Jaguar XF

Our verdict

The Jaguar XF is a superb saloon which incorporates all the grace and warmth that Jaguar talks about but hasn’t always delivered. Not as fast as a BMW, but better in many ways.

Comfort

The XF is hard to beat if you've got miles to do - especially the wonderful large diesel, which really is space, pace and grace. The six-speed auto (with paddle override) is exceptional when in combination with the diesel engine.

Performance

Forget the 3.0 V6 petrol - it doesn't suit the car. There's a normally-aspirated 4.2-litre V8 that's got 296bhp, gets the XF to 62mph in 6.2 seconds and on to 155mph and that's lovely. The supercharged version,offering 414bhp and 62mph in 5.1 seconds is probably overkill. The best engine is the diesel: 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds, 143mph top end and 204bhp.

Cool

At the moment, very cool. Still a bit grown up for the kids to really hanker after, but people complain it looks like an Aston from the back. And that's a complaint how exactly?

Quality

Exceptional quality from Jaguar, especially on the interior. Some gadgets, some inventive lighting solutions and some attention to detail have made this car feel every ounce the premium barge.

Handling

Beautifully damped and suspended in most variants (although the SV8 is a bit firm), the XF is composed and keen to hang on round a bend. It may not have the outright sportiness of BMW's 5-series, but the ride/handling compromise is better judged.

Practicality

The boot's huge at 540litres, the rear seats are ultra-comfortable and up front it feels like a cruise liner. Parking is a bit of a challenge, but that's the deal with a car this size.

Running costs

As you might expect, the big V8s aren't frugal- you're talking low 20s - and they hit hard for insurance. The diesel is much better - you'll get high 30s mpg-wise and won't feel short-changed. Too soon to talk residuals.