2022 Jaguar XF Review

The mid-size luxury sedan market has always been the core battlefield for Malaysian consumers when choosing mid-to-high-end models. It requires both brand charisma and design quality, without compromising on space and configuration. The 2022 Jaguar XF, as Jaguar's main sedan model, focuses on enhancing technological features and ride comfort with this facelift, attempting to stand out in a market dominated by German competitors. We recently received a test car, and the main purpose is to verify its actual performance in daily use to see if it can meet Malaysian consumers' dual demand for luxury and practicality.

From the exterior, the overall style of the 2022 XF still maintains Jaguar's sporty elegance. The front features a larger mesh grille, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides. The J-shaped daytime running lights inside the light chamber exhibit high recognition when lit; the body side profile has smooth lines, with a waistline stretching from the front fender to the rear, creating a forward-leaning stance. The 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels further enhance the sporty feel. At the rear, the newly designed LED taillights echo the front headlamps, while the dual exhaust tips with chrome finish retain the refinement of a fuel vehicle. Compared to the previous model, the overall design looks younger while still retaining the steadiness of a luxury brand.

Stepping inside, the sense of luxury in the interior is mainly reflected through materials and details. The dashboard is wrapped in large areas of soft leather, paired with metallic trim and piano lacquer panels, offering a premium feel to the touch. The 11.4-inch floating center console screen is the core of the interior, equipped with the Pivi Pro intelligent system, supporting wireless CarPlay, voice control, and other functions, with good operation smoothness and responsiveness. The 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel can switch between various display modes, clearly displaying navigation, vehicle status, and more. The seats are made of genuine leather with excellent support and wrapping. The front seats are also equipped with a heating function, which might have limited practical use in Malaysia's climate but does enhance the sense of luxury.

In terms of space, as a mid-size sedan, the 2022 XF has dimensions of 4945mm×1907mm×1457mm, with a wheelbase of 2960mm. The front-row seating space is generous, with a 180cm tall occupant having a fist's worth of headroom after adjusting their seating position. The rear-row space is equally impressive, with over two fists of legroom and four fingers of headroom, ensuring a comfortable ride for three adults without feeling cramped. As for storage capacity, the central armrest box provides ample space for holding items like phones and wallets, and the front door storage compartments can accommodate two bottles of mineral water. The trunk has a regular capacity of 459L with a structured opening, sufficient for daily household needs or short trips, although the rear seats cannot be folded down, slightly limiting flexibility.

In terms of the power system, the test model is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum power of 250PS and a maximum torque of 365N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 7.1 seconds. During real driving, the power response in the initial stage is agile, with a noticeable push-back feeling upon light throttle. Mid-to-high-speed acceleration is equally strong, and when overtaking, pressing the throttle hard prompts quick downshifts in the transmission with linear and persistent power output. The driving modes include Comfort, Sport, and Eco. Switching to Sport mode makes the throttle response more sensitive, and the transmission shifting logic more aggressive, catering to users who seek driving enjoyment.

Handling and chassis performance have always been Jaguar's traditional strengths, and the 2022 XF is no exception. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play, and it becomes steady at high speeds, instilling confidence in the driver. The chassis uses a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension structure, tuned with a bias towards sportiness while also maintaining comfort. When tackling bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out minor vibrations while retaining some road feel; during cornering, body roll is well-controlled, and the suspension offers robust support, ensuring stability even in sharp turns.

As for fuel consumption, we drove approximately 200km under mixed road conditions (60% urban roads, 40% highways), and the displayed fuel consumption was 8.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 5.5L/100km. However, considering Malaysia’s traffic conditions and driving habits, this result is relatively above average within its class. In terms of braking performance, the brake pedal provides a linear feel, with evenly distributed braking force. During emergency braking, the vehicle maintains a stable posture, with no noticeable dipping, and the actual braking distance meets expectations.

In terms of ride comfort, the noise control inside the cabin is commendable. At high speeds, wind and tire noise are well-suppressed, ensuring normal conversation within the car is not affected. The seat comfort is praiseworthy, allowing for long hours of sitting without causing fatigue. However, it is worth mentioning that the air conditioning system’s cooling performance is average. In Malaysia’s hot weather, you may need to set the temperature lower to achieve the desired cooling effect.

Overall, the 2022 Jaguar XF's core strengths lie in its luxurious interior quality, excellent handling performance, and strong power output. Compared to German competitors such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, it offers a price advantage (official price RM 498,800) without falling behind in terms of features, making it highly cost-effective. However, it may slightly lag behind its German rivals in brand influence and resale value. This car is best suited for mid-aged consumers who value driving pleasure and luxurious quality, or young families seeking uniqueness and individuality.

In conclusion, the 2022 Jaguar XF is a well-rounded mid-size luxury sedan that retains Jaguar's sporty DNA while upgrading its level of luxury and technological features. If you're looking for a mid-size sedan with both driving excitement and luxury, and you're also price-conscious, the 2022 Jaguar XF is worth considering.