Used 2009 Jaguar XF

Sharing engineering features with the S-Type, the all-new 2009 Jaguar XF is the combination of a luxury sedan and a sporty coupe not just in performance numbers or impressive interior space, but in overall styling as well. With its wide stance, sweeping roof line, muscular fender well arches and additional doors, the XF looks like a more evolved XKR. Rivaling the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class and the Audi A6, the XF is wider, resulting in more interior and cargo room. Straying away from the traditional, more staid look of Jaguar sedans, the sporty XF will have younger buyers thinking differently about the Jaguar brand.

This is no pompous land yacht; the 2009 Jaguar XF drives like a sports car. Its stiff suspension and Sport mode automatic transmission with paddle shifters seem to make all the difference. Through curvy mountain roads and long, sweeping turns, the XF exhibits minimal body roll and stays planted throughout. The supercharged 4.2-liter V8 delivers horsepower in a smooth, linear fashion, providing off-the-line acceleration and passing power in a heartbeat. In Sport mode, the paddle shifting mechanism is quick and responsive. Overall, the XF is deceiving in that its four doors and interior room don’t suggest the sports car-like performance.

When first entering the 2009 Jaguar XF, the push-button ignition pulsates red like a heartbeat, and when pushed, the JaguarDrive gear selector pops of out the center console and the dash vents rotate open — quite a show. Accompanying the high-tech experience is comfort, as the XF has enough rear interior space to accommodate adults over six feet tall, thanks to front seats that were designed smaller to make room for those sitting in the back. Luxury appointments include an optional Bowers and Wilkins 440-watt sound system, standard iPod and USB port and wood accents that are really made of wood.

The styling of the 2009 Jaguar XF is unorthodox compared to the brand’s timeworn sedan look with its sleek, flowing profile and steep windshield rake. The high-strength-steel chassis is wider and longer than its competitors, which includes the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class.

JaguarDrive Selector
The unorthodox gear selector stands out as an innovative way to put the car into Drive. With a simple turn of the knob, going from Drive to Drive Sport is effortless, with no button or lever to maneuver.

Bowers & Wilkins Sound System
A favorite among audiophiles, the Bowers & Wilkins sound system has precise and crisp sound output at any volume level.

The 2009 Jaguar XF comes with a six-speed automatic transmission with the JaguarDrive Rotary Gear Selector, 18- or 20-inch wheels, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), 320-watt sound system with portable audio interface including iPod connectivity, an auxiliary input and a USB port. The touch-screen LCD displays the audio functions and controls the iPod to allow full access to playlists and artists while the Bluetooth technology is able to pair up to five phones for hands-free use.

Options for the 2009 Jaguar XF include a navigation system with optional SIRIUS satellite radio and digital/analog TV reception, Bowers and Wilkins 440-watt sound system, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, rearview back-up camera, front parking sensors, heated front seats and steering wheel, a power rear sunshade and JaguarVoice, a system that allows voice control for the audio, CD, TV, navigation, phone and climate control functions.

Sharing powertrains with the XK, the XF uses a 4.2-liter V8 that comes in naturally aspirated or supercharged form, depending on the trim level. Connected to a six-speed sequential-shift transmission, both engine varieties do their jobs as far as passing cars and going up steep inclines. The supercharged V8 engine in our tester was impressive even at over 5,000 feet above sea level, feeling just strong as it did at a much lower elevation.

4.2-liter V8
300 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
310 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26

4.2-liter V8 supercharged
420 horsepower @ 6250 rpm
413 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23