2010 Jaguar XF - A New Look For Jaguar

Despite the fact that it's only been a year since Jaguar introduced its XF midsize sedan, there are some significant changes for 2010.  The XF gets new drivetrains, a new trim level, called Portfolio, and a performance version, the XFR.  This year, unlike last it does not offer the supercharger XF model.  The Jaguar XF competes against the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac STS, Lexus GS and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.  The 2010 XF is Jaguar's four-door sports sedan with a fresh modern look.  This is one model which steps away from what consumers may think as traditional Jaguar design. Safety features for all models include dual-stage front, seat-mounted side and side-impact curtain airbags, active head restraints, and a tire pressure monitoring system.  The Jaguar XF for 2010 gets an EPA fuel economy of  16 mpg in the city and   23 - 25 mpg on the highway.  For 2010, the XF Base model receives standard voice-activated navigation, heated front seats, 6-disc in-dash CD changer and Sirius satellite radio. The Premium model receives standard Bi-Xenon headlights, blind spot monitor, front and rear parking aid with camera, cooled front seats, 6-disc in-dash CD changer and Sirius satellite radio.  The 2010 Jaguar XF features a perfectly balanced cabin, with a wide array of special features, yet placed in a way that are not distracting or overpowering.  

Jaguar XF Power

The Base XF model is powered by a 300-hp 4.2-liter V8 engine. It includes Sequential Shift and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. 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.  All engines drive the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Inside the Jaguar XF

The XF cabin features rather small gauges, yet they are still easy to read.   The gauges are clustered under a compact hood binnacle with the speedometer on the right, tach left, flanking an LCD message center with a bar-graph gas gauge, gear indicator, time, odometer and other trip information.  The interior of the 2010 XF combines traditional cues with contemporary touches, like a rotary knob in the center console that serves as a gear selector.  A unique feature in modern Jaguar vehicles is JaguarDrive.  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. The new Portfolio trim level features contrast leather-trim stitching, a suede like cloth headliner, unique trim pieces and deep-pile floormats with contrasting trim and embroidered logos. The power front seats include 18-way adjustment for the driver and 14-way for the passenger.  Another unique feature is the opening of the glove box. The glovebox latch, which isn't really a latch at all, is a spot on the wood trim where you simply lay a finger.

 Driving the 2010 XF

On the road, the XF delivers everything you would expect in a medium-sized sport-luxury sedan. The XF is smooth, fast, and responsive, but also quiet and comfortable. Its six-speed automatic transmission might be the best in any luxury car anywhere, and contributes considerably to the enjoyable driving experience. Overall, the 2010 Jaguar XF driving offers a spirited performance and drives with soul.

Jaguar XF Design

The XF is aerodynamically the most efficient Jaguar sedan ever, with an impressive 0.29 drag coefficient and a front-to-rear lift balance of zero. That means that neither end of the car is more inclined than the other to lift in the airflow as speeds increase. The excellent aerodynamics help keep the XF stable at high speeds, reduce wind noise inside and reduce fuel consumption at a given speed, compared to a car with more drag. Some distinctive characteristics of the 2010 XF include a sculpted hood and prominent aluminum trim surrounding the side windows. The front fender vents on the XF are very well integrated.  In the rear of the XF there are high-mounted LED taillights that emulate an Aston Martin. This essential Jaguar character is defined by the XF's face, and centered on a prominent grille that launches nearly all of the lines flowing rearward across the car. The XFR is distinguished from other trims by aerodynamic treatments like a trunklid spoiler and side sill extensions, four tailpipes, special 20-inch wheels and a more aggressive front end with large chrome-rimmed lower-bumper vents.
 
Safety features that come standard include dual-stage front airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags, head-protecting curtain airbags for all outboard seats, and a tire pressure monitor.  Rear park assist is standard on all models, with a graphic display on the dash. Other safety features include Dynamic Stability Control, with an understeer managing feature, and the latest-generation antilock brakes (ABS).The ABS features brake assist for full force in panic stops and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), which includes a component called Cornering Brake Control that proportions brake force from side to side to keep the car balanced while braking through a curve.

Summary

The 2010 Jaguar XF is an impressive sports sedan that has helped Jaguar reinvent itself into a whole new era.  The biggest benefits of the XF are its ride and handling, its quality of materials, and unique gear-selector knob, and its overall contemporary cabin design. Furthermore,  drivetrain performance on the 2010 XF is excellent.  The main downsides to the Jaguar XF is that it uses premium glass, has a high backseat floor bump, and the grille looks a bit cheap.  Driving Jaguar's most aerodynamic vehicle is a thrilling experience and everything that is expected in a luxury sedan can be found on the 2010 XF.  For more research, read another Jaguar XF review.