
- Luxurious, well-designed interior
- Excellent handling and performance
- Lower price than many competitors
- Large trunk and fold-down rear seat
- Cramped rear seat
- Stiff ride (SC model)
- Lack of all-wheel drive (AWD), V-6 and manual transmission
Styling seems to be the most divisive aspect of the entirely new 2009 Jaguar XF. Almost all reviewers call XF "handsome" or "modern," but only a few are truly enthusiastic. The suave, unique interior design gets much more praise. Some features that may initially seem gimmicky (such as the cool-blue indirect lighting, motorized vents and circular shift selector that all "come to life" when the engine is started) are lauded by many auto writers. On the road, reviewers are impressed with the Jaguar's excellent handling, strong brakes and smooth, powerful engines. A 300-horsepower 4.2-liter V-8 is standard, while the Jaguar XF SC (Supercharged) is good for 420 horsepower. Both feature a six-speed automatic. Critics note the lack of a manual transmission, AWD and a six-cylinder engine. The SC comes with 20-inch wheels that some reviewers say result in an uncomfortably stiff ride. The Jaguar XF's pricing is very competitive and undercuts many rivals. It's worth noting that the XF SC wins significant comparison tests with top competitors such as the BMW 5 Series (*est. $44,600 to $83,900), the Mercedes E-Class (*est. $51,200 to $85,300) and the Audi A6 (*est. $42,950 to $72,350).
Edmunds.com and Motor Trend conduct thorough comparison tests of the 2009 Jaguar XF SC against three similarly priced sports sedan competitors. Edmunds.com also provides a well-written general road-test review. Fortune magazine puts the Jaguar XF on its list of top 10 Luxury Cars of the Year.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
In this review, Edmunds.com compares four premier European sports sedan, each with a V-8 engine and priced in the $60,000 range. Test-drivers award points based on daily driving and performance testing at a racetrack. The Jaguar is the top-rated car, beating the second-place BMW.
Review: Audi A6 4.2 vs. BMW 550i vs. Jaguar XF Supercharged vs. Mercedes-Benz E550, Ed Hellwig, May 11, 2008
2. Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe
Four similarly priced luxury sports sedans are compared in this road test: the Jaguar XF SC, the Lexus GS 460, the Mercedes E550 and the BMW 550i. The Jaguar wins with its smooth ride, strong performance and nicely detailed cabin. Writer Ron Kiino calls the XF "the finest Jaguar sedan we've ever driven."
Review: Private Reserve Cabs: Luxury Sport Sedan Comparison, Ron Kiino, Nov. 13, 2007
3. Automobile.comDetails/Subscribe
This lengthy editorial-type article provides excellent insights and opinions about the new Jaguar XF from Automobile magazine's editor-in-chief, Jean Jennings. She calls the XF "gorgeous," but cautions rear-seat passengers about limited space.
Review: 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged: Sleek Cat, Deadly Growl, Jean Jennings
Sports Sedans Runners Up:
6 picks including: Car and Driver, Edmunds.com…
4 picks including: Automobile.com, Cars.com…
4 picks including: Cars.com, Edmunds.com…
3 picks by top review sites.
3 picks including: Automobile.com, Car and Driver…
3 picks including: Car and Driver, Cars.com…
3 picks including: About.com, Car and Driver…
3 picks including: Cars.com, Edmunds.com…
3 picks including: Car and Driver, AutoWeek…
3 picks including: Automobile.com, Car and Driver…
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.



