Skip to content

 
 

CAR Reviews

Click Thumbnails to Enlarge

Statistics

How much? £54,900
On sale in the UK: March 2008
Engine: 4196cc 32v supercharged V8, 416bhp @ 6500rpm, 413lb ft @ 3500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Performance: 5.4sec 0-62mph, 155mph, 22.4mpg, 299g/km CO2
How heavy / made of? 1842kg/steel
How big (length/width/height in mm)? 4961/1877/1460
Need to know

CAR's rating

Rated 5 out of 55

Handling

Rated 5 out of 55

Performance

Rated 4 out of 54

Usability

Rated 4 out of 54

Feelgood factor

Rated 5 out of 55

Readers' rating

Rated 3.5 out of 53.5

Jaguar XF SV8 (2007) CAR review

By the CAR road test team

First Drives

14 December 2007 00:00

Today we reveal our first driving impressions of Jaguar’s replacement for the S-type and its answer to BMW’s big selling 5-series. Roomier, better built and better equipped than before it also showcases a new design language for Jaguar’s saloons. And click here to see the Jaguar XF in action with CAR road test editor Chris Chilton behind the wheel.

So Jaguar finally binned retro design?

Not quite, they just got a lot smarter about incorporating it into a modern design language. The old Jag cues are still there if you look: the grille inspired by the groundbreaking ’68 XJ, the traditional fluting above the headlamps, the Mk2-esque line of the chrome trim above the side window line and the phallic E-type bonnet bulge. But yes, this is a very modern-looking car. There’s a whiff of Lexus about the shape, but the XF is far better looking and more coupe-like than any saloon bar the Mercedes CLS.

I’m still not sure...

Trust us, it looks great in the metal where a three-quarter view of the Aston-like rear end is the strongest angle. That it does resemble an Aston is little surprise given Jag’s design boss is Ian Callum, the man who shaped Aston’s current design language in a previous life. It looks muscular no matter which engine is under the bonnet, but suits bigger wheels (can anyone remember a car from the last 10 years that didn’t?).

It’s aluminium of course, like the XJ and XK?

Wrong. Cost and the fact that Jag needed to get the car to market quickly means the XF is made from steel, although the suspension, which is shared with the XK, is aluminium. Weight is up fractionally, but not enough to warrant any big changes in the engine line-up just yet.

Rate this article...

Average rating: Rated 3.5 out of 53.5 (403 votes)

Discuss this

Add your comment

Jaguar XF SV8 (2007) CAR review

Subject

Your comment

By submitting your comment, you agree to adhere to the CAR Magazine website Terms and Conditions

Cancel

 

wwwBUNTARMEDIAcom

wwwBUNTARMEDIAcom says

RE: Jaguar XF SV8 CAR review

For all who want to build (configuration), your car simply propose to do so.
Ask me -" But virtually. How?" Just do it in your web-brauzer. .. This not advertising .. I just want to show the world 3D configurator good car.
 

WEB-Link 

http://www.buntarmedia.com/models/jaguar_xf/jaguar_xf_config.html

15 March 2010 11:53

 

Wilton

Wilton says

RE: Jaguar XF SV8 CAR review

The XF looks unmistakeably like a Jaguar from every angle. It also makes a glorious noise and goes like a crazed weasel. Tata ownership can do nothing but good for Jaguar- a great firm led by a great man-. It is truly depressing to read the negative comments here from people whose driving capabilities would I am fairly certain be outstripped by a 1.6 Ford Focus.

10 October 2008 18:47

 

abs221

abs221 says

Jag XF

Ver nice looking car. Very fast. It's a TATA now!!!

07 January 2008 19:10

 

peteboland

peteboland says

Jaguar Network in USA

completely agree with MCBKLYN - my local Jaguar dealer in Corte Madera, north of San Francisco didn't seem to give a toss about the new XF. Didn't know when it would arrive in the USA, what price range, etc. You'd think that they would be prepared with some sort of cheat sheet. I did however get to see the XF live at a special showing - it's really impressive - especially the interior. It's not the gadgets, but more how comfortable the driver's position feels - snug seat, and beautifully crafted panels and instruments. It's really terrific - a really desirable car. Yes the headlights are a bit odd, but i'm guessing a mid-life upgrade will take care of that. Altogether, a really intriguing alternative to the ten-a-penny audis, and Bangled BMWs.

31 December 2007 03:19

 

mcbklyn

mcbklyn says

Jaguar network in USA?

Given that the North American market is crucial for the XF, I am bewildered by the lack of enthusiasm on the part of Jaguar here. After the much hyped XF reveal it seems the press cares much more than the network of dealers and JaguarUSA. Several attempts to have literature sent, and even soliciting calls from local dealers have led to naught. Callum may be serious, but that might not prove enough to overcome the lackadaisical attitudes of those on the front lines of marketing and selling this new offering. Maserati managed to mail me literature in three days, and the dealership phoned as well. It's been over a month and Jaguar has yet to reach out.

30 December 2007 10:19

Become a CAR contributor

Upload stories, photos or videos direct to the site, or email newsdesk@carmagazine.co.uk.

Alternatively, call 01733 468 485 (+ 44 1733 468 485)

CAR magazine June issue 611
Untitled Document

Become a CAR contributor

Seen a secret new car, fabulous exotic or have news we should publish? Then get in touch now.