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- 2012 Jaguar XF
Overview
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2012 Jaguar XF Review
What's New for 2012
Interior
By Zach Vlasuk
KBB Expert Rating:
When Jaguar unveiled the all-new XF in 2009, it signaled the beginning of the brand's ambitious attempt to attract younger buyers and transform public perception. While it wasn't a resounding success at first, the refreshed 2012 Jaguar XF aims to expand its appeal among midsize luxury-car buyers with a series of styling enhancements, new multimedia equipment and simpler interior controls. By virtue of these crucial refinements, we believe the Jaguar XF finally possesses the right tools to challenge such formidable competitors as the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS and the Infiniti M.
You'll Like This Car If...
Whether you're a trend setter, trailblazer or simply an admirer of Britannic automotive design, the XF is a unique alternative to common midsize luxury sedans.
You May Not Like This Car If...
If you consider yourself a crafty consumer and seek a high level of value in your next luxury-vehicle purchase, the XF's comparatively high starting price, mediocre fuel economy and historically low residual values may prove disconcerting to value-conscious buyers.
What's New for 2012
The Jaguar XF receives several significant upgrades for the 2012 model year. Highlights include a remodeled front end with a striking new headlight design, revised LED taillights, a trio of updated audio systems and a series of prominent interior upgrades.
Driving the XF
Driving Impressions Contrary to popular belief, the 2012 Jaguar XF is not a bloated luxury barge. Instead, we found the XF's acceleration, stability, steering and braking feedback on par with the segment's...
heavy hitters. Unlike the BMW M5 and Audi S6, however, the ultra-sporty Jaguar XFR sacrifices a considerable amount of ride quality for a marginal performance increase. If the standard 385-horsepower V8 fails to satisfy for your high-octane lifestyle, we recommend the athletic, yet comfortable 470-horsepower XF Supercharged model. The XF's 6-speed automatic gearbox features a sport mode that, in conjunction with the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, makes for a rather engaging driving experience. Jaguar has also decreased the level of driver distraction in the XF through a series of intuitive functionality changes to the touch-screen interface and miscellaneous interior controls.
Favorite Features
JAGUARDRIVE SELECTOR
From the pages of science fiction to 21st-century roadways, the JaguarDrive Selector is one of the most innovative interpretations of a universal automotive feature. A beautify-crafted, metallic wheel automatically rises into the driver's hand once the Start/Stop button is pressed for effortless control of various transmission modes.
BOWERS & WILKINS AUDIO SYSTEM
Audiophiles will find it tremendously challenging to nitpick the impeccable sound quality produced by the available 1200-watt, 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkin audio system.
2012 Jaguar XF Details
Interior
The Jaguar XF provides an airy upscale cabin, where rich leather covers all five seats and high-quality materials are arranged with remarkable precision. The ergonomically-designed front seats deliver ample support for occupants of all sizes, though 6-footers will find rear-seat headroom slightly restricted from the aggressive curvature of the roof. Instrumentation is sharp and legible, but operating the touch-screen climate-control functions can quickly become a vexing task – although you might find the controls easier to operate than some of the complex systems found in German-built luxury sedans.
Exterior
The XF's aggressive stance is emphasized in a sleek, aerodynamic body style and sweeping coupe-like roofline. The 2012 XF offers over a half-dozen wheel choices ranging from the standard 18-inch 10-spokes to a set of massive 20-inch dark gray Draco alloys. The range-topping Jaguar XFR features unique body cladding, gloss black upper and lower grille inserts and a distinctive front end design. Fortunately, XFR detractors can affix their own assortment of sporty exterior adornments to the less-expensive Portfolio trim, thanks to the Exterior Sport Pack, which includes the XFR's blackout grille inserts, 19-inch wheels, a unique front bumper and a rear spoiler.
Notable Equipment
Standard Equipment
Although the 2012 Jaguar XF carries a higher starting price than the majority of its competitors, it does feature a standard hard-drive-based navigation system with a 7-inch touch-screen and a DVD player. JaguarVoice allows for voice control of the audio, navigation, phone and climate-control functions, while the ventilation system's humidity sensor and odor control ensure a pleasant interior environment. Safety features include a full complement of airbags and the typical accompaniment of electronic driving aides.
Optional Equipment
The 2012 Jaguar XF is offered in four trim levels: Base, Portfolio, Supercharged and XFR. The Portfolio model adds soft-grain leather seating surfaces and soft-touch door panels, a rear backup camera and a smart-key system that provides vehicle access and push-button ignition without the need to remove the key fob from your pocket or bag. The XF Supercharged and XFR models share a supercharged 5.0-liter engine and Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics suspension system that monitors wheel movements up to 500 times per second for enhanced traction and stability.
Under the Hood
All 2012 Jaguar XF Sedans are powered by a gasoline direct-injection 5.0-liter V8. The XF Supercharged and XFR, however, add a supercharger to the mix, bumping output to a whopping 470 and 510 horsepower, respectively. As a result, the XFR sprints to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds with an electronically-limited top speed of 155 miles per hour. Snowbelt drivers will find seasonal performance quite limiting since the Jaguar XF lacks an all-wheel-drive option.
