Jaguar’s 2012 XF is not the British automaker’s flagship – the XFR is. Nevertheless, the XF is a choice worth considering, seeing that it’s also considerably cheaper.
The 2012 Jaguar XF is powered by a 5.0-liter V8, which comes in either a supercharged version that produces 470 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque, or a naturally aspirated one, with 385 horsepower. The car is also rather heavy, weighing 4,306 lbs.
With both engines comes the same steering system: a 6-speed automatic one, although a six speed manual is also available as an option. The automatic transmission increases the fuel economy, enabling the XF to go 15 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway.
The seating is arranged in a 2+3 system. The cockpit includes a 7-inch TFT touchscreen display, an optional 1,200-watt Bowers and Wilkins with 17 speakers, USB and Bluetooth interfaces, and a new instrument panel. The 2012 XF gets heated seats and a heated steering wheel.
The performance isn’t bad for a sedan, although BMW’s M5 (for example) does a better job. The 2012 XF goes from 0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 155 mph (in the supercharged version).
The base cost prices are as follows: $68,100 for the supercharged version, and $53,000 for the naturally aspirated one.
