Jaguar XF Saloon (08 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 20 October 2011
Years of criticism for being too 'traditional' and flagging sales prompted Jaguar to take a radical step when replacing the S-Type. The XF has hints of previous Jaguars in details of its design, but looks and feels every inch a modern, upmarket saloon. The interior is wonderfully stylish and despite actually containing more wood than any previous Jaguar, it's combined with aluminium to give it a contemporary appearance. It's amazingly comfortable too but also good to drive with very little body roll and responsive steering. The XF proves that Jaguar is back to its best when it comes to building luxury saloons. The model slightly was revised in March 2009 with a more powerful V8 petrol engine plus a superb new 3.0-litre diesel (available with either 240bhp or 275bhp) replacing the 2.7-litre unit.
4.5 out of 5

Other Jaguar reviews

3 out of 5

Running costs

Although prices seem high compared with cars like the Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series, the Jaguar XF range starts with powerful six-cylinder engines and all models are very well equipped. Routine servicing costs should be lower than the other top premium brands, although they will still be more expensive than mainstream makes. The most frugal engine is the 160bhp 2.2-litre diesel that joined the range in 2011 - it averages 52.3mpg.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£2,360 - £2,790 *

Diesel

£1,233 - £1,732 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

15,000 miles. Facelifted models from March 2009 have 16,000 mile intervals.

Warranty

Three years/unlimited mileage.

Road tax (12 months)

£135.00 - £475.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

2 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
    149
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M
    299

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The Jaguar XF's engines compete in the top of the executive car sector, with no frugal four-cylinder diesels or manual transmissions. However, the 2.7-litre diesel - which will sell in far greater numbers than any other model in the UK - has CO2 emissions of 199g/km, which is respectable for a 200bhp-plus car. The newer 3.0-litre V6 diesel is even more impressive. The S version has 275bhp yet returns 42mpg and emits 179g/km of CO2. In 2011 Jaguar added the 160bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine. This reduced CO2 emissions to 149g/km.

Find the exact engine and CO2