Luxury midsize cars aren't hot sellers, but they are a big deal. Not only are they the leading faces of their brand, they set the technological precedent for what is to come in years down the line for other vehicles in the company's lineup. If the 2021 Jaguar XF is any indication, the future of the British automaker is looking good.
That starts at the front where the traditional Jaguar grille with a Noble Chrome finish is flanked by slim LED quad headlights with Double J Blade daytime running lights. It's wide but athletic and dynamic. Seven wheel designs are available.
Buyers can opt for a Black Exterior Pack to give the model bespoke Gloss Black elements including the grille mesh, grille surround, lower air intakes, rear valance finishers, and badging.
2021 Jaguar XF: Exterior
Photo courtesy of Jaguar
Rear-wheel drive is standard on all but the XF's highest trim level. Jaguar is making the XF in three different trim levels: XF P250 S RWD, P250 SE RWD, and P300 R-Dynamic SE AWD.
XF P250 models are powered by a 246-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that gets 296 pound-feet of torque. The top-tier P300 model has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is tuned to achieve 296 horsepower. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Jaguar has given the XF about the same horsepower for 2021 as it had in 2020 - at least for the P250 models. The company has changed out the available turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 for the upgraded 2.0-four cylinder and now the top-tier model gets about 84 less horsepower than before, putting it on the low end of what you can get in the segment.
JaguarDrive Control allows drivers to choose from Comfort, Eco, Rain-Ice-Snow, and Dynamic drive modes via a rotary dial, called the JaguarDrive Selector, on the center console. These drive modes regulate steering, transmission, and throttle response.
This XF is lightweight compared to its predecessor, with architecture that is made from recycled aluminum.
2021 Jaguar XF: Interior
Photo courtesy of Jaguar
Where both the Genesis G80 and Jaguar XF shine is inside. The XF takes the looks of the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace and translates them for sedan styling. It comes standard with an 11.4-inch centrally-mounted infotainment touch screen. Operating the screen is Jaguar Land Rover's Pivi Pro system, which allows for a simplified menu structure and new technology integration including over-the-air updates, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Active noise monitoring keeps road and engine noise at bay while a 12-speaker Meridian sound system pumps up the jams. Active Key can be used to lock and unlock the vehicle without the need for a traditional key.
The look of the cabin is upcale thanks to purposeful choices of appointments - open-pore wood and aluminum. There's laser-etched speaker frets are finished in brushed nickel that is them lacquered. Metallic blades rise up on either side of the center console giving the most forward elements height as well as width.
Lighting gives the car new interior dimension with an upper strip of light encircling the front of the cabin. The overhead console and footwells also feature light, in a waterfall style.
Buyers can choose their interior color scheme from Ebony, Light Oyster, Caraway, Siena Tan (P300 only), and Mars Red (P300 only) options. Top P300 grade models come with contrast stitching, an Ebony headliner, and unique tread plates.
A host of driver assist technology is provided including Clear Exit Monitor, which alerts regarding an approaching bicycle or pedestrian, and standard 3D surround view camera.
The 2021 Jaguar XF goes on sale soon. Pricing will be announced closer to its on-sale date. The 2020 Jaguar XF starts at $51,100. Expect the new version to be around the same price.
Photo courtesy of GMC
Photo courtesy of GMC
