The updated version of a new era, the Jaguar XF’s Ian Callum-penned design started the renaissance of the brand. Sure, we know the XK appeared before it, but this was the model that was poised on the launch pad to greatness.
Introduced at the Frankfurt show in 2007, the XF signaled a new era that began with the ending of former owner Ford’s Premier Automotive Group, as well as a few less-than-memorable “bunts” like the S-Type and X-Type.
It’s a new day. Hop in with Leftlane as we check the latest version of this new cat from Castle Bromwich, United Kingdom.
What is it?
The 2012 Jaguar XF Supercharged seen here is a five-passenger semi-swept back that more or less looks like the standard XF. But with the Supercharged model comes improvements in interior, handling and, of course, motivation. Jaguar has proven to be quite good at fitting superchargers.
Of course, that’s not to say that the regular Jaguar XF and the XF Portfolio are any sort of slouches. Both of those models come with the 5.0–liter V8 that also happens to be found in vehicles showing the Land Rover logo. Now at the midpoint of the XF’s life, it would be fair to assume loads of refinements will appear before we see a new model. Hence the XF Supercharged.
Starting with the 470 horsepower huffed V8, the XF Supercharged receives a lift in content by way of enhanced interior and exterior styling, new tire and wheel combinations, and larger brake rotors and calipers all the way around. Optional accoutrements include sports seats, heated windshield and adaptive headlamps. Our tester was equipped with Piano Black wood veneers, a new headliner, a spectacular sounding Bowers & Wilkins 1,200-watt sound system with SiriusXM satellite radio and an electric rear window blind to keep the proletariat at bay.
What’s it up against?
The more likely rivals in this segment would be the Cadillac CTS-V Sedan, the Audi A6 and its newer sibling, the A7. The A7 is not in the horsepower range of the XF Supercharged, and clearly outclassed by the CTS-V, but we think it interesting enough to warrant a look-see.
Not to be outdone, though, are designs from the Continent including the BMW 550i and the Mercedes-Benz CLS550 and E550. Somehow, the XF feels just a bit more special than its German rivals, however.
How does it look?
From the launch model to the 2012 edition, design changes are so subtle that they would be hard to notice unless an earlier model was parked alongside. The grille seems more upright than in past models, and as a result more in line with the look and presence of the big brother XJ. Optional adaptive headlights light the way, and are joined by LED running lights, which provide a new accent to the front headlamp assemblies. The front fenders feature new triangular side vents, which join the vents located on the hood (oops, bonnet) that released trapped air from underneath.
We still love the chromed styling strakes on either side of the front fascia, and how they twist into the body colored continuation of same.
New stylized taillights reach further around to the rear of this cat for a more finished appearance. The pair of dual chrome exhaust finishers are tucked inside the rear splitter–style valance. They, along with a badge reading supercharged, let those who notice such things know that this is no ordinary XF.
And on the inside?
We have constantly sung the praises of Audi’s interior design. But lately, Jaguar seems to have found its mojo and is nipping at Ingolstadt’s heels. Definitely with an abundance of black leather that would seem equally at home on fine English footwear, designers have sought to refine and detail the cabin to within an inch of its life. A pulsing red button signals direct connection to the heart of the XF. Push it and a knurled gear selector knob rises for a “handshake” to confirm operations. Finally, air conditioning vent work rotates open from the dashboard. This cat seems quite alive.
A matrix-patterned metal dash covering breaks up the darkness, across the large expanse in front of the driver and passenger. A choice of veneers can be selected but ours was simple piano black, which would not have seemed out of place on a Steinway Concert Grand.
Electronics have been upgraded, according to Jaguar, from those that were in the vehicle at its initial launch. We aren’t so sure about the upgrade aspects, though. A previous icon-capped button with the image of a home (for “Home”) always managed to take you back to home plate to complete a task, whether to make a call, change a radio channel, adjust the climate or some other task. It has disappeared in favor of touch-screen menu buttons that remind us of menu-laden controls now found on digital cameras that now require you to hunt through menu after menu just to find a function.
All the while, though, the interior was a chamber of serenity unless you chose to stand on this cat’s tail and make it move. At that point the sound was as good as anything from the Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
But does it go?
The XF Supercharged is powered by a huffed version of their AJ133 Gen III 5.0-liter V8 engine. A direct-injection unit, it breathes through the forced induction from the Eaton twin vortex supercharger. It receives an 85 horsepower boost over the normally aspirated V8, checking in at 470 horsepower, which hits its stride between 6,000 and 6,500 rpm. Torque rating is 424 lb-ft between 2,500 and 5,500 rpm.
The same engine in the sportier XFR manages to produce an additional 40 ponies and 37 lb-ft. of torque by added boost to the supercharger. Jaguar might not build or sell many XFs, but they do have an especially complete range on offer.
