2008 Jaguar XF
OVERVIEW
The new Jaguar XF sedan will replace the old and awkwardly styled S-Type. But it should do much more. With its fresh look, both inside and out, the XF could attract the younger buyers Jaguar so desperately needs. Among its features are phosphor blue interior lighting, the fast-becoming-obligatory engine start button, an electronic control system that uses motion sensors to activate certain features and the inevitable iPod integration.
The cabin has been created to provide a tactile treat, while the chassis has been tuned to provide both fun and comfort. The XF will be offered with a choice of naturally aspirated or supercharged engines and will come in three trim levels: luxury, premium luxury and supercharged.
UNDER THE HOOD
4.2-liter V-8
300 horsepower
310 pound-feet of torque
4.2-liter V-8 (supercharged)
420 horsepower
408 pound-feet of torque
WHEN?
March 2008
HOW MUCH?
300 hp V8 starts at $49,975420 hp V8 starts at $62,975
To be announced
(The 2007 S-Type starts at $48,335, so an equivalent XF shouldn’t stray too far from there.)
OUR TAKE
Jaguar has lasted this long on cachet, something most marques would kill to acquire. Now, with this new model joining the XK and XJ, the company has a range that not only can back up this cachet but also extend it. Although build quality issues have dogged the big cat for years, if these have been resolved, there’s no reason a prospective BMW 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class buyer shouldn’t consider this as well.
