The New XF.

Thanks oldcbl for this very interesting review, and it is very encouraging to learn of your satisfaction with the new XF. As you have had the previous model it is doubly reassuring to know that the new model is as good and even a worthwhile improvement in many areas over the older design.
Thank you for taking the time to pass on your view of the all new XF and I'm sure it will be appreciated by all the Forum members.
Regards
Telfer.

 

Thanks for the update matey! I'm glad actually as though we'd almost settled on ordering an XE we did the sums and realised that the XF was in our budget, the only thing putting me off was the lack of 2ltr petrol option (no idea why its not available as I don't want the V6). With just 180bhp I thought the engine might struggle in a car the size of the XF but looks like I was wrong. How do you find it on the motorway as matter of interest? Does it pick up strongly when required?

I think the lack of any physical input into a head-unit is becoming mainstream across many brands as the Skoda Fabia we bought for our eldest's 21st showed. I was gob-smacked there wasn't at least a single CD slot however the connectivity via USB and bluetooth is incredibly impressive and intuitive. I guess its just a sign of the times

 

Hi Timmo
Can you get the 340HP V6 supercharged engine? It is a rocket--seems ideal for my Jag and isn't bad on MPG either.
AL

 

I'm a month or so behind you in experiencing the XF, and like you I'm generally very happy with my purchase.
Looks are second to none and, better still, Beemer and Audi drivers actually show some respect on the road (obviously envious)!
I would have preferred manual and still don't like the slow throttle response even in dynamic with sport mode from the auto box, but HOW do you return 60mpg on the motorway, I have to be extremely light footed to get 55?
I'm missing the extra BHP from my SAAB and am investigating a re-map - watch this space....

 

Thanks for all the positive comments chaps!

Telfer - The 180PS diesel copes fine with motorway driving. There is plenty of mid-range torque, so accelerating at critical points is not an issue, in fact it's more difficult to stay within the limit! I drove over to Paris recently and she coped admirably on the French motorway system, which is so much better in terms of surface quality and lack of traffic. I could have easily driven straight back just for the sheer pleasure of it.

Plugger - the MPG improved with all the motorway driving I do (for pleasure not work) and quite noticeably again once I had covered around 7500 miles, so I would expect your's to do the same once the engine begins to bed in.

 

Mine is the 163 bhp version ( keep company car tax as low as I can ) & is still very nippy & responsive .the auto box I think is very quick & gives you a real drivers car feel on flappy paddles .i have tried to drive in eco mode once to see how the mpg gets anywhere near the 75mph in the book ,not a chance !! .i got fed up anyway & switch back to dynamic soon as I get in the car . If I wanted to drive round touching the peddle to get better mpg I would have bought a focus diesel.i get around 45 mph & I am happy enough with that .what does wind me up is the stop start system .i always switch it off because I don't want to start the engine when I am pulling out of a junction & would switch it off permanently if I knew it was possible.

 

Here are my thoughts of the X260 after 6 months of ownership and 8,000 miles covered. Apologies for the length.

Looks
I must admit to being smitten by the shape of the X260 when I saw it in the flesh. I preferred the squat stance of the car over my X250 - which seemed slightly bulbous compared to the squarer, sharper lines of the new car. I went for the Portfolio spec in Ultimate Black with the Light Oyster interior, as I love my Jags to be cloaked in a dark exterior contrasted by a light interior. Combined with the 19" Diamond Turned Contrast wheels she looks sleek and purposeful.

Handling
Excellent. This is where the X260 really does score over the X250. The handling is crisper, more direct all of which exudes confidence to the driver. I was very pleased to discover that the 'dynamic' mode was not just a gimmick. You can immediately sense the change in suspension and steering providing the grin factor when the driver is in 'spirited driving mode'.

Comfort
The X260 handles the worst of British road surfaces with aplomb. In normal mode the car's architecture delivers effortless wafting along the highway, just as a Jag should. The interior is roomier than the previous model, yet feels more cosseted. Seats are comfortable and supportive both front and rear. The sound system is excellent having the standard Meridian, as I did not elect to have the Incontrol Touch Pro upgrade (I was put off by the rumours about gremlins on early models). I was a little concerned that the 19" alloys would provide too firm a ride but this has not proved to be the case.

Engine & MPG
As with all my modern day Jags I went for the four-pot diesel, the 180PS version. I was impressed with the 2.2 & 6 Speed auto in the last of my X-Types and naively thought this engine had been carried over into the X250 XF. I was never really satisfied with the 2.2 engine of my X250 XF, the main reason for swopping it up earlier than planned. I since discovered the X-Type 2.2 was not the same lump as in the XF. So it was with a little trepidation that I took a punt on the new Ingenium engine. I needn't have worried, as the new power-plant is an incredible piece of engineering. Perfectly quiet, very responsive and refined, delivering more than adequate power I have been very impressed. After 8,000 miles I am returning over 60mpg on the motorway and mid-high 40's during normal driving.

What I really like
The looks (obviously), just love those Diamond Turned wheels against the black paint; I love the way the dials turn red in dynamic mode; and how she can turn from luxury tourer to sports saloon and back again in a wink of the eye…

What I don't like
No CD, really? It's not a big deal as my iPod now has a use since I stopped jogging but it does feel a bit mean-spirited of Jaguar; and that's about it. I've had no problems and not even had to top up the AdBlue as yet, although the 2-year service interval doesn't feel comfortable - call me old fashioned.

Finally, my thanks to Guy Salmon Jaguar in Maidstone who, for more than a decade, have provided me with an excellent service both on sales and after care.

Excellent report. Although I have only had my Jag for 2 weeks I can agree with your comments. The diesel seems more popular in the UK and I wouldn't mind one but I ended up with the 340HP V6 S/Charger Prestige.Mine is Ammonite grey metallic with Light Oyster leather like yours. Gas/Petrol is cheaper here than the UK too.
Best wishes for you and enjoy your new Jag.
AL

 

Hello oldcbl,

Thanks for the review. I am new to the brand, having had Saab and Mercedes sedans. I have a week old XF R-sport with the 340hp S/C V6.

So far, this is a very comfortable vehicle, it handles well, and I haven't finished the first tank of fuel yet with about 425Km on it.

I have the 20 inch wheels, and the ride is much better than expected.

I'll see how things go with the dealership...the delivery process wasn't overly smooth.

Dave

 

Have had my 2016 Jaguar XF AWD 340 HP V6 Supercharged Prestige since end of September16. What really surprised and pleased me was two weeks of heavy snow,ice including black ice in and around Vancouver and with the AWD and M&S Continental Conti Pro XG tires I had NOT one problem and in fact only felt the nannies cut in once on the highway during an icy period. It seems Jaguar knows how to design an AWD system. I get great fuel economy and the V6, although not quite as smooth as my former straight 6 BMW, has impressive torque and acceleration with the right-now Supercharger. I think that Jaguar has a winner, bearing in mind that the competition is just as expensive to buy, if not more so and they don't have the sophisticated aluminum chassis/body/integration. And yes, it rides so well on so many different road surfaces.
Al
Happy New Year