2023 Jaguar XF
Overview
Cats are solitary creatures, and true to form, Jaguar has only one gasoline-powered sedan in its lineup now amid the massive popularity of SUVs and a looming push toward electrification. The XF sticks around for another lap around the sun but is long overdue for a redesign to help it compete against newer sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz E-class, Genesis G80, and Audi A7. Meanwhile, the XF P250 comes standard with rear-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 246-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The P300 version boosts output to 296 hp and is strictly an all-wheel-drive model. While the XF’s powertrain offerings are limited in size and power, its price makes it the most affordable entry in the mid-size-luxury-car segment. Its interior features handsome materials has plenty of tech, and the XF combines the plushness and ride of a big sedan with surefooted handling. Its maneuverability at reasonable speeds is downright catlike. Unfortunately, it’s not enough; this feline is clearly showing its age.
What’s New for 2023?
Jaguar adds one minor equipment update for the 2023 XF sedan by making adaptive cruise control standard across all models.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
To maximize the sedan’s value proposition, we’d go with the base P250 S. We see no reason to upgrade to the more powerful engine in the P300 or add all-wheel drive. Our preferred model comes with plenty of desirable features, including an 11.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 360-degree camera system, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, passive hands-free entry, and wireless charging.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The XF is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that comes in two potencies. The P250 version produces 246 horsepower, and the P300 generates 296 horses. Both engines mate to an eight-speed automatic transmission, but only the less powerful one offers rear- or all-wheel drive. The P300 comes exclusively with all-wheel drive. While we haven’t had the opportunity to test both versions at the track, we have driven the more powerful one. It hit 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which is slower than the now-defunct supercharged V-6 model, but the Jag’s exhaust still sounds good. We appreciated the Jag’s supple suspension, which delivered fluid handling along with exceptional ride quality. The XF’s steering transitioned adeptly between low-speed lightness and high-speed heft. The soft brake pedal had a gradual response, too.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The rear-drive XF is rated up to 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The more powerful model with all-wheel drive is rated at 22 mpg city and 30 highway. We tested the latter XF on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and it achieved 30 mpg in the real world. For more information about the XF’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the XF receives a subtle makeover. Gone are the center-console rotary shifter and the outboard air vents that rotated open in the dashboard. Now, next to the new shift handle rests a drive-mode selector that lowers into the console when not in use. Jaguar overhauled the climate controls, too, with dials that have self-contained temperature settings. The redesigned center console hosts a newly standard wireless charger, and Jaguar says the space offers increased storage. The front seats are wider than before and have larger heating and cooling areas. Passenger and cargo space remain unchanged, which preserves the sedan’s roomy back seat and capacious trunk volume.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Jaguar graces every XF with an infotainment system called Pivi Pro that runs through a prominent 11.4-inch touchscreen with curved glass. We haven’t interacted with this new interface yet, so we can’t say whether it’s more responsive and less glitchy than the company’s past systems, but we’ll keep you posted. In addition to supporting over-the-air updates, the setup comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Jaguar’s mid-size sedan offers a thorough selection of optional driver-assistance technology. For more information about the XF’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Jaguar bestows the XF with warranty coverage that is above average for this segment. It also has one of the longest complimentary scheduled maintenance periods.
Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for five years or 60,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Jaguar XF P300 AWD
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $51,145/$62,295
Options: extended leather upgrade, $1800; Dynamic Handling Pack (adaptive dampers, configurable dynamic mode, red brake calipers, trunklid spoiler), $1350; 20-inch wheels, $1200; adaptive cruise control, $1200; head-up display, $1050; Convenience Pack (soft-close doors, rear window shade, Activity Key), $1000; sport seats, $800; Cold Climate Pack (heated steering wheel and windshield), $700; Hakuba silver paint, $600; Meridian sound system, $600; camera rear-view mirror, $450
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 122 in3, 1997 cm3
Power: 296 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.8-in vented disc/12.8-in disc
Tires: Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season PNSC
255/35R-20 97H M+S J
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 116.5 in
Length: 195.4 in
Width: 74.4 in
Height: 57.3 in
Passenger Volume: 97 ft3
Trunk Volume: 18 ft3
Curb Weight: 4145 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.2 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.7 sec @ 94 mph
100 mph: 16.7 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.1 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.0 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.6 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 129 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 176 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 350 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.87 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 23 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 30 mpg
Highway Range: 580 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 25/22/30 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs
