2010 Jaguar XF vs 2010 Lexus GS 450

2010 Jaguar XF

Jaguar's latest midsize luxury sport sedan offers the expected features for this class of car, including 19- or 20-inch wheels, a navigation system, keyless ignition/start and a 440-watt Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system. The XF was first rolled out in 2009, for 2010 the XF gets new drivetrains, a new trim level and a performance version, the XFR.

2010 XF Power

There are two engines available for this 2010 XF model, a normally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque and a new supercharged version. New for 2010 is a 5.0-liter V-8 in regular and supercharged forms. Thanks to direct injection, these two increase power by 23 percent and 29 percent, respectively, without sacrificing mileage. Jaguar says the 380-hp 5.0-liter propels the XF to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, down from 6.2 seconds with the 4.2-liter. The supercharged V-8 does it in 4.7 seconds. For both engines, power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with manual control via steering-wheel-mounted paddles. One of the XF's more distinctive features is its JaguarDrive gear selector, a small rotary knob that rises out of the center console, replacing the traditional console-mounted shift lever.

Jaguar XF Features

All Jaguar XF models are generously equipped. With seating for five, there are three trim levels -- Luxury, Premium Luxury and Supercharged -- each endowed with finely stitched leather upholstery, wood veneer accents, brushed aluminum trim, and the innovative JaguarSense system, which uses proximity sensors to open the glovebox or turn on map lights with the wave of a hand. Like the XK, the XF's in-dash LCD is a touch-screen. The new Portfolio trim level features contrast leather-trim stitching, a suedelike cloth headliner, unique trim pieces and deep-pile floormats with contrasting trim and embroidered logos.

XF Design

The XF is swift and stylish with exterior features such as a sculpted hood and prominent aluminum trim surrounding the side windows. The XF has front fender vents similar to the XK's. Around back are high-mounted LED taillights that emulate an Aston Martin.
When the engine is started, the JaguarDrive Selector knob rises out of the console, and closed air conditioning vents rotate to the open position. The XF also 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.

2010 Lexus GS 450

The GS represents its Lexus badge as a luxury sedan. It cruises silently on the highway and it's fully outfitted with the latest technology and upscale amenities. Driven on back roads, the GS offers precise control with sharp turn-in and excellent overall balance. Although the GS 460's edgier Japanese and German rivals involve their drivers more directly, this midsize Lexus sedan can run with anything in its price range. Up to five people can fit in the GS 460's leather-lined cabin. Perforated leather comes in a choice of three colors, one of which - Parchment - is new for 2010.

2010 GS Power

Lexus' midsize GS 460 sport sedan has a V-8 engine that comes from the brand's flagship LS 460 sedan; in the GS, it makes 342 horsepower. Lexus says the GS 460 sprints from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, which puts it 0.3 seconds ahead of the GS 350. The torque-rich GS 450h is still the quickest of the bunch, at 5.2 seconds. The GS 460 gets an EPA-estimated 17/24 mpg city/highway.

Lexus GS 450 Features

The Lexus GS 460 comes fully equipped with a long list of features that includes adaptive HID headlights, keyless ignition/entry, supple leather upholstery, rich wood trim, dual-zone climate control and a 10-speaker sound system. Options include a superb Mark Levinson audio system with navigation and a back-up camera, adaptive cruise control and the Pre-Collision accident preparedness system. Inside, the Lexus GS 460 is luxurious and finely trimmed. The interior is spacious and can accommodate taller individuals in back. Depending on the interior color you select, genuine maple or walnut complements the rich leather, and the gauges are surrounded by classic chrome rings. A drop-down dash panel conceals many of the lesser-used switches and secondary controls; it's a nice touch, though it can occasionally get in the way if left open. Ergonomics are otherwise a strong point, as the sedan's central touchscreen and traditional control layout are much easier to understand and use than the all-in-one control systems featured in rival sedans.

GS 450 Design

Lexus says the GS is more futuristic than its predecessor, touting its long hood and set-back cabin. Featuring uncluttered sheet metal, the GS 460 has a short rear deck and wide, tapered C-pillars that flow toward the rear of the car.

Conclusions

The XF and the GS 450 both represent their brands in the mid size mid luxury class. For Jaguar, whose past 10 years have been awash in slowing sales and diminishing consumer enthusiasm, the XF is a savior of sorts. Sporting standard V8 power and a blending of tradition with modern style and technology, it's one of the most interesting Jaguars to come out in a long while. For Lexus, the GS is rear wheel driven and draws motivation from a smooth and potent 4.6-liter V8 engine. Pricewise the two sedans are similar, the 2010 Lexus GS 450 has a starting MSRP of $54,070, while the Jaguar XF ranges between $51,150 and $79,150. Fuel economy is also similar, the Lexus GS has an average of City: 17 mpg and Highway: 24 mpg, the Jaguar XF gets a mileage of City: 15 - 16 mpg and Highway: 21 - 25 mpg.

Both vehicles are abound with new high-tec safety features. The Jaguar XF's airbag complement includes dual-stage frontal airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags, and curtain airbags for front and rear side-impact protection. Active head restraints come on the front seats. Antilock disc brakes with brake assist and brake-force distribution are standard. Also onboard are traction control and an electronic stability system. Lexus GS gets active front head restraints and Safety Connect, and a new subscription telematics system, are standard. The available navigation system adds the new Lexus Enform concierge service, and the premium sound system adds iPod and USB connectivity, Bluetooth streaming audio and hands-free phone capability. Overall, the Lexus GS is great for buyers who want a premium midsize sedan that splits the difference between athleticism and elegance, the Lexus GS 460 is a strong candidate. The Jaguar XF is aimed at a new buyer: younger, more style-conscious and more tech-savvy. Measured from that point of view, the XF is a solid hit