2016 Jaguar XF S video review

All-new replacement for the Jaguar XF, but is it the new standard-setter in the 5 Series segment?

By Shahzad Sheikh

Meet the Jaguar XF S. I know, I know it looks like the new XE (a car we’ve really rather fallen for – review here). In fact it’s 282mm longer, 30mm wider and 41mm taller, with 125mm longer wheelbase – and yet it’s only around 20kg heavier. This is Jaguar’s 5 Series rival and unsurprisingly it more closely mirrors that BMW’s dimensions being 47mm longer, 20mm wider but 18mm lower with almost exactly the same wheelbase. And it’s 145kg lighter than the German.

See my video review of the Jaguar XF S by clicking below.

I’m getting a little obsessed when it comes to dimensions and the new XF for some reason, so as evidence that this is a genuinely new XF I can confirm that it’s 7mm shorter and 3mm lower than the previous car with a wheelbase that’s grown by 51mm for more interior space. It’s also 28% stiffer but thanks to its mostly aluminium structure, it’s actually 190kg lighter than before, hence the weight-race blow to the Beemer.

2016 Jaguar XF S video review

Unless you park them side-by-side it is pretty hard to tell it apart from its smaller XE sibling. The XF definitely has a bolder more upright and imposing front with a power bulge along the bonnet, plus shorter overhangs than the previous iteration. At the side the XF has more scoops and contours than the relatively simple XE, but from the rear only the taillights are a distinguishing feature to my eyes. All of which is perhaps not a bad thing if you’re buying the XE.

2016 Jaguar XF S video review

Inside too it’s difficult to tell them apart except that there’s one cowl line that sweeps across the top of the dashboard compared to the less elegant but more sporty double-bubble line adopted by the XE. There’s certainly more room in the rear cabin of this car though, and if you’re going to carry passengers – or like to be one yourself sometimes – then this is definitely the one to get. Up front it may be marginally more roomy too, but the ergonomics is not quite as good I felt with the window switches and transmission knob a little too far forward for my liking.

2016 Jaguar XF S video review

This is the current range-topping edition and comes with a 3.0 V6 Supercharged engine putting out 380bhp through the rear wheels via an 8-speed transmission. That’s good for a 0-100kph time of just 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 250kph. It’s listed as AED299,000 ($81.5k).

2016 Jaguar XF S video review

You can actually get the new XF from as little as AED179,000 though ($48.8k) – that would be with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder Turbo with 240bhp still through an 8-speed with a 0-100kph in 7 seconds and a top speed of 248kph.

2016 Jaguar XF S video review

In between these two is a 3.0 R-Sport – also a supercharged V6 but with 40bhp less than the car we tested, though it loses only a tenth in the 0-100kph dash with a time of 5.4. Top speed is the same and yet it is AED40,000 cheaper at AED259k ($70.6k).

2016 Jaguar XF S video review

To drive this is a definitely a car biased more towards the sporty side of the equation compared to some rivals, whilst still adhering to the comfort side too thanks to a superbly supple ride and excellent body control even when chucking it around. Having said that, there’s a tad more understeer compared the darty XE, and the steering is not quite as sharp or responsive. It certainly grips and goes, but is not quite as engaging as its little brother.

2016 Jaguar XF S video review

Verdict

If you love the look and want the Jaguar brand sitting in your garage, but need space and comfort as well as pace, then this is definitely worth a look. It’s good-looking, well-equipped, has great performance and an excellent ride.

However if you looking for a Jaguar that’s more of a driver’s tool, you can save AED65k ($17.7k) and go for the XE 3.0, or save a whopping AED105k ($28.6k) and go for a XE 2.0 R-Sport which is a fantastic drive!

2016 Jaguar XF S 3.0 – The Specs

Price: AED299,000 ($81.5k)
Engine: 3.0 V6 S’charged, 380bhp @ 6500, 332lb ft @ 3500
Performance: 0-100kph 5.3seconds, 250kph, 9.8L/100km
Transmission: 8-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Weight: 1770kg

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