2010 Jaguar XF: What's New

Vehicle Overview
Though it’s only been a year since Jaguar introduced its XF midsize sedan, changes come for 2010 in the form of new drivetrains, a new trim level and a performance version, the XFR. Competing models in size and/or price include the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac STS, Lexus GS and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The XFR squares off against the souped-up versions of those cars, such as the S6, M5 and STS-V.

As before, the XF comes in Luxury and Premium Luxury trim levels, and 2010 adds the XF Portfolio, an ultra-luxury version.

Exterior
Distinctive characteristics include a sculpted hood and prominent aluminum trim surrounding the side windows. The XF has front fender vents similar to the XK’s. (Vents have become a clich� recently, but Jaguar’s are well-integrated.) Around back are high-mounted LED taillights that emulate an Aston Martin.

The XFR is distinguished 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. The hood also has modest cooling vents.

Interior
The interior combines traditional cues with contemporary touches, like a rotary knob in the center console that serves as a gear selector. With its continued dedication to ease of use, Jaguar does not use this knob as a multifunction controller like the German and some Japanese makers do. Like the XK, the XF’s in-dash LCD is a touch-screen.

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 suedelike cloth headliner, unique trim pieces and deep-pile floormats with contrasting trim and embroidered logos.

The XFR comes with soft-grain leather in ivory or charcoal, with red or tan accents also available. The trim includes dark oak and a darker, mesh-patterned version of the regular XF’s expansive aluminum dashboard panels. The power front seats include 18-way adjustment for the driver and 14-way for the passenger.

Under the Hood
The standard drivetrain is a 4.2-liter V-8 with 300 horsepower. 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.

All engines drive the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission that also offers shift paddles on the steering wheel.

The XFR has a faster steering ratio and larger brakes than the regular XF and adds Active Differential Control, an electronically controlled, clutch-driven limited-slip rear differential.

Safety
The 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. Optional on any 5.0-liter-equipped XF is adaptive cruise control, whose radar can also determine if a collision is imminent and alert the driver.