Jaguar XF 3.0D S

What is it?

This is the Jaguar XF 3.0D S, which brings a new, more powerful turbodiesel to our favourite executive saloon. The engine is now a 3.0-litre unit rather than a 2.7. It’s from the same family – its block is still compact graphite iron, the four-valve heads aluminium, it’s built by Ford in Dagenham and Land Rover will get a single-turbo version of it later – but its aim is slightly higher.

In 2.7-litre form the Jaguar XF looked a tad undernourished compared with the BMW 5-series. No longer. The new Jaguar XF 3.0D S is available in two states of tune: one with 237bhp (rivalling BMW’s 530d), or this, the 271bhp S version. It’s bang on 535d territory. Economy and CO2 output is 42mpg on the combined cycle and 179g/km – an improvement of more than 10 per cent over the 2.7.

The increased capacity is only half the story. The new Jaguar XF 3.0D S also gets third-generation piezo-electric injectors at the squirty end of its common-rail fuel system, and improved exhaust gas recirculation.

Apart from new wheels, a small boot spoiler and, naturally, an ‘S’ on the tailgate, there’s very little to tell the new Jaguar XF 3.0D S apart from older XFs.

Jaguar claims that the XF 3.0D S weighs 1820kg (up from 1771kg for the 2.7), so with some options it is a near two-tonne car. That’s a power-to-weight ratio of 149bhp per tonne, short of the 535d’s 163bhp per tonne.

BMW claims the 535d can hit 62mph in 6.4sec. Jaguar claims the less powerful, heavier XF 3.0D S will reach 60 in 5.9sec. Sound reasonable? No, nor to me, especially given that we couldn’t coax a 2.7D to 60mph any quicker than 8.4sec when the Jaguar claim was 7.7sec.

What’s it like?

Some engineers have told us that getting a diesel to meet Euro5 emissions is hard without increasing engine noise, but there’s no evidence of that with the XF 3.0D S. At idle it’s as smoothly thrummy as ever. It sounds neither louder nor quieter than a 2.7D. It pulls smoothly, too.

The Jaguar XF 3.0D S’s interior really is lovely, and the hushed motor and slick six-speed ZF transmission suit it perfectly. The ’box has been adjusted to lock up its torque converter more frequently, but you don’t feel that when you’re in full auto mode around town.

There are no suspension changes, so the firm yet comfortable and ably damped set-up continues. My guess is that on suspension derived from the XK, yet with some S-type floorpan bits, the XF has a light unsprung weight and a heavy body, which is not a bad combo from a ride perspective. It steers with a lovely fluidity and you aren’t aware of the extra weight in the handling, which is composed and predictable.

What the Jaguar XF 3.0D S doesn’t feel, though, is instantly fast. Sometimes when you get in a 535d and put your toe down, it fairly blows your socks off. When the opportunity arises I try this in the XF and, well, it’s fast, linear and progressive, but my socks remain in place.

But for me, it’s the Jaguar’s power delivery that’s more impressive than its pace. From as little as 1200-1300rpm, if you ask it, it quickly gets its skates on, all the while maintaining a fine quietness. It keeps on pulling, too.

Should I buy one?

Absolutely. Jaguar has nothing to fear from other car makers in terms of refinement and, unless you’re being really mean, pace. Which means – when it comes to the XF as a product – the XF 3.0D S has made complete something that was already exceptional.

Matt Prior