The GPS on the dashboard screen read 527 km to destination. It was 5.30 a.m. and we were on our way to Ahmedabad, from Mumbai. The destination was the IIM-A (Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad), and my folks and I were headed out to meet my sister, in style. Because the second-generation aluminum-bodied Jaguar XF is sportier, lighter and smarter than its predecessor, and quite a way to arrive.
The Indian mid-level luxury car market is an extremely competitive space and makes up a large share for manufacturers who operate in this space. It is dominated by the three Germans: BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz, who, over the years have evolved the average business saloon from being just a comfortable ride to arrive in, to a style statement that is loaded with technology and plush creature comforts.
The look
Subtle flowing body lines, large air-intakes, larger grille and the lead headlamps with the J-blade signature daytime running lights, make this wildcat a head-turner on the road. I guessed we’d create a stir in college as well. Unlike the competition, the XF has an aggressive stance which makes it look less business-like, more sporty. You wouldn’t want your company driver to use it; you’d want to.
The Feel
The car comfortably seats four passengers. Even after adjusting the driver's seat to suit my height (6.2”) there was knee room for the rear passenger. The interiors are simple, uncluttered and a marriage of aluminum and leather. The new XF retains the dramatic start up sequence: the theater begins with the car’s rotary gear knob rising from the center console and the front air vents rotating 180 degrees from closed to functional position.
A major update is the infotainment system: a crisp 10.2-inch multitouch screen that lets you control the entertainment, navigation, connectivity, of the car. Inspite of the upgrade, the XF cannot match the Germans when it comes to cockpit technology, be it the functionality or ease of use. Additionally, missing for a car of this segment were the rear AC controls, a feature which is now standard even in entry-level luxury cars.
The Drive
Once we got out of Mumbai, the traffic changed: cars made way for trucks and trailers, and it gave us the perfect setting of putting the XF’s handling to work. Under the aluminum skin is a 2.0-litre petrol engine that churned out 240 hp and 340 nM of torque. The engine packs a punch; it's ready to go even with the slightest push on the accelerator pedal, taking on bends and flyovers effortlessly, passing trucks with utmost ease.
But I wanted more, so it was time to change to dynamic mode, a turn of the gear knob to dynamic mode and the ambient lighting with the tacho display turned red. Compared to the BMW 5 series, considered the most fun executive car to drive, this Jag is more engaging. The 8-speed ZF automatic transmission was a boon on the clogged bylanes of Ahmedabad, ticking the boxes of all that a business saloon should do: be efficient and luxurious at the same time. The smooth power delivery and negligible turbo lag had helped me control this five-meter behemoth with ease.
The Jaguar XF may not be as rich in features and tech like its German counterparts. In fact it also falls a couple of points behind when it comes to pampering the rear-seat passengers, but, if you are someone that spends more time on the driver's seat that the back seat then you may like to consider the XF.