You know a brand new model is catching on quickly when you see it on the floor of a current auto show while bought and sold versions sit parked on the streets outside.
The 2016 Jaguar XF sits proudly on the floor of the McCormick Center during the press preview days for this year’s Chicago Auto Show. But, this reporter also saw a couple brand spanking new XF’s cruising the frigid streets of the Windy City. That’s a decent sign the $60,000 XF is already gaining some traction amidst the upscale sport luxury buyers.
The 2016 Jaguar XF sedan snuggles in the middle of the Jag line, looking up only to the XJ and the F-Type in the car department. It takes on the role for would-by buyers of a car more powerful and better equipped than the entry-level XE, but not as pricey or as big as the XJ.
Standard XF equipment includes a 3.0 liter, supercharged V6 engine putting out 340 horsepower. An eight speed automatic transmission keeps the acceleration smooth above Jaguar’s traditionally outstanding four-wheel independent suspension.
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I had the opportunity to put the XF through its street and highway paces during a dedicated drive event a long way from the cold of Chicago in Sedona, Arizona.
Like the XJ and F-Type above it in the Jaguar food chain, the XF’s driving experience is deeply rooted in smoothness. Jaguar’s engineers mastered magical suspension a long time ago. Their cars manage what lesser cars can’t pin down — the perfect blend of road sensitivity and driving comfort.
In most cases, cars opting for comfort end up feeling numb and cut off from the road. It’s an option a buyer can reach for if they died at some point in the recent past. Alternatively, good driving cars put you in touch with the pavement — sending every bump and groove to the steering wheel. It’s less comfortable, but more vibrant.
Jaguar’s signature suspension balances the two experiences — allowing the driver to feel the car’s handling, while preserving a distinctly gentle and refined sensation. The XF possesses every bit of that Jag sophistication.
In motion, the XF is quick enough to move past lesser cars in traffic. It’ll also serve well as a grand touring car, stuffed with electronic everything and offering a complete justDrive infotainment system.
The only criticism I can level at this otherwise spot on machine is its price tag. While the XJ’s entry level trim starts out with an MSRO around $50,000, the car quickly climbs north of $60K as the buyer adds features and infotainment options. The top of the line XF 35t R-Sport starts out at $60,600.
That’s a steep price to pay for a Jaguar badge on a car that compares in power, capability and features to a $35,000 to $45,000 BMW 3 Series or Lexus GS. It’ll be up to the buyer if the prestige of owning a make and model that didn’t exist until this year is worth that extra $5,000 to $20,000
Judging by the new car’s popularity on the streets of Chicago, the extra cash doesn’t seem t be a problem so far.
