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The petrol XF gets the same engine with two different output numbers
Performance – Jaguar offers the petrol XF in two variants and although both use the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the output number differs in both the models, the lower Prestige produces 200 PS and 320 Nm of torque that has a wide peak band between 1500 to 4000 RPM. The top-spec Portfolio trim generates 250 PS and 365 Nm, taking 6.7 seconds to reach the ton, against the 7.5 seconds of the lower engine tune. Performance from the 200 horsepower XF is good, there is good punch throughout and the motor absolutely screams to the redline.
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The gearbox is smooth to shift but isn’t the fastest
The petrol motor isn’t very refined and is vocal, but offers punchy performance
In fact, once you reach around 4500 RPM, the engine roars in a sporty way and accelerates quickly to the 6500 RPM limiter which extends close to 7000 RPM in manual mode which can be activated by tapping the steering mounted paddles. Mid-range is strong and refinement isn’t the best as the motor is quite vocal, even lower down the rev range. The gearbox isn’t the fastest with shifts but is smooth and it lets you hold onto a gear in manual mode. There are 4 driving modes which alter the engine and steering wheel – Dynamic, Normal, Eco and Rain/Winter, while the gear selector has a Sport mode for the transmission. The XF petrol returns a mileage between 8-11 km/l and has an 8-litre bigger fuel tank than the more frugal diesel.
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Jaguar has nailed the suspension setup on the XF
Driving Dynamics – Jaguar has done a great job with the suspension set-up of the XF as it feels just right, compliant enough for most roads, yet not soft for a dynamic drive. However, because of the stiffness, the vehicle does thud over bad roads. In spite of the length and wheelbase, the XF still manages to hold its line through the corners and turns in sharply, the electric steering is very well weighted and offers good feedback at high speeds, even though it’s quite light at low speeds, helping in parking and manoeuvrability around tight corners.
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The Jaguar XF can clear tall speed breakers without any issue
The steering offers fantastic feedback and the XF feels stable at high speeds
The Jaguar XF remains glued to the road at high speeds but there is a bit more road noise creeping inside the cabin than you would expect from a car of this segment. In spite of the long wheelbase, ground clearance isn’t an issue in the XF and the car manages to clear speed breakers without any hitch. The brakes offer strong stopping power and the pedal bite is positive too.
