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| Launch Report Jaguar XF 3.0D And 5.0 V8 |
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Magnificent Engines
I was at the launch of what is arguably Jaguar's most important engine ever. A development of the critically acclaimed 2.7-litre unit that has powered the S-Type, XJ and latest XF, the new diesel is a three-litre offered in 240bhp or 275bhp S guises, the latter of which delivers not only 61% more torque and 32% more power than its predecessor but also achieves its serious turn of speed with notably more refinement than the benchmark BMW 535d alternative. As silent as you'd expect from a modern Jaguar powerplant, the new diesel is quite simply addictive. If this is not the most hushed unit of its type in the world then it certainly comes close. It works in tandem with the faultless ZF six-speed automatic gearbox, operated via the magical JaguarDrive rotary controller and steering wheel paddles, to deliver a 0-62mph time comparable to Porsche's two-seater Boxster. Amazingly, this is achieved along with the fuel economy and emissions of a supermini. Accelerating away from standstill, the XF 3.0 Diesel S instantly impresses, but it's the way the power keeps on coming that will always bring a smile to the driver's face. Indeed, I wanted to turn off the test route and onto the motorway and make the 1200-mile trek home in this car, but reckoned Jaguar's executives wouldn’t be too pleased at losing one of their precious pre-production prototypes! Of course, for some, a Jaguar's only a Jaguar with a V8 powertrain, and the ageing but still excellent eight-cylinder petrol lump steps aside to welcome another new engine under the bonnet. Badged AJ-V8 Gen III, this is arguably the most advanced engine of its capacity in the world. In normally aspirated 385bhp format, CO2 emissions are published at 265g/km - respectable for a car capable of flying to 60mph in 5.5 seconds. Even the 510bhp supercharged R keeps the CO2 banding below 300g/km. Although, in today's world, it's difficult to make a case for anything other than the mighty new diesel, for some the V8 will be worth the extra running costs just for the noise it makes.
Cruising along the Cote d'Azure, Scots designer Ian Callum's perfectly penned saloon car looked at home among the beautiful people in this beautiful part of the world. For a large, four-door saloon, the XF is achingly beautiful - it's one of those designs where you notice more detailing niceties every time one passes by. And driving along the coastal road from Nice to Antibes, I couldn't help but constantly blip the throttle at traffic lights to hear the V8 sing its seductive love song. Of course, the XF in its previous diesel and V8 versions has featured before on these pages and all the other many attributes are well documented. This may well be one of the finest high speed cruisers around but in the right hands on a demanding country road it'll run rings around all the opposition. And it's not just the suspension composure during hard cornering or the direct and communicative steering you'll love. The XF delivers all this along with class-best ride quality. Admittedly this is experienced at its best on the 17" or 18" rims - the huge 19" alloys take away some of the suppleness - but regardless of the wheel size the XF delivers the finest driving experience in the premium arena. Meanwhile while you're enjoying the performance the interior is one of the finest found in any car, anywhere. Traditional woods and leathers mix with all the latest technology to create a driving environment that's a match for the driving experience. The seats are superb, the touchscreen control system is straightforward, and standard equipment levels better the German rivals. And then there's the welcoming and wonderful Phosphor Blue mood lighting. The last time I borrowed an XF I went out in the dark just to marvel at the brilliance of the interior and instrumentation night-time lighting.
The arrival of the new engine quarter coincides with an additional luxury-focused trim level. XF Portfolio takes the Premium Luxury specification and adds unique 19" alloy wheels, 16-way adjustable heated and cooled leather seats, suede roof lining and additional exterior and interior colour schemes. Moreover, a new navigation system, acoustic laminated windscreen and multi-adjustable electrically operated seats are among the upgrades over the 2008 model year on all Jaguar XF derivatives. At its launch last year the XF instantly became the must-have luxury car of choice and now, particularly with Diesel S power, the best gets better. If you're in the market for a prestige saloon car, and have from £32,900 upwards (or £33,900 for the starting point diesel) in the pot, then this is the one to have.
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