No beast of burden
After a welcome redesign last year, the Jaguar XF returns for the 2017 model year, exhibiting the same exquisite design and fierce performance that have made it a top choice in the competitive midsize luxury sedan segment. Its lightweight aluminum platform makes it one of the most responsive and satisfying vehicles to drive, while the XF's available diesel four-cylinder engine (new for 2017) complements its existing V6 options.
Performance
The 2017 Jaguar XF can be had with one of two engines, both of which provide the requisite performance and character one expects from a Jaguar.
First up is the 3.0-liter supercharged V6. It produces 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The second option is the new turbodiesel 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which is rated at 180 hp and 318 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard on both models, with your choice of either rear- or 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).* The diesel-powered XF reaches 60 mph in 8 seconds and gets a combined 35 mpg (31 mpg city, 40 mpg highway).*
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 a considerable amount of weight, which in turn benefits the vehicle's handling and efficiency.
While most models in its segment focus solely on luxury at the expense of driving dynamics, the 2017 Jaguar XF is happy to supply both, resulting in a unique and thoroughly enjoyable driving experience that can't be found among the XF's European rivals.
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 2017 Jaguar XF is a four-door, five-seat, mid-size luxury sedan. It's available in five trim levels, with prices starting at $47,450.**
Standard equipment for base models includes 18-inch alloy wheels, 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 Premium trim adds auto-dimming side mirrors; memory settings for the driver seat, side mirrors, and steering wheel positions; 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats; and a rearview camera.
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 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 exterior styling of the 2017 Jaguar XF conveys its sporty character. It rides on a lightweight aluminum platform with an evocative version of the brand's current design language, also seen on the XE and XJ.
There’s also remarkable attention to detail. The vertical grille helps to decrease drag, and 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 the trunk lid is made by two steel pressings joined by laser brazing.
The interior is decidedly sporty as well. 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 highlights, however, is the latest version of the Jaguar InControl® infotainment system, which features an 8.0-inch central touchscreen display.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2017 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.
Verdict
The 2017 Jaguar XF is the perfect choice for drivers that demand a little more soul from their luxury vehicle. A simple paint-by-numbers luxury sedan this is not. Instead, the XF provides a breathtaking combination of premium features and thrilling performance. If you're the type who simply refuses to follow the herd, the 2017 Jaguar XF is for you.
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 Credit: Jaguar
