The latest auto news, reviews, prices, product and vehicle releases. Jan
22nd
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Consistency is a good thing. Familiarity is something we humans thrive on; we don't like change or at least we don't often welcome it with open arms. In the auto industry, change is often a necessary evil, but is also something (I've come to notice this) few do often.
Take, for example, Jaguar's XF. Having just stepped out of the 2013 model, I looked back on the first 2008 Jaguar XF and very little has changed. I'm as undecided with the XF as I was with the 2013 Jaguar XKR. I have a soft spot for Jags and Land Rovers, but I've got to say their “stay the same” policy is wearing a bit thin.
What is a Jaguar XF?
For starters, the XF came about as a replacement for the Jaguar S-Type. Designed by Ian Callum, the XF was the first Jaguar to sport the more modern feline face we've come to know and recognize today.
A midsize luxury sedan, the XF offers power and prestige as well as AWD. As the “baby” of the Jaguar family, the XF offers a stellar way to enter the sophisticated British brand with a vehicle that's not only dynamic to drive but can also be a practical everyday drive.
2013 Jaguar XF Price and Specs
The engine found in the brand new 2014 Jaguar F-Type V6 is the same found in the 2013 Jaguar XF: a supercharged 3.0L V6 that pushes out 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Power is controlled via an 8-speed electronic automatic transmission. Jaguar's Instinctive All-Wheel Drive system is also on board.
That's the starting point, and it'll set you back $61,500. Should you wish to travel further up the Jaguar XF ladder, you can grab on to the XFR or XFR-S rungs, but you better be ready to hang on. The XFR and XFR-S get a supercharged 5.0L V8. The latter gets 550 horsepower and 502 lb-ft while the other makes due with 510. Pricing on the XFR starts just below $90k.
Driving the 2013 Jaguar XF
Sumptuous is supposed to be the name of the game here; performance with style. Yet, I was definitely left wanting more from the 2013 Jaguar XF. There's nothing inherently wrong with the way the big cat drives, just that I feel it could do so much more.
Everything about the 2013 Jaguar XF was a bit dated, from the steering feel to the transmission; it felt old. I wanted so much more from the V6. I continually popped it into “S” and Dynamic mode, just to get a bit of a rise out of it. The Jag XF can be a blast to drive, but you have to be willing to push it to get it to that point.
With over 10,000 clicks on the odometer, the Jaguar XF's suspension seemed to be showing signs of fatigue. Un-luxury-car-like clunks were often heard on rougher surfaces, and the steering's on-centre numbness left me shaking my head.
The supercharged V6 is always a pleasure. I do wish, at times, that it was more growly, but then I supposed that's when you'd spring for the adrenaline-pumped XFR to get your kicks.
Inside and Out of the 2013 Jaguar XF
Jaguar lines are some of the most sensual in the auto industry. They've made it their business to design vehicles with slopping, feminine touches. The Jaguar XF is no exception, and the latest iteration isn't far off from Callum's original design.
I'm a huge fan of the chunky front end, muscled hood and stubby rear. I think the 2013 Jaguar XF is one of the better looking Jaguars on the road today (and look at it in XFR-S trim and be prepared to pick your jaw up off the floor).
The 2013 Jaguar XF is a picturesque vehicle that's rather impressive to behold. The new LED signature daytime running lights add a somewhat sinister and playful look to the XF that I quite like, too.
Inside, however, I feel Jaguar need to do a serious update. What was cool five years ago just isn't going to fly anymore. While I appreciate the simplicity of the gauge cluster, I feel they could do so much more with it -- the graphics in the middle aren't retro, they're old. I am also quite sick of complaining about Jag's HMI system, so I won't.
Where the 2013 Jaguar XF had me nodding my head was in the area of comfort. For long hauls, the XF is sublime thanks to its spacious and welcoming cabin.
Comparing the 2013 Jaguar XF
Here's where Jaguar's age starts to show, despite being a brand new model. It competes with the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan all of which are loaded to the gills with uber-modern bits and pieces and have seen some major aesthetic changes over the years.
Relying on its heritage alone will only get Jaguar so far, me thinks.
