Perhaps the most frustrating (and easily fixable) aspect of the Jaguar XF is its rather lazy suspension. While it's great for most driving conditions, it's not what we'd consider canyon-carving material. Yes, it'll do it, but you get the feeling the XF would rather be elsewhere. Pressed hard into multiple corners, the chassis dances more than we'd like and the steering is a tad underwhelming. It's odd Jaguar did not include some sort of electronic chassis and steering control. Larger cars like the XF really respond well to those things. In any case, we may charm Jaguar engineers out of a sportier Supercharged XF suspension.
Ultimately, the Jaguar XF is a hugely stylish car that's both comfortable and fun to drive. It's not the sportiest car to come from Jag but is one of the most distinctive.
For some, that's worth an admission ticket.
At A Glance
+ Stylish inside and out, amazing stereo
- Somewhat mushy suspension Total
mileage: 2,186
Consumption average: 17.9 mpg
2009 Jaguar XF Premium Luxury
*Layout
Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
*Engine
4.2-liter V8, dohc, 32-valve
*Transmission
Six-speed automatic with Jaguar Sequential Shift
*Performance
Peak Power: 300 hp @ 6000 rpm
Peak Torque: 310 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm0-60 mph:
Top Speed:
Fuel Economy: 16 city/25 hwy
*Base Price: $55,200
*Price as Equipped: $58,850
*Options:
Bowers & Wilkins stereo with Sirius satellite radio: $1,875;
Advanced Vision Pack: $1,000