Fitting in between the entry level Jaguar XE and the full sized Jaguar XJ, the mid-sized 2019 Jaguar XF is a great balance between the two. New for 2019 is the limited edition sport trim, which elevates many of the existing trims and offers new features and options. The 2019 Jaguar XF has become the backbone of Jaguar’s design statement, with its sleek appearance translating well to the more compact Jaguar XE as well as the larger Jaguar XJ. With a starting price of $65,100, is the 2019 XF worthy of its luxury sedan pricing?
SPORTY EXTERIOR
The sleek exterior of the 2019 Jaguar XF blends tasteful modern curves with subtle accent lines, seamlessly creating an overall luxurious and sporty appearance. The 2019 XF’s refined and unassuming exterior design can be considered timeless and should easily remain current through the ages. The XF achieves this by bringing together a low and wide stance, large wheels, pleasing proportions and just the right amount of black trim, creating a look that exudes elegance and sportiness.
The front end is what really showcases the 2019 XF’s best features with narrow, swept-back LED headlights giving it a distinctly aggressive appearance, pronounced by the large central air intake and the heftier lower air intakes. The hood keeps the existing muscular bulges which extend all the way towards the windshield, hinting at the sporty performance under the hood. The rear end completes the overall exterior look with wide and narrow taillights, helping to accentuate the XF’s width, while the higher arches of the rounded trunk help to tie the rear end in with the overall sporty appearance.
PERFORMANCE LUXURY INTERIOR
Jaguar has always built vehicles with elegant, high quality, luxurious interiors and the 2019 XF lives up to these high quality standards. Although the traditional wood-rich Jaguar type interior has been skipped, it’s instead replaced with a performance oriented design. Replacing the polished wood highlights of old, are the sportier metallic carbon fiber textures, glossy piano black highlights, soft touch surfaces and accented leather stitching. Traditional Jaguar interior maybe not, but performance luxury definitely yes!
The sleek and shapely dash of the 2019 Jaguar XF sits high with a gentle slope, giving the impression you’re sitting inside the car rather than on top of it. The 2019 XF’s sporty interior design is well matched to its performance oriented seating position and while it may be a midsize four-door sedan, it’s definitely a true driver’s car when it comes to the ergonomics and positioning of the steering wheel, controls and seating.
The 2019 Jag XF’s wheelbase allows for plenty of cabin space, particularly for those in the rear. Leg and knee room get some roomy space, but headroom in the back is still a bit limited if you’re taller than average. The seats themselves are extremely comfortable with great lateral support and variable adjustability making for a comfortable ride during a long cruise as well as reassuring support for quick maneuvering.
Little touches help make the sleek, modern interior just a little more pleasant, such as the full length sunroof which brightens the interior, the heads up display which projects various information into the windshield, and a huge touch screen to replace the clutter of buttons and dials. Other subtle touches include a shift knob that lowers when the car is off and the automatic opening and closing air vents serve as a reminder that this is no run of the mill interior!
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
From the moment you push that ignition button, it’s clear that the 2019 Jaguar XF is all about the driving experience. The 2019 XF is offered in a variety of configurations combining a gasoline or diesel engine with rear wheel drive or all wheel drive and pairing with an eight speed automatic transmission. Four different engine choices are available for the 2019 Jag XF, all of which have their own pros and cons, but each offer a specific performance for your situation.
The entry level XF 20d comes equipped with the 2.0L four cyclinder turbo diesel engine outputting 180hp, which offers great fuel economy, decent low end power but has a slightly unrefined knocking common to diesel engines. Step up to the XF 25t to get the 2.0L four cylinder turbo gas engine which outputs 247hp and is a great choice for all around commuting or hauling. Another step up to the 30t equips the 2019 XF with a 2.0L four cylinder turbo charged gas engine with upgraded tuning to output a more spritely and spirited 296hp, bringing a bit more thrill to your drive. But if it’s a thrilling performance you’re after, you should check out the top of the line S model which comes equipped with the 3.0L six cylinder supercharged gas engine, which outputs a hefty 380hp!
The 2019 XF uses Jaguar’s innovative architecture to reduce the overall vehicle weight by using an aluminum alloy. Along with the weight savings for both RWD and AWD models, the torque rigidity is up by 28 percent as well. This is apparent when you start throwing the XF left and right into turns. Overall, the precise steering and grippy handling make the 2019 Jaguar XF a pleasure to throw into turns and take out for a spirited drive.
With Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics, the ride is always smooth and comfortable as the system is constantly adjusting for the optimal driving experience depending on speed, turn angles and road conditions. Switching driving modes to Dynamic Mode makes for a sportier driving experience by delaying gear changes, making the throttle more sensitive and stiffening the steering.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 2019 Jaguar XF offers an exceptional driving experience for both drivers and passengers alike, while keeping everyone inside the beautifully well appointed cabin comfortable and relaxed. With plenty of engine options to suit any kind of driver, paired with a dynamic driving performance and the latest driving technology, it’s easy to see how the 2019 XF is a mid-sized sedan built for drivers! You’ll be drawn to the sleek exterior styling and then you’ll step into the elegant yet sporty interior but it’s the driving experience that will truly win you over!