JAGUAR’S XF SALOON made quite an entrance when it first arrived on our shores, but time passes and even a stylish Jaguar eventually needs to be refreshed, especially in the areas of tech which seems to be advancing faster than any other automotive discipline.
The dynamic new Jaguar XF Saloon features enhanced exteriors, an all-new interior incorporating luxurious new materials, and seamlessly integrated, connected and future-proof technologies.
The exterior features a new front bumper with larger and lower air intakes for increased visual width, enhanced by a wider front grille featuring a mesh design detail inspired by Jaguar’s heritage logo. The side fender vents now feature the iconic Leaper emblem, demonstrating the exceptional attention to detail found right across the vehicle.
New super slim all-LED quad headlights with ‘Double J’ Daytime Running Light (DRL) signatures are available with optional Pixel LED technology. With Adaptive Driving Beam capability, which evaluates the road ahead and automatically adapts the high beam light to mask oncoming traffic or traffic signs, the system can create varying light beam patterns by selecting different LED segments to optimise visibility without distracting other drivers.
Premium LED technology is fitted as standard as is Auto High Beam Assist. The technology uses the forward-facing camera to automatically switch between high and low beam, ensuring that oncoming drivers aren’t dazzled. Front Animated Directional Indicators are also standard.
Design enhancements at the rear include a wider bumper and body-coloured rear upper valance, which visually lower the car. Darkened rear light surrounds now also feature.
In R-Dynamic specification, the new XF features a series of distinct design elements for a more performance-focused look, as well as being available with the additional Black Exterior Pack, which delivers a more dynamic appearance with bespoke elements finished in Gloss Black.
Tactile, luxurious interior
The XF has an all-new interior with heightened luxury, enhanced connectivity and greater refinement. The new cockpit design is bolder, more dynamic and with greater focus on the driver. A new sporty centre console sweeps up to the dashboard incorporating an optional wireless device charger with phone signal booster.
At the heart of the new interior is a seamlessly integrated centrally-mounted 11.4-inch curved-glass HD touchscreen in an elegant magnesium alloy casing, which controls the new Pivi Pro infotainment system. Finishes, including open-pore wood veneers and aluminium, feature in beautifully formed shapes such as the upper door insert and full width ‘Piano lid’ that is formed across the width of the dashboard. Laser-etched mid-line speaker frets and the metallic rotary dial of the JaguarDrive Control epitomise the attention-to-detail.
Julian Thomson, Design Director, Jaguar, said: “The Jaguar XF features a new exterior design which delivers a more assertive and assured presence while the all-new interior is more luxurious, tactile and demonstrates an exceptional level of craftmanship. The inside of the XF seamlessly integrates advanced technologies and is simply a beautiful place to be.”
The new Drive Selector – just one of the many beautiful details – features an upper section finished with ‘cricket-ball’ stitching, the lower part being made of precision-engineered metal for enhanced tactility.
New door casings, featuring a new 360-degree grab handle, provide easier access and increased storage for drinks bottles and other items.
New seats feature wider cushioning, new massage functions and enhanced coverage of the heated and cooling areas. An embossed Jaguar Leaper features on all front headrests, while a set of ‘Est.1935 Jaguar Coventry’ upholstery tags highlight the brand’s heritage.
A series of advanced technologies ensure the health and wellbeing of all occupants. Optional on all models, Cabin Air Ionisation improves interior air quality through Nanoe technology, which helps remove allergens and unpleasant odours. The system also features PM2.5 filtration, which captures ultra-fine particles – including PM2.5 particulates – to improve occupant health and wellbeing. The customer activates the system simply by pressing the ‘Purify’ button.
Advanced, efficient engine
All Australian delivered XFs feature the 221kW Ingenium 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine producing 400Nm and featuring the latest engine technologies including a twin scroll turbocharger and Continuous Variable Valve Lift (CVVL).
The 221kW XF R-Dynamic HSE, available exclusively with all-wheel drive, achieves 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds. Jaguar’s eight-speed automatic gearbox can be controlled using the steering wheel shift paddles for added driver engagement.
Advanced connected technologies
The new XF features Jaguar’s next-generation Electronic Vehicle Architecture, dubbed EVA 2.0, which supports a range of new technologies to ensure the future-ready vehicle is always connected and always up to date.
The latest Pivi Pro infotainment technology is accessed through the all-new 11.4-inch curved glass HD touchscreen. Key benefits include enhanced clarity, the screen being three times brighter and 48 percent larger than the previous screen, and the simplified menu structures allow drivers to access or view up to 90 percent of common tasks from the homescreen in two taps or less.
To help drivers access vital information quickly, the new XF features a 12.3-inch HD Interactive Driver Display with enhanced graphics and a configurable layout which can show full screen navigation mapping with turn-by-turn instructions, digital dials, media, contact list or infotainment details.
The intuitive new infotainment system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard and allows customers to connect two phones simultaneously via Bluetooth. Wireless device charging with phone signal booster allows occupants to fast charge their smartphone. The system also provides clearer calls through the help of an external aerial.
To enable almost instantaneous start-up, Pivi Pro has a dedicated power source, so is ready to use as soon as customers get behind the wheel.
The collection of new convenience technologies includes Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) capability, which ensures the XF is always using the latest software. The technology means that owners don’t have to visit retailers to receive software updates for the vehicle.
Pivi Pro connectivity is provided by the latest embedded dual-sim technology with two LTE modems enabling the system to carry out multiple functions at the same time, such as streaming media and downloading SOTA updates, without compromising performance. The advanced connectivity also ensures minimal interruptions caused by coverage blackspots as it roams across network providers for the strongest signal.
Active Road Noise Cancellation technology (a first for the segment) constantly monitors vibrations from the road surface and calculates the opposite phase sound wave needed to remove the noise heard by the occupants. This means lower noise levels within the cabin for superior refinement and reduced fatigue, commonly associated with prolonged exposure to low-frequency noise. Cabin occupancy is monitored, with the system continuously optimising performance to deliver the best possible experience for everyone. The lightweight technology ensures that vehicle weight and handling characteristics remain unaffected.
In addition, Jaguar’s ClearSight Interior Rear View Mirror gives the driver an unobstructed view of the road behind. Using a wide-angle rear-facing camera, the system feeds images to a high-definition screen within the frameless rear view mirror; unhindered by tall rear passengers, poor light or rain on the rear screen.
For enhanced convenience, the second-generation wearable Activity Key can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle without the need for the conventional key fob to be present in the vehicle. The rechargeable device incorporates a watch and has a battery life of up to seven days between charges.
The new XF also benefits from the latest generation of driver assistance technology. This includes Clear Exit Monitor, which alerts both front and rear occupants to the presence of an approaching car or cyclist when exiting the vehicle. Adaptive Cruise Control automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front.
Jaguar’s latest 3D Surround Camera technology delivers advanced 3D functionality using the latest camera technology to deliver more detail and a choice of real-time viewing optional when manoeuvring the vehicle.
Jaguar’s commitment to creating strong and lightweight vehicles, continues with the new XF. The aluminium-intensive architecture features recycled aluminium from closed-loop manufacturing for greater sustainability and is an important contribution towards Jaguar’s journey to Destination Zero, a world of zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion.
All Australian delivered XF Saloons are delivered in R-Dynamic HSE specification. Also optional is the Black Exterior Pack.
Once we have tested and assessed the new Jaguar XF, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.