JAGUAR XF 2010 $30,300

Vehicle Overview Though it's only been a year since Jaguar introduced its XF midsize sedan, changes come for 2010 in the form of new drivetrains, a new trim level and a performance version, the XFR. Competing models in size and/or price include the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac STS, Lexus GS and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The XFR squares off against the souped-up versions of those cars, such as the S6, M5 and STS-V. As before, the XF comes in Luxury and Premium Luxury trim levels, and 2010 adds the XF Portfolio, an ultra-luxury version. Exterior Distinctive characteristics include a sculpted hood and prominent aluminum trim surrounding the side windows. The XF has front fender vents similar to the XK's. (Vents have become a cliché recently, but Jaguar's are well-integrated.) Around back are high-mounted LED taillights that emulate an Aston Martin. The XFR is distinguished by aerodynamic treatments like a trunklid spoiler and side sill extensions, four tailpipes, special 20-inch wheels and a more aggressive front end with large chrome-rimmed lower-bumper vents. The hood also has modest cooling vents. Interior The interior combines traditional cues with contemporary touches, like a rotary knob in the center console that serves as a gear selector. With its continued dedication to ease of use, Jaguar does not use this knob as a multifunction controller like the German and some Japanese makers do. Like the XK, the XF's in-dash LCD is a touch-screen. When the engine is started, the JaguarDrive Selector knob rises out of the console, and closed air conditioning vents rotate to the open position. The XF also uses proximity sensors in place of switches or handles for the reading lights and glove compartment lid a wave of the hand does the trick. The new Portfolio trim level features contrast leather-trim stitching, a suedelike cloth headliner, unique trim pieces and deep-pile floormats with contrasting trim and embroidered logos. The XFR comes with soft-grain leather in ivory or charcoal, with red or tan accents also available. The trim includes dark oak and a darker, mesh-patterned version of the regular XF's expansive aluminum dashboard panels. The power front seats include 18-way adjustment for the driver and 14-way for the passenger. Under the Hood The standard drivetrain is a 4.2-liter V-8 with 300 horsepower. New for 2010 is a 5.0-liter V-8 in regular and supercharged forms. Thanks to direct injection, these two increase power by 23 percent and 29 percent, respectively, without sacrificing mileage. Jaguar says the 380-hp 5.0-liter propels the XF to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, down from 6.2 seconds with the 4.2-liter. The supercharged V-8 does it in 4.7 seconds. All engines drive the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission that also offers shift paddles on the steering wheel. The XFR has a faster steering ratio and larger brakes than the regular XF and adds Active Differential Control, an electronically controlled, clutch-driven limited-slip rear differential. Safety The airbag complement includes dual-stage frontal airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags, and curtain airbags for front and rear side-impact protection. Active head restraints come on the front seats. Antilock disc brakes with brake assist and brake-force distribution are standard. Also onboard are traction control and an electronic stability system. Optional on any 5.0-liter-equipped XF is adaptive cruise control, whose radar can also determine if a collision is imminent and alert the driver.

• 18 Cygnus 6-spoke alloy wheels
• P245/45HR18 all-season tires
• Alloy space saver spare wheel & tire
• 1-touch tilt/slide pwr glass moonroof
• Bright side window surrounds
• Bright lower bumper blades
• Auto-dimming heated pwr mirrors w/approach lamps side repeaters memory
• Auto-on/off halogen headlamps
• LED tail lamps
• Rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers
• Bright mesh grille insert w/bright surround
• Driver/front passenger pwr lumbar
• 60/40 split folding rear seat
• Leather seating surfaces
• Bond grain stitched & tailored instrument panel & door top rolls
• Front center console w/storage compartment aux pwr socket armrest 3.5mm aux input socket
• Front & rear floor mats
• 3-spoke leather steering wheel w/remote controls for audio cruise control Bluetooth
• Pwr adjustable steering column for height reach entry & exit tilt-away 2-position memory
• JaguarDrive rotary gear selector
• Driver information center w/dual function trip computer
• Phosphor blue halo illumination & interior lighting
• Pwr windows w/1-touch up/down
• Drive-away locking
• Cruise control w/automatic speed limiter
• HomeLink 3-channel garage door/entry gate opener
• Security system w/perimeter alarm
• 7 touch screen display w/controls for audio climate control Bluetooth
• Automatic dual-zone climate control system w/air filtration
• Heated rear window
• Satin American walnut veneer interior trim
• JaguarSense glovebox & overhead light operation
• Electrochromic rearview mirror
• Driver/front passenger visor vanity mirrors
• Jaguar Smart Key System w/keyless entry
• (2) front (2) rear cupholders
• Front aux pwr outlet
• 10-way pwr front heated bucket seats w/2-position driver memory
• 4.2L DOHC 32-valve V8 engine
• 6-speed automatic transmission w/Jaguar Sequential Shift JaguarDrive rotary gear selector w/winter mode steering wheel mounted paddles
• Rear-wheel drive
• 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension w/anti-roll bars
• Speed sensitive variable ratio pwr rack & pinion steering
• 4-wheel anti-lock vented disc brakes
• Electric parking brake w/drive away release
• Dual bright exhaust tips
• TRAC dynamic stability control
• Cornering brake control
• Front seat mounted side airbags
• Front & rear side curtain airbags
• 3-point restraints w/pretensioners for all seating positions
• LATCH child seat tether anchors
• Active head restraints
• Rear parking aid w/touch-screen visual indicators
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Dual stage front airbags
• Child safety rear door locks
• Sirius satellite radio
• Bluetooth wireless technology for cell phone
• 320W Jaguar premium sound system