Power is sent to the rear wheels by the Jaguar Sequential Shift six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel–mounted paddle shifters. A reliable unit, we found smooth, quick shifts with only the slightest hesitation between gears from the fly-by-wire unit. Zero to 60 mph comes on at 4.9 seconds for this 4,306 pounder. Top speed is limited to 155 mph.
A Checkered-Flag mode is included for times when the driver wants to take full control by shifting the gear selector knob to sport mode and pushing the checkered flag button. TracDSC is enabled, lest one gets in over his or her head. At that point, gear selection is by the paddle shifters, which will bounce up against the rev-limiter, should the driver forget to shift to the next higher gear. It’s just the thing for those occasional track day jaunts in the family sedan.
This XF Supercharged rides on a four-wheel independent suspension comprised of a double wishbone setup in front and a multi-link kit at the rear, with vehicular bounce controlled by an automatic damper set up that it shares with the XFR. Spring rates and ride control are constantly monitored and adjusted on the fly by the adaptive dynamics system.
A round trip to Central Florida had us riding on a combination of high-speed highways and backroads that seemed to meander between pristine and pock- marked. Steering with the power-assisted rack and pinion set up offered a feeling of directness, from lock-to-lock, with no numbness at center. The adaptive damper system managed to smooth road conditions out, all the while keeping them firm with all four wheels rightly planted. Acceleration was exhilarating, when we had the chance, as was the braking, when in some cases, we suddenly found out we didn’t.
The EPA says this blown XF gets 15/21, with a 17 mpg average. During a 420-mile excursion, we actually averaged 19 mpg. That’s quite impressive indeed.
Why you would buy it:
You like your performance cars to have the fineness of afternoon tea, but also the stiffness of an awesome single malt.
Why you wouldn’t:
You believe in bolstering the Euro vs. the Pound Sterling.
Leftlane’s bottom line
Midway through its product cycle, Jaguar continues to refine a capable and competent performance saloon that shoulders a lot of the weight the brand possesses.
Located in the middle, between the two-seater XK, and the ultra-lux XJ, the XF Supercharged offers the best of both worlds in performance and luxury.
The Blackboard
Aesthetics: B+
Technology: B
Green: C
Drive: A
Value: C+
Overall Score: B
2012 Jaguar XF Supercharged base price, $68,100. As tested, $73,065.
Piano black trim, $790; Jet black headliner, $525; Bowers & Wilkins audio, $2,300; Electric sunshade, $475; Destination, $875.
Words and photos by Mark Elias.
Review: 2012 Jaguar XF Supercharged
Reviewed by
Mark Elias on
January 31
.
Jaguar’s midsizer gets some boost from a supercharger. We put it to the test.
The updated version of a new era, the Jaguar XF’s Ian Callum-penned design started the renaissance of the brand. Sure, we know the XK appeared before it, but this was the model that was poised on the launch pad to greatness.
Introduced at the Frankfurt show in 2007, the XF signaled a new era that began with the ending of former owner Ford’s Premier Automotive Group, as well as a few less-than-memorable “bunts” like the S-Type and X-Type.
It’s a new day. Hop in with Leftlane as we check the latest version of this new cat from Castle Bromwich, United Kingdom.
What is it?
The 2012 Jaguar XF Supercharged seen here is a five-passenger semi-swept back that more or less looks like the standard XF. But with the Supercharged model comes improvements in interior, handling and, of course, motivation. Jaguar has proven to be quite good at fitting superchargers.
Of course, that’s not to say that the regular Jaguar XF and the XF Portfolio are any sort of slouches. Both of those models come with the 5.0–liter V8 that also happens to be found in vehicles showing the Land Rover logo. Now at the midpoint of the XF’s life, it would be fair to assume loads of refinements will appear before we see a new model. Hence the XF Supercharged.
Starting with the 470 horsepower huffed V8, the XF Supercharged receives a lift in content by way of enhanced interior and exterior styling, new tire and wheel combinations, and larger brake rotors and calipers all the way around. Optional accoutrements include sports seats, heated windshield and adaptive headlamps. Our tester was equipped with Piano Black wood veneers, a new headliner, a spectacular sounding Bowers & Wilkins 1,200-watt sound system with SiriusXM satellite radio and an electric rear window blind to keep the proletariat at bay.
What’s it up against?
The more likely rivals in this segment would be the Cadillac CTS-V Sedan, the Audi A6 and its newer sibling, the A7. The A7 is not in the horsepower range of the XF Supercharged, and clearly outclassed by the CTS-V, but we think it interesting enough to warrant a look-see.
Not to be outdone, though, are designs from the Continent including the BMW 550i and the Mercedes-Benz CLS550 and E550. Somehow, the XF feels just a bit more special than its German rivals, however.
How does it look?
From the launch model to the 2012 edition, design changes are so subtle that they would be hard to notice unless an earlier model was parked alongside. The grille seems more upright than in past models, and as a result more in line with the look and presence of the big brother XJ. Optional adaptive headlights light the way, and are joined by LED running lights, which provide a new accent to the front headlamp assemblies. The front fenders feature new triangular side vents, which join the vents located on the hood (oops, bonnet) that released trapped air from underneath.
