Used 2013 Jaguar XF

Jaguar’s XF, when first introduced in 2009, signaled the brand’s determination to attract younger buyers and transform public perception. Several years and many enhancements later, the 2013 Jaguar XF is finally a full-fledged player in the competitive mid-size luxury-sedan segment. Notably, its engine and driveline choices have expanded dramatically this year. There’s a new turbo 4-cylinder engine, a supercharged V6 and two levels of supercharged-V8 power, plus a fine 8-speed automatic transmission and an advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Combined with the sumptuous cabin atmosphere the marque has long been famous for and the well-managed driving dynamics of these thoroughly modern automobiles, the Jaguar XF has earned its place among the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and Lexus GS.

Tradition suggests a Jaguar will be softer and more isolated in its driving experience than other, particularly German, luxury sedans but the XF in any iteration is taut, responsive, balanced and gives good feedback through the steering and brakes. In fact, in the top-performing XFR, the scale tips the other way and it’s the Jaguar that is borderline-stiff in its ride quality. The running character obviously depends on engine choice, now that there are so many in the XF line, but the supercharged V6 represents an appealing balance of power, smoothness and efficiency. The 8-speed automatic transmission that accompanies every XF engine works seamlessly, thanks to all those close-spaced ratios and adaptive shift programming, but there are handy paddle shifters for do-it-yourselfers. The new AWD system favors the rear wheels in its torque delivery to retain a lively rear-drive feel.

The 2013 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 by the aggressive curvature of the roof. Instrumentation is sharp and legible, but operating the touch-screen climate-control functions can be cumbersome. The top-line Meridian audio system, with its 825 watts and 17 speakers, is simply awesome.

The 2013 Jaguar XF has an aggressive stance, sleek and aerodynamic body shape and sweeping coupe-like roofline. Detailing is tastefully restrained and integrated, from the headlights’ LED strings to the front fender vents and the chrome rear-hatch bar that magically fades into the backup lights. The range-topping Jaguar XFR features unique body cladding, gloss black upper- and lower-grille inserts and a distinctive front-end design. Several XFR touches are available to dress up the other members of the line, including front and rear spoilers and 19- or 20-inch wheels.

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 beautifully crafted, metallic wheel automatically 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 7.1 surround-sound audio system, standard on the XFR and optional on other XFs. The 825-watt, 17-speaker setup accommodates all the usual signal sources and includes HD and SiriusXM satellite radio.

For 2013, the Jaguar XF’s starting price plunges by $6,000 from last year, but that’s due to the 4- and 6-cylinder engines joining the line, not to any noticeable cutback in the level of standard content. All XFs have a 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 battery of electronic driving aids.

The rearranged 2013 Jaguar XF line now consists of five models based on engine/driveline: XF (2.0 turbo-4), XF 3.0 (supercharged V6), XF 3.0 AWD (with all-wheel drive), XF Supercharged (blown 5.0 V8) and XFR (higher-output V8). Options are bundled into a half-dozen packages, including the Sport Portfolio for the 4- and 6-cylinder models (upgraded seat trim and adjustability, heated/cooled front seats, 19- or 20-inch wheels and aero add-ons) and the ambitious Speed Package for the XFR, which adds bigger front and rear spoilers and defeats the stock speed limiter to let the car run to a claimed 174 mph.

Jaguar’s XF engine lineup changes dramatically for 2013, with two new offerings stretching fuel efficiency for the mid-size luxury sedan. A new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (based on the engine in Ford’s Explorer EcoBoost) is the base engine and the next step up is an also-new 3.0-liter supercharged V6. The latter can be ordered with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or Jaguar’s new AWD system. The other two available engines are carryover V8s from last year, both 5.0 liters and both supercharged, though tuned for different output, 470 horsepower in the XF Supercharged and 510 in the XFR. All engines are mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Fuel-economy ratings range from 19/29 for the turbo-4 to the supercharged V8’s 15/23 (for both power levels, interestingly).

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
240 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
251 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/29 mpg

3.0-liter supercharged V6
340 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
332 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28 mpg (RWD), 16/25 mpg (AWD)

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: 15/23 mpg

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: 15/23 mpg