Jaguar XF Review

In recent years, competition in Malaysia's executive sedan market has become increasingly intense, with German models like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class dominating the mainstream. However, as the representative of British luxury, the Jaguar XF still garners a loyal following thanks to its unique design and driving quality. Following the update of the 2022 Jaguar XF, the official emphasis has been placed on fuel efficiency optimization and configuration upgrades. Will these changes make it more competitive in its class? Through an actual test drive, from static experience to dynamic performance, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation to see if it meets executive-level users' dual demands for luxury and practicality.

The exterior of the 2022 XF continues the family design language, with flowing and low-slung body lines that maintain the elegance of an executive sedan. The front end features a signature large mesh grille paired with chrome trim, offering high recognition; the sharp design of the LED headlights and the clear internal light structure deliver a striking visual impression when illuminated. On the side of the body, the long waistline extends from the front fender to the rear, combined with 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, creating a stable yet sporty stance. At the rear, the horizontally designed LED taillights echo the headlight group, while the dual-sided exhaust layout below the rear bumper further enhances the sporty vibe.

Inside the car, the interior features a black and brown color combination. The dashboard is covered with soft materials and detailed with stitching, while areas frequently touched are primarily wrapped in leather, exuding a sense of luxury. The center console is equipped with a 10.2-inch touchscreen with smooth system response, supporting common functions such as Bluetooth and CarPlay. Below the screen, some physical buttons are retained for convenient blind operation while driving. In terms of features, HUD head-up display, a 17-speaker sound system, and 10-way electrically adjustable front seats are all standard, striking a balance between practicality and comfort. The seat padding is soft and provides sufficient support, ensuring fatigue-free long-distance sitting.

Regarding space performance, the XF's dimensions are 4954mm×1987mm×1457mm, with a wheelbase of 2960mm, ensuring ample space for both front and rear passengers. A passenger with a height of 175cm seated in the rear will have around two fists of legroom and about one fist of headroom, avoiding any feeling of confinement. For storage capability, the front central armrest storage box and door pockets offer significant capacity for daily items. The trunk has a capacity of 540 liters, while the rear seats support a 40:20:40 split-folding, providing flexibility for loading larger items. Additionally, the rear seats are equipped with independent air vents and power outlets, adding to the convenience for rear passengers.

In terms of performance, the 2022 XF is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine delivering a maximum power of 240 PS, with maximum torque available as early as 1750 rpm, paired with an AT transmission. During actual driving, the engine responds quickly during initial acceleration, providing a decent boost with a light press on the accelerator. Mid- to high-range acceleration remains strong, and stepping harder on the throttle for overtaking results in quick downshifts and smooth power delivery. Switching to Sport mode enhances throttle sensitivity, adding more enjoyment to the driving experience. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 7.1 seconds, meeting both daily commuting and highway driving demands.

One of XF’s highlights is its handling and chassis performance. The combination of front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension is tuned towards sportiness without compromising comfort. The steering is precise with minimal play, and body roll is well-controlled during cornering, providing excellent stability. On bumpy roads, the suspension effectively absorbs shocks, minimizing vibrations transmitted to the cabin and achieving a balance between handling and comfort. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 5.5L/100km. During the test drive, city driving fuel consumption was approximately 7.2L/100km, while highway driving was around 5.8L/100km, showing significant improvement compared to the 2020 model’s 7.5L/100km.

In terms of ride comfort, the XF performs well in noise control, with wind noise and tire noise well suppressed at high speeds, keeping the interior quiet. The seats offer good support, ensuring no backache even during long drives. Additionally, features like the electronic parking brake and 360-degree panoramic view further enhance daily usability.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 Jaguar XF lie in its elegant exterior design, solid chassis handling, and rich standard configurations. Compared to German vehicles of the same class, it offers better value for money (RM 498,800) while retaining the unique luxurious British feel. This car is suitable for families focusing on driving comfort and pursuing a balance between luxury and practicality, or middle-aged consumers who need a vehicle that serves both business and daily purposes.

All in all, the 2022 Jaguar XF is a well-rounded executive sedan that performs well in design, features, and dynamics, making it a worthwhile choice among its class.