Used 2015 Jaguar XF

The 2015 Jaguar XF is the British automaker’s answer to luxury midsize sedans such as the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus GS and Audi A6. Though the XF is a top seller for Jaguar, it remains a rare entry in its segment due to stiff competition and the lingering effects of the brand’s past quality woes and subpar resale value. Still, Jaguar’s star has been rising as it works to improve its reliability and appeal to younger buyers. Aside from its exclusivity, the XF brings graceful style, old-meets-new interior accommodations, and a variety of engine choices ranging from an fuel-efficient 4-cylinder to a thunderous supercharged V8. The Jaguar XF isn’t the obvious choice for everyone, and that’s what makes it the obvious choice for some.

Jaguar has long been linked to road manners that coddle vs. carve, but recently the British automaker has focused on the sporting side of luxury. One need only look at its asphalt-eating models like the new F-Type and the "R-S" versions among its lineup, whose lettering could stand for "really shreds." The XF is a product of Jaguar’s recent reinvention, and it is among the more fun-to-drive sedans in its segment. Every 2015 XF sedan is taut, responsive and balanced, with good feedback through the steering and brakes. Base models use a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that offers a decent 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds, while the range-topping supercharged 5.0-liter V8 gets the job done in under five seconds. Splitting the difference is the 3.0-liter supercharged V6, which hits the benchmark in around six seconds. No matter which strength you choose, all shift seamlessly via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The 2015 Jaguar XF’s 5-passenger cabin is airy and plush, with the leather upholstery and wood trim expected in a British luxury vehicle. High-quality materials are used throughout. Pragmatically speaking, the Jag makes life easier by implementing knobs and buttons for basic climate and audio settings instead of potentially frustrating all-touch controls (though the touch-based system used for navigation and some climate functions could benefit from more speed). The ergonomic front seats deliver ample support for occupants of all sizes, though 6-footers will find rear-seat headroom slightly restricted by the aggressive curvature of the roof. At 17.7 cubic feet, the XF’s trunk has impressive cargo capacity.

Jaguar’s midsize sport sedan has an aggressive stance, a sleek and aerodynamic body and a sweeping, coupe-like roofline. Detailing is tastefully restrained and integrated, from the J-shaped LED strings in the headlights to the side "power vents" and the chrome rear-hatch bar that magically fades into the backup lights. Sport trims of the 3.0-liter model appear more aggressive with a black front grille, black chrome air intakes, and blacked-out side vents, window surrounds and trunk-lid finisher. R performance variants stand out with quad exhaust pipes.

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 – the gearshift. Instead of a traditional upright lever, a beautifully crafted, metallic wheel rises into the driver’s hand once the Start/Stop button is pressed for effortless control of various transmission modes.

MERIDIAN AUDIO SYSTEM
Audiophiles will love the top-line 7.1 surround-sound audio system, standard on V8 models and the 3.0 Portfolio trim. The 825-watt, 17-speaker setup accommodates all the usual signal sources and includes HD and SiriusXM satellite radio.

For 2015, 2.0 and 3.0 versions of the Jaguar XF executive sedan come with the formerly optional Premium Pack that brings navigation, a rearview camera, Meridian premium audio and keyless entry. Those base and mid-level trims also get blind-spot monitoring and a split-folding rear seat with ski pass-through. In addition to a supercharged V6, 3.0 trims also bring a heated steering wheel and upgraded front seats. V8 models add performance-oriented features such as active differential control, larger brakes and wheels, and upgraded interior trim.

With many formerly optional features now standard for the 2015 XF, Jag has simplified its list of extras. Upgrades that are available for the XF luxury sedan include the Cold Weather Package with a heated steering wheel and windshield, larger wheels, walnut or ebony interior veneer, and specialized metallic paint.

Jaguar’s engine lineup spans from a small and efficient turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder to a 5.0-liter V8 that can make 550 horsepower. The middle child, a supercharged 3.0-liter V6, offers a good blend of power and fuel economy. All engines are mated to a responsive 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual control. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the standard layout, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is available on 3.0-liter models. The AWD favors the rear wheels in power delivery, which helps the XF sedan retain a lively feel. All engines except the base 4-cylinder have stop-start technology that shuts off the engine at idle to save fuel. Start-stop startups, however, can be jarring, and we found ourselves disabling the feature.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (XF 2.0T)
240 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
251 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/30 mpg

3.0-liter supercharged V6 (XF 3.0)
340 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
332 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/28 mpg (RWD), 16/26 mpg (AWD)

5.0-liter supercharged V8 (XF Supercharged)
470 horsepower @ 6,000-6,500 rpm
424 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/23 mpg

5.0-liter supercharged V8 (XFR)
510 horsepower @ 6,000-6,500 rpm
461 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/23 mpg

5.0-liter supercharged V8 (XFR-S)
550 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
502 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/23 mpg