Used 2018 Jaguar XF

The 2018 Jaguar XF performance sedan continues to make inroads against better-established models like the BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CTS and Audi A6. Joining the sedan this year is a new wagon, which Jaguar calls the Sportbrake. Like the sedan, the 2018 XF Sportbrake reveals a stunning design with an air of exclusivity that is becoming increasingly uncommon in this segment. The XF’s interior is traditionally British in its reserved styling, but the materials are of the highest quality and craftsmanship. When it comes to powertrains, Jaguar provides the XF with no less than two supercharged, one turbocharged and one diesel-engine option, all mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that can route power to either the rear wheels or all four.

While any number of performance sedans can leave us satisfied after a few hours behind the wheel, only a handful linger in our memories long after the test drive is over. Jaguar’s 2018 XF luxury-performance sedan definitely makes the short list. Our test vehicle’s 380-horsepower supercharged V6 delivered rocket-like acceleration and an abundance of torque for passing and merging. The XF’s steering fears no turn, and the response through the wheel never felt vague or over-assisted. Jaguar’s complex adaptive suspension was able to compensate for whatever road conditions awaited us, and although the 8-speed automatic reacted quickly to inputs from the paddle shifters, we think the automatic doesn’t really need much help finding the right gear. The XF’s user-selectable drive mode allows a choice of Normal, Eco, Dynamic and Winter settings. We were most impressed by the Dynamic setting’s suspension calibration, but some editors found the rather abrupt shift points somewhat unsettling.

The 2018 Jaguar XF luxury sedan’s interior isn’t fancy or flashy. Instead, it trades chrome highlights and out-there design for a simple, straightforward interface that’s tasteful and elegant. The big InControl Touch Pro system takes center stage, offering most functions through its touch-screen interface. That could be a problem, but the big screen and easy-to-see icons make using it simple. The heated and cooled seats are comfortable when cruising, and plenty supportive for those times when you just have to blast through that onramp. The rear seats are also decent, and the around-town quiet is pure luxury sedan.

Jaguar’s 2018 XF sedan isn’t a radical styling departure from the previous version, and we’re okay with that. The latest XF maintains the same basic profile, with the long hood and short trunk emphasizing the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration. The grille is properly upright for better aerodynamics and to better tie it in with the Jaguar XE and revised XJ sedans. The LED accents on the headlights look modern and just right, and vents in the front bumper route air over the front wheels, reducing drag and helping fuel economy. The 2018 XF Sportbrake wagon is a more alluring prospect.

INCONTROL TOUCH PRO
Jaguar infotainment and in-cabin technology have improved by leaps and bounds, and nowhere is this more evident than with the InControl Touch Pro system. The setup includes an app to control vehicle functions and smartphone-inspired features like gesture control.

JAGUAR ELITECARE
Putting its money where its mouth is, Jaguar backs the 2018 XF sedan and XF Sportbrake wagon with a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. This package also includes all scheduled maintenance, roadside assistance as well a 5-year/unlimited-miles warranty for the InControl Remote and Protect feature.

Jaguar’s 2018 XF comes as nicely equipped as you’d expect of a high-end luxury sedan. There’s dual-zone climate control, cruise control, power windows and all that kind of stuff, sure. There’s also an 8-inch version of the InControl touch-screen interface, start/stop technology, rearview camera, and a 380-watt 12-speaker Meridian sound system. Other standard features include Jaguar Drive Control with its selectable modes, 3-position memory for the driver’s seat and keyless start. Mid-level Prestige models come standard with heated leather seats and navigation, while top-end R-Sport models add exterior design cues, lane-keeping assist and more.

XF S models come with an upgraded engine, putting out 380 horsepower to the standard model’s 340. Other options include the InControl Touch Pro, which adds a larger touch screen, a navigation system with a solid-state drive, and a host of other features. Also available are front and rear parking sensors, a comfort and convenience package that includes soft-close doors, plus cooled and heated front seats and heated rear seats. A Driver Assistance Pack adds adaptive cruise control, proximity cameras and traffic-sign recognition. There’s also a luxury package that adds a suede headliner, among other interior upgrades.

With the 2018 Jaguar XF, buyers can choose from two versions of a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, one turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine and one 4-cylinder 2.0-liter turbodiesel. The first V6 is a 340-horsepower version, available in Prestige, Premium and R Sport models. Opt for the XF S and you get the 380-horsepower version. Interestingly, torque figures for both engines are identical. The 2.0-liter turbodiesel offers nearly identical torque but with vastly better fuel economy, while the 2.0-liter gas engine splits the difference. Both are available on all but the S trim. All Jaguar XF models are available in all-wheel drive (AWD), and all route their power through an 8-speed automatic transmission that offers shift-for-yourself paddles on the steering wheel.

2.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline-4
180 horsepower @ 4,000 rpm
318 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-2,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 31/42 mpg (RWD), 30/40 mpg (AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
247 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 1,200-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/30 mpg (RWD), 23/30 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter supercharged V6
340 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
332 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 mpg (RWD), 20/28 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter supercharged V6
380 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
332 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 mpg (RWD), 20/28 mpg (AWD)