2012 Jaguar XF Preview

Back in 2008, introduced as a replacement for the S-Type, the XF has continued to pace to sell Jaguar three years later. The XF was redesigned inside and out and has helped to restore Jaguar as one of the largest luxury brands today. While only variants of a 5.0-liter V-8 engine is offered, it has enough power to Jag's entry level sedan to elevate the front of the luxury class. The base XF engine pumping 385 horsepower while the supercharged version puts a pavement-peeling 510 ponies. All engine configurations are linked to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Soft-touch materials and the latest technology line the interior of the XF Jaguar in an attempt to get to the top of luxury buyers' lists. The Portfolio package for the Premium model offers more luxury, including a contrast stitching, suede headliner, and a wood veneer.

Body style: Sedan

Engines: 5.0-liter V-8, 5.0-liter supercharged V-8

Transmission: six-speed automatic

Models: Base, Premium, Supercharged, XFR

New for 2012 is a comprehensive navigation system with touch-screen controls. It is the same as in the popular XJ model. Physical controls on the media control are also present and wrapped in a soft-touch black finish. An updated, more supportive seat design also debut in 2012.

The base XF comes standard with automatic bi-xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, automatic wipers, keyless ignition, and cruise control. Other standard features include a sunroof, automatic dual-zone climate control, and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The base XF rolls along on 18-inch wheels. A navigation system with voice controls and a 10 speaker sound system are also standard. On the supercharged version bigger brakes, 20-inch wheels, and adaptive suspension are standard. The XFR gets a sport-tuned suspension, sport seats, and a 17-speaker audio system.

Jag's XF model possesses an interior different than its British counterparts are known for, as well as the luxury segment as a whole. Sleek and contemporary designs inhabit the interior, with soft leather and wood trim setting the pace. A revamped navigation system and touch screen, the same one found in the larger XJ, has been employed for the 2012 model year. However, the system lags a little and interaction is only attainable through small touch buttons. Luckily, additional physical buttons which were also redesigned with soft touch materials are readily available when the touch screen gets infuriating. Although the new front seats are comfortable, headroom is unchanged and is still lacking.

The rear-wheel-drive 2012 XF gets motivation from a 5.0-liter V-8 engine that is rated for 385 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic. Several different settings are offered from the XF's gearbox for different driving surfaces and styles. The XF's supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 puts out 470 horsepower and will go from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The XFR gets an even more powerful supercharged engine, putting 510 ponies to the pavement.

The XF comes standard with safety features such as full-length side curtain airbags, stability and traction control, corner braking control and emergency brake assist. Other features include anti-lock brakes, front side airbags, and parking sensors. Optional safety equipment includes a blind spot warning system, a backup camera, a forward impediment alert system, and a blind spot warning system.

Base, Premium: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway

Supercharged, XFR: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway