Jaguar XF Diesel S

Expert Rating:

Introduction

When Jaguar introduced its XF the diesel engine choice was limited to just one 2.7-litre unit. With competitors offering more powerful, more economical alternatives Jaguar needed to act, and did - adding this more powerful larger capacity 3.0-litre V6 with two power output derivatives. Both offer more power and torque and increased driveability, yet choosing the more powerful 271bhp S sees no economy or CO₂ penalty over the 237bhp version, making choosing it something of a no-brainer.

What are its rivals?

The XF faces a triple-pronged attack for sales with BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. A few left-field alternatives like Volvo's S80 could also be on the shopping list of an XF buyer, but it's most likely that they'll be choosing between the British car and one of those Germans. The Jaguar is at a slight disadvantage as it's only offered in saloon guise, and it's unable to offer the same breadth of engine choices of its competition. It fights back with decent equipment levels, good pricing and a drive that's right among the best contenders.

How does it drive?

With remarkable composure and seemingly effortless acceleration. The 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel delivers 271bhp and 443lb.ft of torque, which allows it to reach 62mph in just 6.4 seconds. The engine is beautifully linear in its delivery rather than savagely quick like BMW's 535d, making it very easy to gain pace and maintain it. The gearbox shifts without interruption, the engine and six-speed automatic transmission working extremely well together.

That impressive drivetrain is housed in a chassis that combines cosseting comfort and precision in equal measure. The ride is supremely composed, the XF 3.0D S gliding over lumps and bumps where some rivals jar and knock, making the Jaguar a very desirable long distance companion. There's some feel at the steering and the weighting good too so the XF 3.0D S is a car that you'll enjoy driving anywhere.

What's impressive?

The all round ability. The XF 3.0D S is near supersaloon quick, but with luxury car refinement and sensible economy and emissions. It looks good in a nicely understated fashion, has a good sized boot, is sensibly priced and well equipped too. There are some nice talking points inside, the motorised opening air vents and the pop-up gearshift being perfect examples, the XF 3.0D S's interior simply a nice place to be. It's not an obvious choice either, unlike the Germans it competes against.

What's not?

The rear seats aren't the most accommodating and the touch-screen infotainment interface in the centre console feels a bit clunky when compared to the latest systems. The interior looks smart enough, but some of the materials aren't up to the standards of the competition. Economy and emissions are decent enough, but the arrival of a new Mercedes-Benz E-Class and a soon-to-be-introduced replacement BMW 5 Series up the stakes for the British contender.

Should I buy one?

We'd be very tempted. It's not perfect, but the drivetrain and chassis work so beautifully in unison it's difficult not to be hugely impressed by the Jaguar. Tough new competition make its job a bit harder, but the XF 3.0D S is still a serious contender in a hotly contested marketplace.

Kyle Fortune