2015 Jaguar XF

Until then, the 2015 Jaguar XF is available, a solid, stylish, midsize luxury sports sedan with rear-wheel drive. Elegant, flowing lines make the XF a more visually interesting alternative to many of the better-selling cars in its class. The 2015 Jaguar XF has presence, that intangible quality that allows it to stand out in any line of similar luxury sport entries. Underway, the Jaguar XF is smooth, quiet, and comfortable.

New Portfolio and Sport versions have been added for 2015, each offered with rear-drive or all-wheel drive, making a total of eight XF versions. A Premium Pack is now standard on the turbocharged four-cylinder XF 2.0T Premium, which has become the entry-level model. Standard equipment has been expanded, with fewer options offered.

A range of engines is available for the Jaguar XF, all of them blown: a 240-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4; a superbly powerful and efficient 340-hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6; a 470-hp supercharged 5.0-liter V8; and a 510-hp supercharged V8. All are outstanding in their own way. All are mated to 8-speed automatic transmissions. Intelligent start/stop operation is installed on V6 and V8 models.

Also available is a limited-production, super-fast XFR-S model with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that cranks out a door-blowing 550 horsepower. XFR-S features a track-tuned suspension and many high-performance upgrades.

A Black Package option for the XF Supercharged and XFR features gloss black finish on window surrounds, the front grille and its surround, front bumper inserts, and the rear spoiler, as well as special gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels. All XF models now have a rearview camera and blind spot monitor, as well as a split-fold rear seat with ski hatch.

We've found all variants of the Jaguar XF pleasurable to drive. The four-cylinder engine feels and sounds better than expected. With linear acceleration, a seamless transmission, engaging steering and responsive brakes, the Jaguar XF's driving dynamics are as solid as those of any of its competitors. We especially liked Jaguar's all-wheel drive, which is well-suited to wet and snowy climes.

The 2015 Jaguar XF interior is dignified but a good bit plainer than the deluxe XJ. Upon entering and pushing the Start button, the HVAC dash vents scroll open and the JaguarDrive knob pops up to greet you. The leather seating is all you could ask of a luxury sports sedan, and the driving experience in this very adult English sedan is a pleasure to be anticipated and savored.

One of Jaguar's traits is its resistance to technology for technology's sake, which is good for those who don't want their cars to be rolling personal computers with distracting interfaces. Anyone seeking smartphone integration or the latest navigation system will have to look elsewhere.

Jaguar originally launched the XF as a 2009 model; styling was revised for 2012, and powertrains updated for 2014.

Competitors to the 2015 Jaguar XF include the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Lexus GS. While all of these cars …
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