2020 Jaguar XF

The Jaguar XF sedan is neither as trendy as Jaguar’s popular SUVs nor as fresh as the smaller XE sedan or electric I-PACE, but its middle-child status doesn’t mean it’s unworthy. In fact, a refocused lineup for 2020, new Checkered Flag limited edition and sexy Sportbrake wagon variant make the XF arguably more appealing than ever.

The XF has a low, poised stance that’s inherently sportier than an E-class, its main rival. The short overhangs and available larger wheels make it elegant, if not as outright pretty as the first-generation XF from 2009. It was a car that truly pushed boundaries in the same way this second-generation version conforms to them. It’s now conservative and classy.

The interior could be better at this price. There are swaths of hard black plastic in the center stack and rougher rubber and vinyl-wrapped trim on the dashboard and door panels. But there’s still theater, with the revolving air vents that close when the climate system is turned off, or the rotary gear selector that lowers flush into the console when the engine is switched off. In general, fit and finish are good, but they’re no longer exemplary in this class.

From a practical perspective, the XF’s comfortable, firm seats allow for long-distance travel without discomfort. Leg and headroom in the rear are decent, but the plus is the size of the trunk. At 19 cubic-feet, it’s one of the largest among midsize sedans. The Sportbrake, Jaguar’s term for the station wagon, offers 70 cubic-feet of storage. For people with dogs, the Sportbrake’s low ride height makes hopping out of the vehicle much easier many crossovers.

Three engine choices are available. The standard 247-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four is good enough on 25t trims, but the 30t’s higher-output four is superior. At 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, the engine choice should be the minimum offered to move this kind of mass. All-wheel drive is optional with both engines, and standard on the Sportbrake and the S sedan with the supercharged V6. The V6 is smooth and potent and best fits the XF’s performance character, though it would be nice to hear more exhaust growl like Jaguar allows on the F-Pace.

Multiple driving modes alter the throttle, 8-speed automatic transmission, steering and the optional adaptive dampers. Though the XF rides on the firm side of comfort without the squishiness of an overfilled down pillow, it’s noisy and lacks insulation. It steers and handles with the precision of a much smaller car, even without any electronic tricks such as torque vectoring. It’s such a quality chassis that there’s more road feel, which causes an urge to push the XF faster.

Jaguar’s InControl TouchPro infotainment comes standard within an integrated touchscreen that’s intuitive and well-designed, but it doesn’t always function properly. Software glitches have long been an issue for Jaguar and Land Rover. Many issues have been fixed, but others, such as the backup camera freezing its image for no reason, come and go. When it works, 360-degree street views and onboard weather and news apps via 4G modem make for pleasant amenities. 

Consumers have certain expectations of a midsize luxury car, and the base XF 25t Premium trim level meets but does not exceed them. For $4450 more, the Prestige trim level feels more like a proper luxury sedan. It has navigation and heated leather front seats. Another $3,000 adds a worthwhile upgrade to the more powerful 296-horsepower version of Jaguar’s two turbocharged four-cylinder engines. All-wheel drive is also available for $3,000 for all Premium and Prestige models.

The new-for-2020 Checkered Flag limited edition is offered only in AWD 30t form for $5,100 more than a similar Prestige model and brings sportier interior and exterior styling, sport seats and extra luxury and safety features. Powered by a 380-horsepower supercharged V6, the S has a high level of luxury content and performance features, including AWD, 20-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, aerodynamic enhancements, and power sport seats, at nearly $70,000

Given the XF’s starting price comes in lower than German competitors in addition to its generous warranty (including full maintenance for five years), it’s a good time to visit the Jaguar dealer. For those sold on the Sportbrake, there’s a good chance negotiations will yield a killer deal as wagons still play second fiddle to SUVs in the states.