A wise saying in the automotive world suggests that owning a Jaguar is not merely possession, but a love affair. This sentiment often stems from the quirks and character inherent in these British machines. While some older Jaguars might have traded practicality for style, Jaguar’s performance models have always held a special allure. Initially, models like the XJR and S-Type R were seen as powerful yet somewhat bulky contenders, not quite matching the precision of their German rivals. However, Jaguar’s aim at the time was different: to provide “swift progress” – as the XFR owner’s manual eloquently put it – within a luxurious and distinctly British package. Jaguar’s design philosophy was rooted in restrained, classic elegance. Their vehicles consistently drew admiration for their beauty, yet, paradoxically, many admired them from afar, opting for German marques for their own driveways. It was as if these stunning Jaguars were the desirable but often overlooked kittens at the shelter.
While at Jaguar to test drive a 2011 XJ, I had the unexpected pleasure of experiencing the 2010 XFR – a car that wasn’t initially high on my radar. Having recently driven both the 2010 E63 AMG and the 2010 BMW M5, I approached the XFR with a degree of caution. My memories of the M5 included kidney discomfort after only a short drive, and the E63’s aggressive 7-speed transmission left me with a metaphorical whiplash. Given that Jaguar aimed to directly compete with these German powerhouses with the XFR, I was curious, and slightly apprehensive, about what they had brought to the table. Fortunately, the Jaguar Xfr proves to be not just a worthy competitor to the German autobahn stormers, but a truly exceptional performance sedan in its own right.
Initial impressions from photographs had me worried that the XFR might appear too understated, perhaps even bland. In person, however, the front fascia is assertive, and the rear possesses an Aston Martin-esque sophistication that photographs fail to capture. The only slightly underwhelming aspect of the XFR’s design is its side profile, which could benefit from a touch more flair. Parked alongside BMWs or Mercedes, the XF range, including the XFR, might appear restrained, or perhaps, elegantly minimalist. This minimalist design language carries over to the interior, which feels more Scandinavian in its aesthetic than traditionally Coventry. The build quality is generally excellent, although some less refined plastic elements are noticeable on the airbag cover and steering column. To be fair, the plastic quality on the airbag cover is on par with the E-Class and BMW 5 Series, but the overall opulence of the XFR’s cabin makes these minor shortcomings more apparent. Comparing the XFR’s interior quality and ambiance to its German rivals, it scores highly, rivaling all except perhaps the Audi RS6.
Stepping up to the XFR from the standard XF brings a significant upgrade in interior appointments. The XFR boasts full leather upholstery with enhanced seat bolstering, a meticulously stitched dashboard, luxurious Alcantara headliners, and dark oak trim accented with knurled aluminum. Nearly every available option on the standard XF comes standard on the XFR, including 20-inch wheels, subtle side skirts, additional exhaust outlets, and most importantly, a formidable 510 horsepower 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine. The 18-way adjustable driver’s seat offers exceptional comfort and includes both heating and cooling functions. While the seat bolstering isn’t as aggressive as in a BMW M car, it’s realistically more than sufficient for a 4,000lb vehicle. Regrettably, the rear seats in the XFR are less lavish than the front. Rear passengers miss out on seat heating and cooling, and there are no special controls or features to enjoy.
The XF and XFR models share the same touchscreen navigation system. While reasonably user-friendly, the system exhibits a noticeable delay when switching between screens. While minimalist design is appreciated in principle, integrating controls for features like seat heating/cooling and the steering wheel warmer into the touchscreen interface feels somewhat unconventional. Jaguar’s voice control system, unfortunately, is a significant drawback. It’s far from intuitive, the help function is unhelpful, the system is slow to respond, and it frequently misinterprets commands. My local Jaguar dealership confirmed that this is a common complaint. Further compounding the voice control issues, it lacks the ability to control an iPod. This deficiency can be attributed to Jaguar’s previous ownership under Ford, where Ford’s PAG companies were restricted from using the superior Ford SYNC system. Ironically, this means a Ford Fiesta offers a better voice control experience than an $80,000 Jaguar. It’s worth noting, however, that Mercedes’ voice command system is similarly flawed.
