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What is it?

After the forced induction ‘SV8’ tested by Steve Cropley last week, this, the normally aspirated V8 version, is the second variant of Jaguar’s new XF to come under our scrutiny. The two remaining lower-end engines – the 3.0-litre V6 petrol and all-important 2.7-litre V6 diesel - were unavailable at the car’s launch in Arizona; we'll have to wait until early '08 to sample those.

Mechanically it is all very familiar: the 294bhp V8, six speed ZF transmission and su...Read the full article

fully agree with you Andrew wrt the nose on the XF.  I must admit that side-on it is a pretty wonderful looking car, touches of Aston about it, but that front end is all wrong.

maybe when they release a "sports" bodykit all will be good?  I recall negative feedback on the 5-series when it first came out, but now with a sports kit on it, it looks the nuts.  even the standard model looks good... but I would say that since i bought one! ;)

I've always liked jaguars and this one promises much but, how about that rear leg room issue...again. Why can't our boys offer more in answer to the competition. Other than that, Dear Santa.........

they seem to be going for an alfa style approach - make the driver feel good rather than his accountant.

 going off test reports, of course.
 

It's the headlights. They're dreadful. And the tail-lights are a bit Aston-ish which is no bad thing, I suppose. There is nothing wrong with any of the metalwork, thankfully, which means that it shouldn't be too expensive to sort out should those nice Jaguar people want to make the changes.

Drove this at the weekend, superb car I think it looks better in the flesh than in the pictures.  Though I do think possibly some of the paler colours don't suit it. Only downside was the space in the rear. Friends I was with who unfortunately for them weren't allowed to drive had to sit in the back and with me being over 6 foot the space wasn't great.

 I used Jags website to build 3 typical XFs as I would like them. noted the cost. then found equivalent (engine and performance)  BMW  and Mercedes  models. They were both cheaper model for model by an average of £5,000 for BM £2,000 for Merc.  BUT I then went through there build site and matched the equipment to how I had the Jags. and the final prices  were both dearer  model for model by an average of £5,000 for BM £2,000 for Merc. Thats right model for model the BMW start £5,000 cheaper on list but end up £5,000 dearer equipped. On the Jags I was adding aprox £5,000 of extras on the Merc £10000 and the BMW £15,000 this to get the others close to the XFs equipment.  on the top of range model take every option and the SV8 is still less than £60,000 unlike the BMW 550 M Sport.  So be careful about model comparisons The XF is so well equipped as standard there will always be a temptation to make unfair comparisons with the wrong model from competition.  

Not convinced by Jaguars in general, the ones that really appeal to me are the E type era. The new ones leave me cold.