The first-generation Jaguar XF was the car that really turned the British brand’s fortunes around.
It combined flowing lines with sweet driving dynamics and did a fine job of changing perceptions of Jaguar as old-hat. The XF established itself as a worthy – if left-field – competitor to the E-Class, 5 Series and A6.
The simple fact that it wasn’t German made the Jag a breath of fresh air.
That car was sold for nine years but it aged well – and it’s not surprising the all-new model has stuck to a winning formula, at least in looks.
But the looks are where the similarities end: today’s Jags are very different to what the cash-strapped, Ford-owned Jaguar of 2007 was building.
The second-generation XF is a much more cohesive car that has effectively closed the refinement gap between it and the Germans.
However, its distinctive looks and superb driving dynamics mean it still feels uniquely British.
Sporty Jaguars are badged ‘S’, and while a supercharged petrol XF S is available, the most interesting engine available is the S Diesel – a twin-turbo V6 generating a shattering 700Nm of torque.
That sort of twist makes light work of long distance driving while the diesel returns great fuel economy in the vicinity of 5.5L/100km.
Four-cylinder models are on offer but in a big cat like the XF, you really want a six – and among the sixes, the 30d S Diesel is particularly compelling.