responsive.

Going the Britain Route

Without a doubt, everyone has the hots of German blood when it comes to luxury sedans – who doesn’t want to be aboard the “German Engineering” band wagon after all?  But opting for the Jaguar creates an opportunity to be different, unique and partake in a historical culture of integrity and prestige.

If you were to ask me, German design tend to be much more process-driven, systematic and consistent.  Jaguar, on the other hand, is a bit more daring, aren’t as afraid to make mistakes, and value creativity, and its reliability track record shows.  But regardless of the fact, the Jaguar XF will always remain a soft spot in my heart for its charming looks and character – even though I’ll never be able to afford one.