Jaguar, ready to regain its place in the luxury car
market that is so much a part of its history, is on a mission to make change.
For example, the Jaguar XF, only in its second year of production, gets
a brand new powertrain for 2010 XF Premium, along with the new high
performing XFR. This model was styled by Jaguar's Ian Callum, a
sensational designer who has been passionate about the brand. Callum is now in
charge of Jaguar design; his long-term devotion to the products is evident. The XF
Premium embodies more flagship-like characteristics than the outgoing XJ ever
did, especially now that Jaguar has introduced a pair of new engines under its
hood. The XF premium's main competitors include the BMW 5-Series,
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS and Infiniti M. The 2010 XF
Premium interior is about as good as it gets in this segment. That the
midlevel XF offers as much performance as it does for a mere $5,000 investment
over the base model is astounding; it is both more engaging and more refined
than any of its rivals. The 2010 Jaguar XF Premium has a base price of $57,000.
XF Premium Power
The XF Premium, the mid-level model, has a new
naturally-aspirated, 385-horse, 380 lb-ft. 5.0-liter V8. The Premium uses a
6-speed automatic transmission with "Jaguar Drive Selector," which uses a rotary
knob for gear selection. The transmission also includes steering-wheel paddles
for manual gear changes.
2010 XF Premier Design
The XF Premium is simply elegant, which comes as a
surprise in that the XF embodies no traditional design cues. Its design is
fresh and smooth. Outside, the XF Premium is visually identical to
the base XF. The 2010 XF offers a coupe-styled sedan that is very
design-forward, and without a doubt, is targeted towards the more youthful buyers.
Driving an XF
The underpinnings to the 2010 XF Premium are
unchanged from last year. The midlevel, naturally aspirated V8, features an
engaging, brilliantly engineered engine. Jaguar designed the engine to make its
power accessible at lower engine speeds; this means that passing power is available
with just a light tip of the throttle, rather than waiting for a downshift. The XF Premium features firm, beautifully weighted steering. 19-inch
wheels are standard and 20s are optional, but both cruise with ease over
bumps. Wind rush and mechanical noise are well muted, even at highway speeds. All
engines drive the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission that offers shift paddles on the steering wheel
as well.
Jaguar Cabin Features
The Premium is embodied with a simple and elegant
interior. There is not a single material that feels cheap or less worthy than
the price of the vehicle. The XF is covered in leather and rich wood trim. It
may be a whole new feel to the Jaguars we are used to, but it is easy to get
accustomed to. Jaguar has blended its traditional elegance with more
contemporary style in the XF. This 2010 Jaguar has plenty of room in the
front seat and a great deal of head room. Gauges are clean and easy to see. The XF Premium uses proximity sensors instead of switches or handles for the
reading lights and glove compartment lid--a wave of the hand does the trick.
The Jaguar Drive Selector--a pop-up knob that you rotate to select a
transmission gear--requires some acclimation, but works well. The optional Bowers
and Wilkins audio system cranks out a reasonable 525 watts for 2010, a decent 85
watt bump over the 440 watt '09.
Safety for 2010
Available safety features for the 2010 Jaguar XF
Premium include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags,
and front side airbags. A navigation system, rearview camera, blind-spot
monitoring system, and adaptive cruise control are available.
Summary
The XF 4.2 Premium Luxury, with a base price in the
$50,000 range, has the same normally aspirated V8 as the standard model, with
even more luxury features. Its standard equipment list adds a GPS navigation
system, soft-grain leather on the seats, dash and door panels, three-stage
heated front seats and 19-inch wheels, among other things. It takes Premium
unleaded fuel. Passive keyless entry and start as well as a power glass sunroof are
included in the price. The standard seating is bond-grain leather, with
satin-finish walnut and aluminum trim. A 320-watt, eight-speaker stereo and
18-inch alloy wheels also comes standard. This mid level XF for 2010 performs well and offers
a good balance between the base model and the high performing XFR.