Jaguar XF Supercharged: Quick Test

Grace, Space, and Pace. The new Jaguar XF Supercharged has all the qualities Sir William Lyons envisioned for his famed brand. The Jaguar XF is without question the company's best car since Ford began influencing the product line. You can argue about its design, or its ride quality, but this car is more competitive in its segment than any other Jag in the last twenty years.

The XF's performance is more than merely competitive. It builds speed effortlessly as its supercharger whines away making great mechanical sounds. This big cat is amazingly composed for such a heavy car. It has tons of grip - two tons to be exact. Just make sure you order the 20-in. performance tires. Braking is very good, but repeated abuse makes for a soft pedal. But if you drive like a normal human being instead of like me, you'll have no problems.

The XF is definitely a candidate for most beautiful four-door sedan. It has to be seen in person to be appreciated. This car also has the most upscale interior of any car under $100,000. In fact, if there was room for a 60-inch plasma screen in there you might never make it out of the car and into your living room.

The XF Supercharged trades a tiny bit of Jaguar's slinky smoothness for sporting intent and it's well worth it. The seats are very comfortable. And in a first for Jaguar, there's enough headroom in the backseat to maintain good, upright posture. The XF has perfectly judged luxury sports sedan vehicle dynamics. And it has all the safety technology you'd expect at this price point.

This Jag's primary competitors are the BMW 550i, the Mercedes-Benz E550 and the Audi A6 4.2. The Jaguar XF Supercharged is very price competitive with its German rivals when comparably equipped. You'll also get decent mileage as long as you stay out of the throttle. (And you'll stay thin as long as you don't eat.)

This is a car that can certainly handle being thrown around at the track, but you'll feel guilty abusing this beauty rather than just cruising along at a dignified pace. With the XF Supercharged, Jaguar has finally delivered a 4-door sedan you don’t have to be crazy (or British) to own.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

Jaguar XF Supercharged

Performance
- Acceleration: Builds speed effortlessly while supercharger whines away sounding great
- Handling: Amazingly composed for such a heavy car - TONS of grip
- Braking: Very good - repeated abuse makes for a soft brake pedal

Design
- Exterior: Potential candidate for most beautiful 4-door sedan - has to be seen in person
- Interior: Even stronger case for most beautiful automotive interior (under $100k)

Utility
- Comfort: Trades a tiny bit of Jaguar's slinky smoothness for sporting intent - comfy seats
- Space: A Jag with rear-seat headroom? Yes - quite comfortable front and rear

Safety
- Dynamics: Perfectly judged luxury sports sedan moves
- Technology: Everything you'd expect at this price point

Value
- Price: When compared with equal options, very competitive
- Mileage: Decent as long as you stay out of the throttle

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Finally a 4-door Jaguar that you wouldn't be crazy to consider
- Fun to spank: It can certainly handle it, but you'll feel guilty beating on this beauty rather than just cruising along elegantly

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear wheel drive
Engine: 4.2 liter, supercharged, DOHC V8
Power (SAE): 420 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque: 413 lbs-ft @ 4000 rpm
Redline: 6250 rpm
Gearbox: 6 speed automatic
Curb Weight: 4160 lbs.
0-60 mph: 5.0 sec.
1/4 mile: 13.5 sec.
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 15 city / 22 highway
Base Price: $62,975
Competitors: BMW 550i, Mercedes-Benz E550, Audi A6 4.2