2016 Jaguar XF India review, test drive

The second-gen Jaguar XF has made its India debut. We drive both petrol and diesel versions to see what it’s like.

Published on Oct 14, 2016 11:18:00 AM

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Make : Jaguar

Model : XF

What is it?

Skim through Jaguar’s expansive press kit and the three traits that standout about the new XF are that it's lighter, larger (on the inside), and more luxurious than the car it replaces. There’s a greater use of aluminium, so weight is down by up to 190kg for certain versions. The near 5-metre length and longer wheelbase equal more space in the cabin, and there’s seemingly more emphasis on comfort than the first XF. The promise is of a more rounded package and one that could win the new XF wider acceptance in India.

At first sight, the XF doesn’t stand out as a brand new car. Jaguar design boss Ian Callum and his team have gone for evolutionary styling and a family look, so it’s possible to pass by the new XF mistaking it for an existing Jag. However, see the car in its entirety and it’s the size, more than anything else that establishes this as the new XF. It’s a long car, but the proportions are good and the low bonnet, high boot silhouette looks swell. On offer are three trim levels (see table), with this top-spec Portfolio version’s LED headlights and 18-inch wheels doing their bit for the look. The headlights also get Jaguar’s distinctive J-blade daytime running LEDs, while the twin exhaust pipes and very F-type-like LED detailing on the tail lights add that bit of sportiness to the look too. Still, some of us feel Jaguar could have been a bit more adventurous with the design.