2016 Jaguar XF Preview
Fast Facts:
Completely redesigned
Aluminum construction reduces weight
Supercharged V-6 engine
Eight-speed automatic transmission
New All Surface Progress Control technology
Optional new torque-on-demand AWD system with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics technology
Increased interior room
Optional 10.2-in. touch-screen infotainment system
Optional 12.3-in. configurable instrumentation
Optional full-LED headlights
Introduction
With the complete redesign of the midsize 2016 XF, the imminent arrival of the compact 2017 XE, and the existing XJ flagship model, Jaguar's immediate future includes a trio of luxury sport sedans that it hopes will reverse sagging fortunes.
Exterior Features
Similar to the Jaguar XE and Jaguar XJ, the new Jaguar XF is constructed primarily of aluminum, reducing vehicle weight by as much as 265 lbs. for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant. The new XF features a longer wheelbase than before, but is actually shorter and lower than the model it replaces.
Interior Features
Thanks to the car's larger footprint, and despite what Jaguar characterizes as a "coupe-like profile," the new XF delivers greater rear-seat headroom, legroom, and knee room, addressing a shortcoming of the outgoing XF model.
Optional Features
Standard equipment includes an InControl Touch system with an 8-in. touch-screen display. As an option, InControl Touch Pro comes with a 10.2-in. screen and both InControl Apps and InControl Remote services.
Additional technology upgrades include available full-LED headlights, a laser head-up display, and a 12.3-in. configurable instrumentation cluster. The new XF will also be available with an oversized glass sunroof.
Under the Hood
A supercharged, 3.0-liter V-6 engine is standard for the new XF, making 340 horsepower. Buyers can upgrade to a 380-horsepower version of the engine in the S-badged model.
An 8-speed automatic transmission drives the car's rear wheels, and a torque-on-demand AWD system is optional. It includes Intelligent Driveline Dynamics technology, which ensures rear-drive handling traits combined with the benefits of AWD. An All Surface Progress Control system is a new low-speed traction control system designed to make the XF easier to drive in rain and snow.
Jaguar says the XF features a near 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution for improved driving dynamics. The car's electric power steering is "meticulously tuned," according to Jaguar, and an optional Adaptive Dynamics suspension adjusts the ride and handling according to specific driver-selected preferences through the Jaguar Configurable Dynamics system.
Safety
Following the 2016 Jaguar XF sedan's first public appearance in London, the automaker did not divulge details about the car's safety systems. It is expected to offer collision-avoidance technologies similar to those available in key competitors such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CTS, Lexus GS, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Technology
Jaguar says the new XF is equipped with the most advanced infotainment and connectivity technologies it has ever offered. The company says the InControl Touch Pro system employs a solid-state drive and a quad-core processor, and operates on an "ultra-fast" Ethernet connection in order to handle large amounts of data and "exceptional" data transfer rates. Jaguar promises "truly exceptional performance" from the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system.
Additional Research: