Used 2019 Jaguar XF

The 2019 Jaguar XF premium-midsize sedan and wagon are intriguing alternatives in a class that also contains the new-for-2019 Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. That’s what comedians would call a tough room. The pressure to excel is intense, as these rivals are close to automotive perfection. They’re also common sights on the road. Anyone seeking a less obvious luxurious midsize sedan with its own well-defined character, plus the talents and technology to be a credible contender, should give the 2019 XF a thorough test drive.

It’s possible to drive lots of really good cars and barely remember what each one was like a couple of months down the line. Not many etch an indelible memory of a rich experience, but the Jaguar XF does. In its sportiest S guise, the 380-horsepower supercharged V6 serves up abundant torque and passing power. The 8-speed automatic transmission responds immediately to shifts activated by the paddles on the steering column, but it’s also perfectly capable of finding the right gear at the right time when left in D. The steering inhabits a fine line between luxury-car smoothness and ease, and enthusiast-grade weight and information. The adaptive suspension deals subtly with the bumps and then discourages body lean in tight corners. Selectable drive modes are Normal, Eco, Dynamic and Winter settings. The Dynamic setting’s suspension calibration is especially impressive, but that also means a few rather abrupt gearshifts.

There’s no hint of the wood-paneled gentlemen’s-club atmosphere as in bygone-era Jaguar cars. Instead, the 2019 XF keeps it simple, serene, restrained and elegant. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen dominates the center console, its easily legible icons contributing to the system’s user-friendliness. The driving position is set a little low, ideal for conveying a business-like air as opposed to anodyne transportation. Yet all the seats are still wonderfully comfortable, also providing support when the roads become interesting. Passenger space is generous, as is trunk space, while the Sportbrake offers 69.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Walk around the Jaguar XF and it quickly becomes clear that its design works well from any angle. That’s quite an achievement. It gets the proportions right, the short overhangs, long nose and low, sleek roof. The LED accents on the headlights look sharply modern and the whole car exudes a premium air. Nonconformists should also enjoy the Sportbrake wagon version, as it wraps handsome, well-judged shapes around a lot of practicality.

INCONTROL TOUCH PRO
Just as computer companies update their operating systems, so do car companies with their infotainment setups. Jaguar’s InControl Touch Pro keeps improving. Now standard throughout, it includes an app to control vehicle functions and smartphone-inspired features like gesture control.

JAGUAR ELITECARE
For those still a little unsure about Jaguar’s much-improved build quality and reliability, the 2019 XF sedan and XF Sportbrake wagon have 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranties. This package even includes all scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance, as well a 5-year/unlimited-miles warranty for the InControl Remote and Protect feature.

In the newly established Premium entry-level trim, the 2019 XF comes with the least powerful 4-cylinder gasoline engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, dual-zone climate control, simulated-leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with driver’s-side memory settings, power-adjustable steering column, heated side mirrors, self-dimming rearview mirror, drive-mode selection, 10.2-inch infotainment touch screen, and a 380-watt/12-speaker sound system from Meridian (a highly respected brand). For real leather, go up to the next level, Prestige, which also brings 19-inch wheels, heated front seats/steering wheel, and parking sensors at both ends.

Many features that are standard in higher trims are optional in the lower 2019 XF trims. Jaguar used to provide advanced driver aids only in the pricier models, but now things like blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning are available in the most affordable XF. Other options include all-wheel drive, a diesel engine, smartphone integration (although many companies make that standard), ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, quad-zone climate control, head-up display, Wi-Fi, soft-closing doors, power-operated trunk lid, 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and a 17-speaker Meridian audio system.

The least expensive 2019 XF uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful version of this engine is available, making 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Frugal types should investigate the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that generates 180 horsepower and 318 lb-ft of torque, while averaging around 34 mpg. The most Jaguar-like engine, though, is the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that propels S versions of the XF with 380 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The 4-cylinder engines come with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD); the V6 is linked solely to an AWD system. All versions of the XF have an 8-speed automatic transmission augmented by paddle shifters mounted to the steering column.

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: 25/34 mpg (RWD), 23/33 mpg (AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
296 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 1,200-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/31 mpg (RWD), 22/31 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: 20/28 mpg (AWD); 18/25 mpg (AWD Sportbrake S)