We still love the chromed styling strakes on either side of the front fascia, and how they twist into the body colored continuation of same.
New stylized taillights reach further around to the rear of this cat for a more finished appearance. The pair of dual chrome exhaust finishers are tucked inside the rear splitter–style valance. They, along with a badge reading supercharged, let those who notice such things know that this is no ordinary XF.
And on the inside?
We have constantly sung the praises of Audi’s interior design. But lately, Jaguar seems to have found its mojo and is nipping at Ingolstadt’s heels. Definitely with an abundance of black leather that would seem equally at home on fine English footwear, designers have sought to refine and detail the cabin to within an inch of its life. A pulsing red button signals direct connection to the heart of the XF. Push it and a knurled gear selector knob rises for a “handshake” to confirm operations. Finally, air conditioning vent work rotates open from the dashboard. This cat seems quite alive.
A matrix-patterned metal dash covering breaks up the darkness, across the large expanse in front of the driver and passenger. A choice of veneers can be selected but ours was simple piano black, which would not have seemed out of place on a Steinway Concert Grand.
Electronics have been upgraded, according to Jaguar, from those that were in the vehicle at its initial launch. We aren’t so sure about the upgrade aspects, though. A previous icon-capped button with the image of a home (for “Home”) always managed to take you back to home plate to complete a task, whether to make a call, change a radio channel, adjust the climate or some other task. It has disappeared in favor of touch-screen menu buttons that remind us of menu-laden controls now found on digital cameras that now require you to hunt through menu after menu just to find a function.
All the while, though, the interior was a chamber of serenity unless you chose to stand on this cat’s tail and make it move. At that point the sound was as good as anything from the Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
But does it go?
The XF Supercharged is powered by a huffed version of their AJ133 Gen III 5.0-liter V8 engine. A direct-injection unit, it breathes through the forced induction from the Eaton twin vortex supercharger. It receives an 85 horsepower boost over the normally aspirated V8, checking in at 470 horsepower, which hits its stride between 6,000 and 6,500 rpm. Torque rating is 424 lb-ft between 2,500 and 5,500 rpm.
The same engine in the sportier XFR manages to produce an additional 40 ponies and 37 lb-ft. of torque by added boost to the supercharger. Jaguar might not build or sell many XFs, but they do have an especially complete range on offer.
Power is sent to the rear wheels by the Jaguar Sequential Shift six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel–mounted paddle shifters. A reliable unit, we found smooth, quick shifts with only the slightest hesitation between gears from the fly-by-wire unit. Zero to 60 mph comes on at 4.9 seconds for this 4,306 pounder. Top speed is limited to 155 mph.
A Checkered-Flag mode is included for times when the driver wants to take full control by shifting the gear selector knob to sport mode and pushing the checkered flag button. TracDSC is enabled, lest one gets in over his or her head. At that point, gear selection is by the paddle shifters, which will bounce up against the rev-limiter, should the driver forget to shift to the next higher gear. It’s just the thing for those occasional track day jaunts in the family sedan.
This XF Supercharged rides on a four-wheel independent suspension comprised of a double wishbone setup in front and a multi-link kit at the rear, with vehicular bounce controlled by an automatic damper set up that it shares with the XFR. Spring rates and ride control are constantly monitored and adjusted on the fly by the adaptive dynamics system.
A round trip to Central Florida had us riding on a combination of high-speed highways and backroads that seemed to meander between pristine and pock- marked. Steering with the power-assisted rack and pinion set up offered a feeling of directness, from lock-to-lock, with no numbness at center. The adaptive damper system managed to smooth road conditions out, all the while keeping them firm with all four wheels rightly planted. Acceleration was exhilarating, when we had the chance, as was the braking, when in some cases, we suddenly found out we didn’t.
The EPA says this blown XF gets 15/21, with a 17 mpg average. During a 420-mile excursion, we actually averaged 19 mpg. That’s quite impressive indeed.
Why you would buy it:
You like your performance cars to have the fineness of afternoon tea, but also the stiffness of an awesome single malt.
Why you wouldn’t:
You believe in bolstering the Euro vs. the Pound Sterling.
Leftlane’s bottom line
Midway through its product cycle, Jaguar continues to refine a capable and competent performance saloon that shoulders a lot of the weight the brand possesses.
Located in the middle, between the two-seater XK, and the ultra-lux XJ, the XF Supercharged offers the best of both worlds in performance and luxury.
The Blackboard
Aesthetics: B+
Technology: B
Green: C
Drive: A
Value: C+
Overall Score: B
2012 Jaguar XF Supercharged base price, $68,100. As tested, $73,065.
Piano black trim, $790; Jet black headliner, $525; Bowers & Wilkins audio, $2,300; Electric sunshade, $475; Destination, $875.
Words and photos by Mark Elias.
Rating:
