2009 Jaguar XF

*Est. $49,200 to $63,700

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

Our Analysis

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.

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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 Trend Details/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.com Details/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

4. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

This review gives a good dose of background information and technical data along with driving impressions. Editor Tony Swan lauds the XF SC's capability on any driving surface, and also mentions other powertrains that are currently unavailable in the U.S. market.

Review: 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged -- Road Test, Tony Swan, Aug. 2008

5. Edmunds.com

This full road test review provides a well-balanced description of the Jaguar XF, which is said to be both competent and fun. Automotive editor James Riswick says the feel of the XF's steering is light, but the brakes are outstanding. He criticizes the supercharged model's standard 20-inch wheels, which he says are unattractive and negatively impact ride quality.

Review: 2009 Jaguar XF Road Test Review, James Riswick, Apr. 15, 2008

6. Fortune Details/Subscribe

Fortune contributor Sue Zesiger Callaway goes along on a test-drive of the Jaguar XF with racing legend Dan Gurney. From the driver's seat, Gurney finds the Jaguar XF to be refined and powerful. From the passenger's seat, Callaway comments favorably on the ride and interior quality. The XF makes it onto Fortune's list of 10 "Top Luxury Cars of the Year" and is named the best midsize sedan.

Review: Jaguar's Edgy New Cat, Sue Zesiger Callaway, Mar. 21, 2008

7. The Truth About Cars

Writer Justin Berkowitz is not a fan of the Jaguar XF's exterior styling, which he says lacks "visual flair and drama." But the interior, which Berkowitz calls "the "finest interior in any mass-produced car built today," is a hit." Overall the XF SC is described as "a first-tier luxury sedan that just happens to have afterburners in the trunk."

Review: 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged Review, Justin Berkowitz, Mar. 31, 2008

8. Road & Track Details/Subscribe

Although rather short on driving impressions, this review provides a good discussion of the Jaguar XF's interior details. The writer praises the Jaguar's large 17.6 cubic-foot trunk and its folding rear seats, and calls the interior "unusual, yet intelligent and functional."

Review: First Drive: 2009 Jaguar XF, Shaun Bailey, Mar. 2008