New for 2016
The XF is all new for 2016, with a lighter aluminum-intensive platform and more technology features.
Improving the Breed
Jaguar helped invent the modern sports sedan with models like the 1960s Mark II, and for 2016 it’s improving the breed with the redesigned XF. Jaguar’s midsize sedan is more ferocious than ever, thanks to a lightweight aluminum platform and supercharged V6 engines. New driver aids and an updated infotainment setup make the XF smarter, too. And like all Jaguars, it has a soul that the German competition just can’t match.
Performance
The 2016 Jaguar XF launches with two powertrain options that have been battle-tested in other Jaguar Land Rover models. They both provide the performance and character one expects from a Jaguar.
Option one is a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that produces 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. It’s coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The rear-wheel drive version will do 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, and get an EPA-rated 24 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway).* The all-wheel drive version takes 5.1 seconds to reach 60 mph, and returns 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway).*
For even more power, there’s also a 380-hp version of the 3.0-liter supercharged V6, which produces the same 332 lb-ft of torque. It also uses an eight-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The extra power means slightly lower 0 to 60 mph times of 5.1 seconds with rear-wheel drive, and 5.0 seconds with all-wheel drive. All XF models have a top speed of 155 mph, and fuel-economy ratings for the more powerful version should be similar to those of the 340-hp XF.
In addition to powerful engines, the XF is also equipped with some clever tech and design features that make it a well-balanced sports sedan. The XF is based on an aluminum-intensive platform that saves 132 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 265 pounds with all-wheel drive, compared to the outgoing model.
The JaguarDrive Control® system gives drivers the choice of three driving modes—Normal, Winter, and Dynamic—while the optional Adaptive Dynamics system adds adjustable dampers. There’s also standard All-Surface Progress Control, which is designed to allow smooth starts on low-friction surfaces like snow and ice.
Features
The 2016 Jaguar XF is available only as a four-door, five-seat midsize luxury sedan. It launches soon in four trim levels, with pricing starting at $51,900.**
The base XF model is the Premium, and as the name implies, it’s pretty luxurious. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, Jaguar’s InControl® infotainment system with 8.0-inch touchscreen, 11-speaker Meridian® audio system, rearview camera, power front seats, a 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench seat, and Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights.
The Prestige includes all of the applicable standard features from the Premium, and adds Taurus leather seats, heated front seats, four-way power lumbar, interior mood lighting, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, keyless entry, navigation, and 19-inch wheels.
For a sportier flavor, the XF R-Sport includes a body kit, satin chrome exhaust finishers, full LED headlights, SiriusXM® satellite radio, and other model-specific trim elements. The XF S includes all of those features, and adds the Adaptive Dynamics system, sport seats, red brake calipers, and other upgrades.
Design
The 2016 Jaguar XF’s exterior styling conveys its sporty character. It rides on a lightweight aluminum platform with an evocative version of Jaguar’s current design language, also seen on the XE and XJ. Designers lengthened the wheelbase compared to the old XF, but the new car is actually shorter. That liberated some extra interior space, while still giving the XF dramatic proportions.
There’s also remarkable attention to detail. The grille is more vertical than before, helping to decrease drag. Jaguar also uses one-piece body side pressings to increase structural rigidity and create side surfacing with no joints. At the rear, there are LED taillights shaped to look like the ones from the F-Type sports car, and ensure they fit properly, the trunk lid is made by two steel pressings joined by laser brazing.
The interior is decidedly sporty as well. As in the last XF, it features air vents that rotate into place and a rotary gear selector that pops up from the center console, for a bit of theater. One of the biggest new additions is the latest version of Jaguar’s InControl® infotainment system, which features an 8.0-inch central touchscreen display.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Jaguar XF includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, All-Surface Progress Control, a rearview camera, and a full array of airbags. Optional features include blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and park assist.
Bottom Line
With a lighter aluminum platform, powerful engines, and more sophisticated tech, the 2016 Jaguar XF is better than ever.
Be sure to contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 to schedule a test drive.
*All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.
*Price shown is Base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes $995 destination/handling charge, tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Total Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price includes $995 destination/handling charge and may include optional equipment but excludes tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing.
Image: Jaguar
