2013 Jaguar XF

The 2013 Jaguar XF is available in three trims with three choices of engine. The base 2.0 T model comes with the turbocharged inline-4 engine that comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission engine and is available with rear-wheel-drive only. The mid-spec 3.0 comes with the 3.0L supercharged V6 engine that is available in both RWD and AWD configurations. The top of the range 5.0 Supercharged gets a V8 engine and along with that gets standard 20” wheels, Sirius AM/FM radio connectivity, and Driver Lumbar support. For additional features, one can opt for the Convenience and Sport Portfolio Package. 

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Given the XF’s reputation for being a performance sedan, all three trims of the XF are worthy of purchase. However, our pick in the lineup is the mid-level 3.0T that gets ample standard features and delivers performance similar to the V8 engine. It carries a lower price tag and is also available as an AWD variant, which makes it a stable rider.

Jaguar offers the 2013 XF with three engine options starting with the new turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 240 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. It sends the power directly to the rear wheels with the help of 8-speed automatic transmission. This results in a competitive 0-60 mph timing of 7.5 seconds. The mid-spec 3.0 model comes equipped with a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine. This unit replaces Jaguar's famed N.A. V8 engine and the new V6 have similar power output, with better mileage. With peak power at 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, the 2013 XF can do the 0-60 mph time in 5.7 seconds. 

Jaguar’s new all-wheel-drive is available with the 3.0 model only and it has a 30:70 torque split in normal driving conditions. However, in the Sport mode, this torque split can be dialed up to 10:90 front and rear axle, respectively. The top of the range 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine is the most intense engine in the XF lineup. Its power output of 470 hp and 424 lb-ft of torque helps it accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, and that puts this model almost on par with supercars. 

With the 3.0-liter V6, the Jaguar XF is the most powered vehicle in this competition. That makes it sportier than the Mercedes Benz E class as well. The 2011 Audi A6 is the only AWD variant in comparison and makes use of a supercharged unit to clock 5.5 seconds to the 60mph mark. However, it loses out in the quarter-mile run where the Mercedes-Benz and BMW perform better taking 13.6 and 14 seconds, respectively. 

When it comes to mileage, Jaguar has been lagging a bit. With the turbocharged inline-4 engine the XF has EPA ratings of 19 / 30 / 23 mpg in city/highway/combined situations. This affects its miles too, for the XF gets the smallest fuel tank that can hold 18.4 gallons of fuel. The 3.0-liter V6 with the RWD configuration returns 17/18/21 mpg in city/highway/combined situations, and with the AWD configurations lose out 1 mile per gallon. Despite fuel-efficient technologies like Direct Fuel Injection, the 2013 Jaguar is just not one of the fuel-efficient cars in this segment. 

For reference, the 2013 Mercedes Benz E-class gets a V6 engine and that returns an impressive 30 mpg of mileage on the highway. However, the 2013 BMW 5 series is the most frugal option averaging combined efficiency of 24 MPG. A smaller tank on the 2013 XF and BMW affect their driving range, while the Merc offers an impressive 633 miles on the highway before coming to a stop for a gas refill. 

Jaguar wants to dazzle its passengers with the XF’s cabin. There’s a fair amount of lavish materials used throughout the cabin. All seats are covered in double-stitched leather trims, along with LED lighting mix and the choice of wood and metallic trim add to the poshness of the cabin. The 2013 Jaguar XF’s interiors also give out the vibe of a sports car with low seating and flooring. And the dominant theme on the XF has scored aluminum lining that stretches from door to door. 

At the center, the protruding transmission knob is one of the many unique features that can be found inside the XF cabin. The seats are firm and well laid out as well, and on paper, the XF has a pretty reasonable look. But inside, the second row feels compromised for the swooping roofline along with the sunroof, which eats into some crucial one or two inches of headroom. This makes the second row most comfortable with smaller adults. 

With 17.7 cu. ft of cargo space, the 2013 Jaguar XF gets a sizable boot space, but the BMW’s 18.4 cu.-ft of trunk space leads the competition. It also offers the best and balanced front and rear rows. The Audi A6 offers slightly better rear row legroom than the XF but that is negligible, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class lags in passenger space.

Standout interior features:

• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate control
• Push Button Start
• Heated Steering Wheel
• Leather upholstery
• Ventilated and Heated front seats

How intuitive is the 2013 Jaguar XF’s infotainment unit?

All 2013 XF models come with a 7-inch touchscreen at the center console that supports Bluetooth connection, MP3 player and are assisted by a 10-speaker audio system. There are also options for satellite radio, navigation system, HD radio, and two optional Meridian High-Output sound systems at 380 W or 825 W sound system. And aside from that, the Navigation system also incorporates iPod/iPhone controls for music.

Standout infotainment features:

• 10-speaker stereo
• 7-inch display
• USB port
• Navigation system
• 12-speaker Meridian premium sound system
• Satellite radio

The 2013 Jaguar XF’s exterior styling is instantly recognizable and keeping that in mind, Jaguar has virtually kept it unchanged from the 2012 model. The mesh grille at the front along with an intense pair of headlights makes this sedan one of the best-looking cars in this segment.

 It applies high-tech metals like high carbon steels, hot-formed boron, and bake-hardened steel to create a safety ring around its occupants. Standard on the XF is bi-function HID xenon headlights that look compact but are pretty bright enough. 

However, with 3902 lbs of curb weight, the 2013 XF is one of the heaviest in its segment, and with 195.3 inches of length, it is the longest car in its segment. But with just 114.5 inches of wheelbase, it is not as spacious as the BMW 5 series that has 116.9 inches of wheelbase. But both the Jaguar and BMW sit higher from the ground with 5.5 inches and 5.6 inches of ground clearance. 

Standout exterior features:

• 18" silver aluminum Wheels
• Optional 19” and 20” aluminum wheels
• Heated mirrors
• Automatic bi-xenon headlights
• Sunroof/Moonroof

Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has rated the 2013 Jaguar XF. However, the midsize sedan is pretty well specced for it gets daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, a restraint system, front and side airbags, child safety rear locks, to name a few. It even offers several optional specifications and packages to improve its safety quotient.

Standout safety features:

• Cornering brake control
• Dynamic stability control w/Trac DSC mode
• Blind-spot warning system
• Adaptive cruise control
• Rearview camera
• Forward-collision alert system

If you’re done with the German competition and want something to stand out in traffic, then the 2013 Jaguar XF is that vehicle you’ve been searching for. The XF is the quintessential British car with sleek lines and suave looks on the exterior and an equally immersive interior. It even gets more features for the price, something that all three German cars provide as options that send up their purchase power quite easily and quickly. So, if you want a sporty, sleek entry-segment British luxury car, then look no further.