The new second-generation Jaguar XF is big on performance, space and new tech. But is it enough to lure the masses away from its German rivals?

Pamplona Spain 

What is this magnificat?
When it first launched in 2007, the XF, Jaguar’s replacement for the S-Type big sedan, was to be the face of its new design language. From its low slung, swooping roofline, more vertical front end, shorter front overhang and longer wheelbase (2,960mm), the new design was to distance the ‘new Jaguar’ from its retro-conscious past with far more contemporary lines.

The XF is seven millimetres shorter than its predecessor (good), has an increased wheelbase of 51mm longer, (also good) allowing for better interior room, despite the lowered roofline. It also comes with 540-litres of luggage space, that’s 20-litres more than the first of its main contenders, the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class, both of which are Singapore’s top sellers in the big-executive class.

How does it differ from the Jag XF of 2007?
They are all fitted with Jaguar’s new-from-the ground-up InControl Touch media system that works with both Apple and Android phones (we tested both platforms), with a soon-to-follow optional InControl Touch Pro (which will debut in the facelifted XJ) that uses a quad-core Intel processor and 60GB hard-drive to offer improved response time says Jaguar. It will also resemble a smartphone, meaning you can switch between different wallpapers, widgets, and shortcuts, as well as add extra home pages as necessary.

Built with the advanced platform (codenamed iQ[Al] which stands for ‘intelligent aluminium architecture), the new XF is the second model to use this platform after the smaller XE sedan, which has just been launched in Singapore. The new Jaguar F-Pace SUV, to be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show, will be the third.

Though it may share the same platform, the new XF carries over only 17 per cent of the parts used in the XE. 83 percent of the XF’s bits, says Jaguar, are wholly new. Made out of 75 per cent aluminium, the platform is 28 per cent stiffer and 11 per cent lighter. Other new materials include magnesium casting, used in the cross-car structural beam.

How does it drive?
You sit quite low, and the seats are supportive if on the firm side of comfortable.Though the engine doesn’t sound sporty, this is a business class diesel saloon, and as such is very capable in that it’s fun to drive, refined and should be decently efficient too.

The XF turns eagerly, and hugs corners like a well-clawed cat because of Jag’s Adaptive Surface Response (AdSr). Steering is accurate and full of feeling, a pleasant surprise for a car this large and no doubt a result of the stiffer, lighter chassis. The assisted steering feels meaty, there is precision as soon as you push it off-centre. Consistent in weight and accuracy, there is also a certain flightiness to its reponse that brings out the sportiness out of the otherwise large-feeling vehicle.

The new Jaguar’s XF has drive control that include Sport and Comfort mode. The adaptive suspension setup, say Jaguar’s engineers, monitors almost 900 parameters continuously. Whatever hard number crunching that goes on behind the scenes, the result is that the XF is easy to drive, despite its size.

What engine variants will be avialable?
While in Spain, we got to drive the 2.0-litre Ingenium R-Sport and the 3.0-litre V6 Portfolio, both turbodiesels, as well as the 3.0-litre supercharged petrol, all of them rear-wheel drive, through and around the sleepy province of Navarra. All three engines come with the proven competent and smooth eight-speed automatic transmission by ZF.

According to Jag, the 180PS Ingenium 2.0-litre diesel engine is the lightest most efficient four-cylinder diesel in the segment, which means it will probably be the most affordable and popular variant. It goes from nought to a hundred in 8.1 seconds, has a top speed of 229km/h, a fuel efficiency of 4.3L/km, and emits 114g/km of CO2.

The 3.0-litre supercharged petrol, has a combined fuel economy of 8.3L/km, emits 198g/km of CO2, clears 100km/h in 5.3 seconds and can reach a top speed of 250km/h. Despite those hefty figures, our favourite version of the XF is actually the V6 diesel.

Should I get one?
If you happen to be in the market for a big luxury sedan, the new 2015 Jaguar XF is a credible alternative. Though the volume of sales will most likely come from the 2.0-litre Ingenium engine, the 3.0-litre V6 diesel remains, in our opinion, the most fun to drive.

Jaguar XF 3.0-litre V6 Portfolio

Engine 2,993cc, 24V, V6 turbodiesel
Power 296hp at 6500rpm
Torque 700Nm at 2000rpm
Gearbox 8-speed automatic 
Top Speed 250km/h
0-100kmh 6.2 seconds 
Fuel efficiency 5.5L/100km
CO2 144g/km
Price TBA
Availability Q4 2015