2010 Jaguar XF Premium

Jaguar, ready to regain its place in the luxury car market that is so much a part of its history, is on a mission to make change. As an example of proof, the Jaguar XF, only in its second year of produciton, gets a  brand new powertrains for 2010 XF Premium, along with the new high performing XFR.  This model was styled by Jaguar's Ian Callum, a sensational designer who has been passionate about the brand. Callum is now in charge of Jaguar design and his long-term devotion to the products shows. The XF Premium embodies more flagship-like characteristics than the outgoing XJ ever did, especially now that Jaguar has introduced a pair of new engines under its hood.  The XF premium's main competitors include the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS and Infiniti M.  The 2010 XF Premium interior is about as good as it gets in this segment.  That the midlevel XF offers as much performance as it does for a mere $5,000 investment over the base model is astounding; it is both more engaging and more refined than any of its rivals. The 2010 Jaguar XF Premium has a base price of $57,000.

 XF Premium Power

The XF Premium, the mid-level model, has a new naturally-aspirated, 385-horse, 380 lb-ft. 5.0-liter V8. The Premium uses a 6-speed automatic transmission with "JaguarDrive Selector," which uses a rotary knob for gear selection. The transmission also includes steering-wheel paddles for manual gear changes.

2010 XF Premier Design

The XF Premium is simply elegant, but it comes as a surprise in that the XF embodies no traditional design cues.  Its design is fresh and smooth.  Outside, the  XF Premium is visually identical to the base XF.  The 2010 XF offers a coupe-styled sedan that is very design-forward and without a doubt is targeted towards the more youthful buyers. 

Driving an XF

The underpinnings to the 2010 XF Premium are unchanged from last year.  The midlevel, naturally aspirated V8 features an engaging, brilliantly engineered engine Jaguar designed the engine to make its power accessible at lower engine speeds, meaning that passing power is available with just a light tip of the throttle, rather than waiting for a downshift.  The XF Premium features firm, beautifully weighted steering.  19-inch wheels are standard and  20s are optional, but both cruise with ease over bumps. Wind rush and mechanical noise are well muted even at highway speeds.  All engines drive the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission that also offers shift paddles on the steering wheel.

Jaguar Cabin Features

The Premium is embodied with a simple and elegant interior. There?s not a single material that feels cheap or less worthy than price of the vehicle.  The XF is covered in leather and rich wood trim. A may be a whole new feel to the Jaguars we may be used to, but it is easy to get accustomed to. Jaguar has blended its traditional elegance with more contemporary style in the XF.  This 2010 Jaguar has plenty of room in the front seat and lots of head room.   Gauges are clean and easy to see.  The XF Premium uses proximity sensors in place of switches or handles for the reading lights and glove compartment lid - a wave of the hand does the trick. The JaguarDrive Selector - a pop-up knob that you rotate to select a transmission gear requires some acclimation, but works well. The optional Bowers and Wilkins audio system cranks out a reasonable 525 watts for 2010, a decent 85 watt bump over the 440 watt '09.  

Safety for 2010

Available safety features for the 2010 Jaguar XF Premium include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A navigation system, rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring system, and adaptive cruise control are available.

Summary

The XF 4.2 Premium Luxury, with a base price in the $50,000 range, has the same normally aspirated V8 as the standard model, with even more luxury features. Its standard equipment list adds a GPS navigation system, soft-grain leather on the seats, dash and door panels, three-stage heated front seats and 19-inch wheels, among other things. It takes Premium unleaded fuel and passive keyless entry and start and a power glass sunroof are included in the price. The standard seating is bond-grain leather, with satin-finish walnut and aluminum trim, a 320-watt, eight-speaker stereo and 18-inch alloy wheels.  This mid level XF for 2010 performs well, and offers a good balance between the base model and the high performing XFR. Read another 2010 Jaguar XF Premium review for more information.