2024 Jaguar XF

You could be forgiven for thinking that Jaguar had stopped making sedans altogether and is just producing SUVs. After all, that’s where everything is heading, right? But no, the XF fights on for another year. Despite not setting the sales tables alight.

The trouble is that this second generation launched for the 2016 model year, eons ago in this business. And it’s had a tough battle for the whole time, against some of the best cars that have ever existed — like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, both of which debut new generations this year.

Then again, perhaps the fact that the XF is not such an obvious choice can be an advantage. And we like the driving experience in particular. But unless you have your heart set unshakably on a new XF, we think you’d be smart to check out the competition.

There’s just one trim level for the 2024 XF, with a choice of two drivetrains — one of them including all-wheel drive. The list of standard equipment gets longer, adding a digital driver information display, heated steering wheel, a power-adjustable steering column, and a cosmetics package that goes heavy on the black. This year may well be the XF’s swan song, however, as Jaguar has ambitious plans to have an all-electric lineup starting in 2025.

The XF is one of the few instances where a Jaguar contender is priced competitively, especially when taking the generous standard equipment into account. German rivals such as the refreshed-for-2024 Audi A6, new-for-2024 BMW 5 Series and also new-for-2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class start in the high 50s or low 60s. The Lexus ES kicks off in the mid-40s, and the Genesis G80 starts in the low 50s.

Before buying a new XF luxury sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are below average.

In P250 form, the XF luxury sedan has 246 horsepower, sufficient muscle to run from standstill to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Using the new-generation BMW 5 Series as a benchmark, the 530i has 255 horses and is more than half a second quicker. The Genesis G80 has similar performance to the BMW.

Fortunately for the XF, there’s still that sublime Jaguar way of setting up suspensions that works in the car’s favor. We’ve enjoyed every mile we’ve ever driven in the XF, whether that was in the city, on the highway, or over more challenging back roads.

The XF’s sinewy blend of suppleness and control feels like no other rival, and seems to feel just right in virtually any conditions. An adaptive suspension is optional, offering a broader span between comfort and sportiness, but we like the standard setup just fine.

The more muscular option boosts engine output to 296 horsepower and replaces rear-wheel drive with all-wheel drive. This variant can zip to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. It could be an intriguing choice, since it’s still less expensive than the base models of the German rivals.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of midsize luxury sedans, including the Jaguar XF.

Fuel Economy

The rear-wheel-drive P250 drivetrain results in 26 combined mpg (23 city, 30 highway). This is acceptable for the class, although we expect the new-for-2024 530i to be more efficient.

The all-wheel-drive P300 achieves 25 combined mpg (22 city, 30 highway).

The XF’s interior design and quality gets the thumbs-up from us. The front seats are heated and power-adjustable. They’re comfortable as well. Leather upholstery is standard, a rarity even in this upscale corner of the automotive world.

Looking at rear legroom objectively, the XF’s 37.7 inches is probably enough. It could definitely accommodate an adult male of average build. If this is a priority, though, check out the more spacious Genesis G80 and Lexus ES.

Trunk space of 12.1 cubic feet is so-so at best. The new E-Class comes with 19 cubic feet and the new 5 Series has 18.4. One of our consumer reviews also noted that the XF trunk’s aperture could be wider.

Making something look recognizable as a Jaguar yet still contemporary is no easy task, but we think Jaguar managed it with the XF. There’s a certain sleek muscularity to the look. That was a while back, however, and now the XF seems a bit tired to our eyes.

The previously optional Black Exterior Pack becomes standard this year, adding things like side mirror housings, side window surrounds, and the rear badge all in a Goth’s favorite color.

Infotainment system
Capable of over-the-air updates, this system comes with wireless phone integration, wireless charging, and a decent-sized 11.4-inch touchscreen as standard.

Digital instrument cluster
Newly standard this year, it’s customizable to show different sets of information. And it adds to the cabin’s ambiance.

Meridian audio
A highly respected British audio company, there’s a Meridian sound system fitted as standard in every new XF.

Heated steering wheel
Newly standard this year, a heated steering wheel is the perfect partner to the heated front seats.

Driver aids
One thing we’ve always liked about Jaguar’s driver assistance features is that they don’t come in too forcefully. Take the lane-keeping function, for instance, which seems as if it knows you’re in control and serves more as a reminder at first.

Driver Intelligence Pack
This optional bundle brings a digital rearview mirror for a clear and wide-angle image behind, plus a head-up display that’s still visible if you’re wearing sunglasses with polarized lenses.

Both the P250 and P300 drivetrains use the same turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. The former’s output is 246 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. The latter produces 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The P250 deploys rear-wheel drive, the P300 has all-wheel drive.

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

Jaguar’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties last five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first. Free scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance are also included at the same terms. This is generous for the class, especially compared with European rivals.

Safety Ratings

The XF sedan has not been crash-tested by any independent agencies in the United States. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assistance.