XF Base, Portfolio
5.0-liter V8
385 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
380 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 mpg
XF Supercharged
5.0-liter supercharged V8
470 horsepower @ 6,000-6,500 rpm
424 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 mpg
XFR
5.0-liter supercharged V8
510 horsepower @ 6,000-6,500 rpm
461 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 mpg
Pricing Notes
The 2012 Jaguar XF has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just under $54,000, which is noticeably higher than the base prices of the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Lexus GS. The well-appointed XF Portfolio starts around $60,000, while the XF Supercharged will set you back an additional $10K. A fully-loaded XFR tops out close to $90,000. To get a better deal and reduce the stresses of haggling, be sure to take a look at Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price to see what consumers in your area are currently paying for their 2012 Jaguar XFs. Unfortunately, the XF is not immune to Jaguar's unfavorable reputation for substandard reliability and thus residual values are decidedly lower than those for the bulk of its competitors.
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Jaguar XF vehicles for sale near you.
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2012 Jaguar XF Consumer Reviews
Based on 74 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.
Review this car-
ValueQuality
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ReliabilityPerformance
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ComfortStyling
Beautiful Inside and Out!!
By Damon (CA) on Sunday, April 28, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "execution of materials,head turner,driving dynamic"
Cons: "envious looks"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
My Black Cat
"I bought this car for my wive recently and she loves it as do I in-fact I end up driving this more than my Bentley or Maserati due to how the driving dynamics are great as is the steering response and acceleration which are both effortless."
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My Black Cat
2013 XF Jaguar AWD---It's a winner!
By Mr. ROBBO (NJ) on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,500
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Best looking vehicle....great handling.....comfort"
Cons: "Rear seat a bit tight for larger passengers"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Traded 2007 S-Type for the 2013 AWD XF. Wow! Great power, great handling and great looking vehicle. While driving, I always get thumbs up from other drivers and questions on how I like the XF Jag. My S-type was flawless in 5 years with just gas and regular service. I can only hope this Jag gives me such ease of ownership. Only negatives are rear seating is a little tight for the taller or larger passengers and 17 Mpg in New York City driving. Open road highway was a very pleasing 27 MPG. Great value compared to the other luxury cars in this catagory. My wife loved driving with the AWD in the snow just recently. She felt comfortable and secure with the great handling. It's a winner!"
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful
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not my first jag, not my last either
By JohnA (NJ) on Friday, March 15, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "comfort, cruising, power, bells and whistles"
Cons: "tiny sensor to open the glove box, rear visibility"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Traded in my 2006 S type on the 2010 XF. At first I missed the old styling...I really liked the feel of the S type, but the XF has won me over. Very comfortable, quiet and smooth, but with enough road feel to remind you it's a Jag. (they don't build Buicks) Power is the next thing I've noticed, way more than the S type...much smoother acceleration with not loss of pull until it get scarry fast. Really like the new style now, getting noticed is rewarding. sort of wish it got a few more miles to the gallon, but then you don't buy these for the gas economy (still I get 27 on the highway)...no maintenance issues but being an old guy, I do miss the dip stick to check the oil...(kidding there)"
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful
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nice look bad customer service and realiabilty
By hthiaw (MD) on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000
overall rating 5 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "nice gadget and design"
Cons: "no rooms in backseat, bad customer service"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1
"I gave low grades because I used to have a lexus and compare to A lexus Jaguar has a long way to go to catch up. I am 6'3 and I have problem fitting inside the car when I drive. I guess it was not designed for tall people. And not enough room in the back. You dont want to seat in the back seats during a long trip. After two weeks of buying it,I have problem with external rearview mirros and the mat under the steering keep falling on my legs. I tried to take it to a Jaguar dealership to get fixed since I have the platinum warranty. either they are close or on lunch break. I tried to get a loaner and they say you have to pay for it.... I had this car only 2 weeks ago and I already miss the realiability and the good customer service of Lexus... My advise if you want a good care with good service buy a lexus if you care about the look only buy a jaguar. The design of the car is nice but that s only what you are getting"
2 people out of 6 found this review helpful
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Like a beautiful woman
By Lee (OH) on Tuesday, January 01, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 87,000
overall rating 8 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "best combination of style, luxury and performance"
Cons: "some minor design flaws"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"I bought this car after falling in love with her on my favorite car lot. She's a black beauty with amazing lines and subtle design characteristics that set her apart from fairly common sedan styling. At a glance she could be mistaken for a Nissan but give her a 2 second stare and you're hooked! High end interior materials and the coolest vent system I've ever seen let's you know this is no ordinary ride. The best part is when you start the engine and the gear shifter rises from the console and the exhaust sounds like a symphony. And that's still in park! I moved from a Mercedes to the Jag and never looked back. The power, handling, exterior design and interior luxury are worth the risk. By risk I mean this car is like a beautiful woman - temperamental and a little high on maintenance but worth ever bit of time, effort and money. The tire pressure system had to be replaced (by dealer at their cost) but otherwise simple things that did not cost me anything. Do a little research on her flaws and the fixes are easy. For example, one knock is the battery drains. It's true, but the fix is to lock the doors. If you lock the car it turns the monitoring system off and I've never had an issue since. The gear shifter sometimes does not work properly but if you turn the car off and back on she always comes back to proper operation. The Jag is not a sturdy as the Mercedes and likely will have more issues down the road, but would you rather be seen with a hausfrau or a super model?"
13 people out of 13 found this review helpful
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a pleasure to drive, co.fort, performance
By jimme (FL) on Sunday, September 02, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 35,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Fun to drive, eye catching looks. Sensible pricing"
Cons: "Some body rattles, Slow responding electronics"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8
"The styling, and performance lured me in, but as a long term owner I continue to be impressed, especially with better than anticipated reliability. Even the fuel consumption is reasonable for a mid size v8 vehicle. It comes completely equipped without the endless extras on BMW or Mercedes, that run the final price through the roof."
13 people out of 14 found this review helpful
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