Introduction

The Jaguar XF line broadened for 2018, with more engine choices and the addition of a new Sportbrake sport wagon. 

2018 Jaguar XF sedans offer a pair of 2.0-liter turbocharged engines, in addition to a supercharged V6 and a 2.0-liter diesel engine. Jaguar's lushly sleek, midsize luxury sedan entered its second generation for the 2016 model year. 

The gorgeous XF Sportbrake wagon joined the U.S. lineup mid-2017 and comes with the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that makes 380 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Sportbrake wagons come only with all-wheel drive. 

Jaguar XF sedans are available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. 

The newly available 2.0-liter 25t four-cylinder engine produces 247 horsepower; the 2.0-liter 30t delivers 296 horsepower. Jaguar's 2.0-liter diesel four generates 180 horsepower. Each engine mates with an 8-speed automatic transmission that includes paddle shifters. 

XF sedans feature a lightweight, fully independent suspension. Sportbrake wagons incorporate a set of air springs. 

We found the XF has communicative steering, excellent transmission shifts, and a highly composed ride. Strong V6 power and taut, supple handling combine to provide thoroughbred sports sedan dynamics in the XF S. Acceleration to 60 mph takes about 5.0 seconds (5.3 seconds in the Sportbrake). A rear-wheel-drive XF with the 2.0-liter 25t engine can reach 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, very quick performance. 

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash-tested the XF sedan or Sportbrake wagon. A rearview camera is optional on base models, but standard for higher trim levels. Upper versions may include such safety technology as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system. Depending on trim level, safety features may be either standard or optional. A head-up display also is available. 

An XF may be equipped with base InControl Touch infotainment, with 8.0-inch touchscreen. Upper models get a Pro version with 10.2-inch touchscreen, plus a 12.3-inch panel that replaces conventional gauges. 

Lineup

The Jaguar XF 25t Sedan ($47,775) comes with the 247-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine, 8.0-inch touchscreen, and 380-watt Meridian audio. 

Rear-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is available. (Prices do not include $995 destination charge.)

The 2018 Jaguar XF also comes in XF Premium ($49,765), XF Prestige ($54,225), XF R-Sport ($58,125), XF S ($63,865), and XF Portfolio ($67,425). 

Premium adds a rearview camera, power-adjustable steering column, and split-folding rear seat. Prestige gets heated power front seats, leather upholstery, parking sensors, and navigation. R-Sport has distinctive styling touches, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive LED headlights. 

Sportbrake S AWD Wagon ($70,450) gets V6 with all-wheel drive, S body kit, self-leveling air suspension, power gesture tailgate, and 20-inch wheels, panoramic roof. 

Walkaround

Straightforward XF design closely resembles that of Jaguar's smaller XE sedan: somewhat spare, but displaying handsome detailing. Though the grille is similar to XE's, fender vents and slim headlights help separate the two models. 

With its dramatically stretched-out roofline, the Sportbrake ranks as utterly enticing to the eye, complementing its ability to cling tenaciously to the pavement. Far more than the sedan, the new wagon is attuned to Jaguar's illustrious past. 

Interior

The cockpit is suitably functional and logically organized, and fit and finish stand above the norm. The cabin has a dark ambience, devoid of the glamour of old classic Jaguars. 

While passenger space is ample, seats could be better-shaped with softer cushions, providing greater support. Front cushions are flat, with thin side bolstering. Yet, they hold both occupants neatly in position. The driver enjoys considerable elbow room. 

The XF boasts sufficient space for 6-foot occupants in the back seats. 

Sedan trunks are huge, measuring 19.1 cubic feet. 

Sportbrake wagons hold 31.7 cubic feet of cargo behind the back seat, expanding to 69.7 cubic feet with seatbacks folded forward, though the cargo hold isn't tall. 

Driving Impression

Strong V6 power and taut, supple handling combine to provide thoroughbred sports sedan dynamics. The XF has communicative steering, excellent transmission shifts, and a highly composed ride. Acceleration to 60 mph takes about 5.0 seconds (5.3 in the Sportbrake). 

Turbodiesel sedans start off eagerly, delivering potent torque though a narrow engine-speed range. 

Ride/handling characteristics cooperate expertly. Dead-even 50/50 weight balance helps give the XF a neutral feel when cornering, as well as compliant behavior. Steering is accurate if lighter than in some rivals, with moderate body lean. Yet, the XF always feels well-controlled. 

Superior ride quality is further enhanced on models with adaptive dampers, permitting casual confidence on any road surface. 

As expected, the turbodiesel is the fuel-economy champ, EPA-rated at 31/42 mpg City/Highway, or 35 mpg Combined. All-wheel drive lowers the estimate to 30/40/34 mpg. 

The gasoline turbo four is EPA-rated at 25/34 mpg City/Highway, or 28 mpg Combined. Mileage dips to 23/33/27 mpg with all-wheel drive. 

Jaguar's supercharged V6, in the S sedan, is EPA-rated at 20/29 mpg City/Highway, or 23 mpg Combined with rear-drive; or 20/28/23 mpg with all-wheel drive. Sportbrake wagons are EPA-rated 18/25 mpg City/Highway, or 21 mpg Combined. 

Summary

All Jaguar XF models excel in performance and equipment content, with options offered in logical groupings. The sedans don't stand out dramatically from the four-door European sedan pack. Jaguar's gorgeous rendition of a sport wagon harks back to the British motorcar maker's renowned design heritage. 

Driving impressions by The Car Connection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report.