Take, for example, Jaguar's XF. Having just stepped out of the 2013 model, I looked back on the first 2008 Jaguar XF and very little has changed. I'm as undecided with the XF as I was with the 2013 Jaguar XKR. I have a soft spot for Jags and Land Rovers, but I've got to say their “stay the same” policy is wearing a bit thin.
 |
What is a Jaguar XF?
For starters, the XF came about as a replacement for the Jaguar S-Type. Designed by Ian Callum, the XF was the first Jaguar to sport the more modern feline face we've come to know and recognize today.
A midsize luxury sedan, the XF offers power and prestige as well as AWD. As the “baby” of the Jaguar family, the XF offers a stellar way to enter the sophisticated British brand with a vehicle that's not only dynamic to drive but can also be a practical everyday drive.
2013 Jaguar XF Price and Specs
The engine found in the brand new 2014 Jaguar F-Type V6 is the same found in the 2013 Jaguar XF: a supercharged 3.0L V6 that pushes out 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Power is controlled via an 8-speed electronic automatic transmission. Jaguar's Instinctive All-Wheel Drive system is also on board.
That's the starting point, and it'll set you back $61,500. Should you wish to travel further up the Jaguar XF ladder, you can grab on to the XFR or XFR-S rungs, but you better be ready to hang on. The XFR and XFR-S get a supercharged 5.0L V8. The latter gets 550 horsepower and 502 lb-ft while the other makes due with 510. Pricing on the XFR starts just below $90k.
 |
| A midsize luxury sedan, the XF offers power and prestige as well as AWD. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Driving the 2013 Jaguar XF
Sumptuous is supposed to be the name of the game here; performance with style. Yet, I was definitely left wanting more from the 2013 Jaguar XF. There's nothing inherently wrong with the way the big cat drives, just that I feel it could do so much more.
Everything about the 2013 Jaguar XF was a bit dated, from the steering feel to the transmission; it felt old. I wanted so much more from the V6. I continually popped it into “S” and Dynamic mode, just to get a bit of a rise out of it. The Jag XF can be a blast to drive, but you have to be willing to push it to get it to that point.
With over 10,000 clicks on the odometer, the Jaguar XF's suspension seemed to be showing signs of fatigue. Un-luxury-car-like clunks were often heard on rougher surfaces, and the steering's on-centre numbness left me shaking my head.
The supercharged V6 is always a pleasure. I do wish, at times, that it was more growly, but then I supposed that's when you'd spring for the adrenaline-pumped XFR to get your kicks.
 |
| Sumptuous is supposed to be the name of the game here; performance with style. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Inside and Out of the 2013 Jaguar XF
Jaguar lines are some of the most sensual in the auto industry. They've made it their business to design vehicles with slopping, feminine touches. The Jaguar XF is no exception, and the latest iteration isn't far off from Callum's original design.
I'm a huge fan of the chunky front end, muscled hood and stubby rear. I think the 2013 Jaguar XF is one of the better looking Jaguars on the road today (and look at it in XFR-S trim and be prepared to pick your jaw up off the floor).
The 2013 Jaguar XF is a picturesque vehicle that's rather impressive to behold. The new LED signature daytime running lights add a somewhat sinister and playful look to the XF that I quite like, too.
Inside, however, I feel Jaguar need to do a serious update. What was cool five years ago just isn't going to fly anymore. While I appreciate the simplicity of the gauge cluster, I feel they could do so much more with it -- the graphics in the middle aren't retro, they're old. I am also quite sick of complaining about Jag's HMI system, so I won't.
Where the 2013 Jaguar XF had me nodding my head was in the area of comfort. For long hauls, the XF is sublime thanks to its spacious and welcoming cabin.
 |
| The 2013 Jaguar XF is a picturesque vehicle that's rather impressive to behold. The new LED signature daytime running lights add a somewhat sinister and playful look to the XF. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Comparing the 2013 Jaguar XF
Here's where Jaguar's age starts to show, despite being a brand new model. It competes with the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan all of which are loaded to the gills with uber-modern bits and pieces and have seen some major aesthetic changes over the years.
Relying on its heritage alone will only get Jaguar so far, me thinks.