Jaguar XFR

Expert Rating:

What is it?

It's discreet, Jaguar's contender in the super saloon market exhibiting restraint in the styling department compared to its direct rivals. The XF is becoming a familiar shape and this range-topping XFR differs very little visually from the rest of the range. There are a few hints to its potency: the slightly bolder grille, larger wheels and subtle badging for instance, but unless you're a real petrolhead it's unlikely you'll notice the differences. That's no bad thing in these environmental and economic times, the XFR a super saloon for those wanting about 500bhp, but not the attention that it usually brings.

Is it any good?

There's a real duality to the XFR's ability. It does the cosseting luxury of its lesser relatives, but press the accelerator to the floor and it turns into something altogether more interesting. With a supercharged 503bhp V8 under its bonnet the XFR is mightily quick - 62mph arriving in 4.9 seconds and 155mph easily reached before the electronic limiter cuts in. Push the engine hard and the civility and refinement it exhibits when cruising is replaced by a harder-edged engine note that, while purposeful, never gets too raucous or intrusive. The reward is sensational pace, the six-speed automatic transmission dishing out extra ratios smoothly and quickly as and when they're needed.

There's the ability to change gears yourself with paddles-shifters, but the six-speeder does it so competently you rarely find yourself overriding its decisions. The XFR's pace is no more eye-opening than its BMW M5, Merc E 63 AMG and Maserati Quattroporte rivals, but the way you can exploit it is. The XFR's ride quality allows you to maintain pace where you'd be backing off due to harshness in most of the rivals. The Jag's suspension soaks up undulations and ripples, all while delivering exceptional body and roll control. It's this that makes the XFR such a competent all-rounder compared to its over-firm adversaries - the Jaguar is perfectly suited to our less than perfect tarmac.

Should I call the bank manager?

At around £5,000 cheaper than its nearest rival you might not need to. The XFR is conspicuously good value when compared to the BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG and Maserati's Quattroporte. The list price is £59,900, which includes pretty much all the kit you could ever want as standard. Sure, there's the opportunity to spend more on equipment like an upgraded stereo and a parking camera, but you could easily live with an XFR in completely standard guise and not want for anything. Economy and emissions will be painful though, but expected in the sphere of 500bhp super saloons: the XFR returns 22.5mpg on the combined cycle and emits 292g/km of CO₂.

Summary

The XFR is a remarkably composed 500bhp super saloon that demonstrates that there needn't necessarily be huge compromises for performance. The XFR's smoothness eclipses the other cars in its class for day-to-day refinement and usability without losing the thrill when you ask it to reveal its more potent side. That it's cheaper and more discreet than its rather overt rivals is a bonus too. If you're after a fast saloon then the Jaguar XFR is a very compelling package indeed.

Kyle Fortune