The last decade has been a big one for Jaguar, as the company’s portfolio of offerings has expanded to include a wide range of new models, including the brand’s first forays into the production of utility and electric vehicles. And, of course, the 2-door F-TYPE rocket.
However, Jaguar can produce luxurious and stately sedans that have been the foundation for the company, which produces three models in various packages- the compact XE, the mid-size XF, and the full-size XJ. XE might be the smallest but is no slouch, solidifying itself as the world’s fastest sedan.
Minor changes to the 2nd-generation XF since arriving in 2016
I recently found myself getting reacquainted with the XF, a car that is now in second-generation guise, and although not much has changed since its introduction back in 2016, it still commands attention from behind the wheel or whilst parked curbside.
Like most Jaguars, the XF has been penned to please the eye and convey a certain image. It looks purposeful and athletic, especially in XF-S (Sport) trim, with just the right mix of curves and bulges, vents and creases. My test unit looked incredible in Rossello Red and fitted with the optional black trim package and gloss black wheels.
For some reason Jaguar cars seem to age better than their rivals when it comes to looks, so it’s nice to see that the brand’s design language is being carefully curated throughout the catalog.
Power & Performance: XF sedan gets the 3.0L supercharged treatment
The XF-S features a 3.0L supercharged V6 engine that produces 380 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. Gear selection is made via Jaguar’s clever periscoping rotary control dial, but the driver is also free to explore the gearbox using quick-to-react paddle controls.
All-wheel drive 4-door hauler
The XF-S represents an excellent choice, particularly for Canadian consumers, as it is fitted with Jaguar’s proven Instinctive All-Wheel Drive system. Unlike some all-wheel-drive setups, this system doesn’t seem to hinder the overall driving experience, as for the most part, under regular driving conditions, it will operate much like a rear-wheel-drive platform.
It also features Adaptive Surface Response- a technological marvel that will further enhance the all-wheel-drive system by determining what is needed for the car to maintain traction on a given surface and adjusting the corresponding controls accordingly. This potent combination will give the driver more confidence during inclement weather or while travelling over treacherous roads.
Driving dynamics and suspension
The XF-S features an advanced adaptive dynamic suspension system, automatically adapting to the ever-changing environment, switching from a supple, smooth ride to a firmer setup based on body and wheel movements.
Drive modes
JaguarDrive Control allows the driver to select from a Standard, Eco, Dynamic, or Rain / Ice / Snow mode, each subtly changing the steering, throttle response, and gearbox shift points.
Should the driver desire to enhance the driving experience based on individual needs, he or she is able to configure the car’s steering, throttle, and suspension response even further by using the touch screen control when operating in the Dynamic drive mode.
XF-S driving impressions
The XF benefits from near 50/50 weight distribution, and the fact that the car is largely constructed of aluminum makes it lighter than many of its contemporaries but also exceptionally strong and stiff.
Handling is very precise for a sedan in this category, as sophisticated front double wishbone and rear Integral Link suspension systems are employed to give the car very dynamic handling capabilities.
The XF-S may not be the freshest face on the boulevard, but it’s definitely distinctive and packaged in such a way that it’s really worth consideration if you’re in the market for a mid-sized executive sedan.
I found this well-sorted suspension platform delivers in all departments while maintaining a refined ride quality. The steering feel is good, not overly assisted and vague, and the car tracks where it’s pointed with authority.
Jaguar has also added Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVBB) to the XF spec sheet this year. This system helps the car maintain stability while cornering by continually monitoring and balancing the distribution of torque to improve both the grip and steering of the vehicle. In effect, the system reduces under-steer by applying the brake to the inside wheels, forcing greater torque to the outer wheels.
2019 Jaguar XF-S Interior and Styling
Stepping inside the well-insulated passenger cabin, it is immediately apparent that the design team at Jaguar likes to keep their interior designs clean and uncluttered. There’s room for five passengers, although the sloping rear roofline will prevent taller individuals from getting truly comfortable, and the rear leg and foot room is also better suited for average-sized individuals.
Up front, I found the driver’s position comfortable for my larger frame, and all the switchgear and controls were well within my reach. I tend to sit far back and low due to my 6’2″ height, and my head never even grazed the faux-suede headliner, which is surprising given the car was equipped with a glass sunroof and I often wear a hat.
XF-S Optional Packages
Driver Assistance Package
Visibility is good, but when you spec the car with the Driver Assistance Package, you gain a full complement of driving assistance features – including Blind Spot Assist, 360° Surround Camera, 360° Park Distance Control, Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Traffic Sign Recognition with Intelligent Speed Limiter.
Technology Package
The optional Technology Package blesses the car with a Virtual Instrument Display. This vibrant 12.3-inch panel allows the driver to select from four graphical themes complete with virtual dials or a full-screen 3D map.
This system was really easy to read most of the time, but on a couple of occasions, the low-angle winter sun managed to produce a prohibitive glare. Luckily, the car was fitted with the optional Head-Up Display (HUD), which projects key information -speed, navigation details, cruise control status, and Traffic Sign Recognition data – onto the windshield immediately in front of the driver.
To keep up with the Joneses, the XF-S comes with all the luxury and comfort equipment one expects in a premium automobile, including Adaptive LED headlights, LED tail lamps, tinted glass sunroof, and a very toney 380-watt Meridian Sound system.
Takeaway: should you buy a Jaguar XF-S sedan?
Jaguar is on a roll, and the iconic nameplate has become increasingly popular with Canadian buyers due to its commitment to offering an attractive combination of performance, luxury, and safety in a uniquely styled line of products. The XF-S may not be the freshest face on the boulevard, but it’s distinctive and packaged in such a way that it’s worth consideration if you’re in the market for a mid-sized executive sedan.
The US and Canadian markets in North America get the mid-sized XF, but the lineup is quite different. Americans are offered a vast offering, including the sweet-shooting brake wagon available in either 2.0L or 3.0L supercharged versions. As tested here, Canadians showed three trims, including diesel, gas, and the supercharged 3.0L.
2019 Jaguar XF-S Specs and Photos
- Base price (MSRP): US$67,625, C$75,300
- Type: Five-passenger, mid-sized sedan
- Layout: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive.
- Engine: 3.0-litre supercharged V6
- Horsepower: 380 @ 6,500 rpm
- Torque: 332 @ 4,500 rpm
- Transmission: ZF 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters
- Performance (0-100km/h): 5.3 seconds
- Brakes (front/rear): Disc/disc
- Fuel economy (L/100km): City- 12.0; Hwy- 8.4
- 4.2K
- 4.2Kshares