On the surface, the XFR might seem like just another contender in the crowded performance luxury segment. Its styling, while handsome, is no longer particularly distinctive, the exterior is modern yet conventional, and the interior exudes a Scandinavian-inspired chic. However, the XFR transcends the ordinary in its driving dynamics. Many 500+ horsepower luxury cars often present a trade-off: luxury appointments paired with a harsh, jarring ride, jerky transmissions, and occasionally even the expectation of manual gear changes. Maserati learned this lesson early with the Quattroporte, rectifying its initially problematic transmission by adopting a ZF 6-speed unit after widespread complaints. Similarly, the E63 AMG, while potent, suffers from a herky-jerky transmission that detracts from its daily driving appeal. The current generation E-Class AMG, like the M5, joins the ranks of cars that are exceptional in certain respects but fall short as comfortable daily drivers. The XFR, in stark contrast, is remarkably smooth – almost Lexus-like in its refinement.
On the highway, one might initially perceive the XFR as too composed to be a true performance sedan – but that impression is quickly dispelled. A firm press of the accelerator unleashes a surge of acceleration, a blend of effortless grace accompanied by a satisfyingly aggressive growl from the exhaust. On winding country roads, the XFR demonstrates surprising agility. The ZF 6-speed transmission is remarkably responsive, even in regular Drive mode. Engaging Sport mode via the playful “hockey-puck” shifter eliminates any longing for a dual-clutch transmission. This automatic transmission is truly exceptional. Gear changes are almost anticipatory, and should the computer misjudge the desired gear, the paddle shifters provide instantaneous manual control. While the hockey-puck shifter might be considered slightly gimmicky, its ease of use and rapid, rev-matched shifts quickly diminish any reservations about its unconventional design. When fully unleashing the 510 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque, valves in the exhaust system open, transforming the XFR’s sound from a refined purr to a ferocious roar. Thanks to an electronic rear differential and sophisticated processing power, the XFR is a potent beast, but one that remains remarkably composed and controllable.
Criticism of overly light and numb steering has plagued high-performance Jaguars in the past, but the XFR’s steering is a welcome departure. It’s quick, communicative, and strikes an ideal balance between lightness and heft. The dynamic suspension is equally impressive, firming up when pushing the XFR through corners and relaxing to deliver a smooth ride on uneven highway surfaces. This combination of exceptional ride quality and a remarkably quiet cabin effectively masks the car’s true velocity. Careless use of the accelerator on freeway on-ramps can easily result in speeds exceeding triple digits in a matter of seconds.
After a week with the XFR, parting ways was genuinely disappointing. With a tested price of $82,000, the XFR is not inexpensive, but compared to similarly equipped BMW M5 or Mercedes E63 AMG models, it represents a compelling value proposition. Even buyers in this price bracket appreciate a good deal, and a $10-15k price difference is still significant. While some publications might hesitate to declare anything superior to a BMW, that’s not the approach here: The XFR is, arguably, the better car compared to the E63 and M5, and given the choice, the XFR would be the preferred selection. Ultimately, Jaguar has achieved a perfect equilibrium between luxury and performance with the XFR. It’s a car that can be enjoyed daily, eliciting admiring glances, and while it might not outpace an M5 on a racetrack, it will certainly provide formidable competition. The Jaguar XFR may well be the quintessential sleeper car and the best-kept secret in the European sports sedan segment.
For the 2011 model year, Jaguar introduced subtle refinements to the XFR, including a distinctive front grille, a conventional glove box release button replacing the proximity sensor, and radar cruise control became a standalone option.
Jaguar Cars provided the vehicle, insurance, and a full tank of fuel for this review.
