2010 Jaguar XF-Series

After only one year on the market, the Jaguar XF has undergone significant changes under its sculpted hood for 2010. The old 420-horsepower XF Supercharged has been discontinued, essentially replaced by the XF Premium trim that features an all-new 385-hp 5.0-liter V8. This naturally aspirated engine makes less power than the old supercharged eight-cylinder but produces nearly identical performance. If you want more, you'll have to step up to the new XFR model that competes with super sedans like the BMW M5.

Aside from this significant power plant change and some additional standard equipment, the 2010 Jaguar XF remains the same enjoyable car we reviewed with great enthusiasm last year. This distinctly British luxury sedan brings a welcome dose of character to a segment dominated by cold, calculated and sometimes dour German entries like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Although in a rational sense the XF trails its Teutonic competitors in a number of areas, it's easy for your rationality to be swayed by a car that plays with your heart strings. There's the futuristic rotary gear selector that rises from the center console; the stunning interior that seamlessly blends retro and modern design cues; and the seductive engine note that growls like an angry jungle cat, depending on your throttle foot's whims. If you can prioritize form over function, the 2010 Jaguar XF will certainly please.

Performance

The 2010 Jaguar XF Premium features a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 385 hp and 380 pound-feet of torque. At our test track, it went from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, which is only 0.2 second slower than the old 420-hp supercharged V8. This new, naturally aspirated mill is quieter than the old forced-induction one in more casual, relaxed driving situations, yet it opens up with a seductive growl when you dip into its torque-rich power band for highway merging or slowpoke-passing. It makes the sort of noises that its comparatively staid German rivals wouldn't dream about, but keeps them in check when ferrying grandma to church.

Connected to the nifty electronic rotary gear selector is a six-speed automatic transmission that features automanual override paddles and a Sport mode. It produces remarkably smooth and quick shifts without the herky-jerky motions we noted last year. Plus, it isn't reluctant to produce a downshift like so many fuel-economy-minded automatics these days. Indeed, Sport mode will even drop down a gear to trim speed when it realizes you're coasting down a hill. The brakes are even more impressive, producing a best-in-class stopping distance of 106 feet from 60 mph.

The steering didn't draw as many raves. Around town, it was lighter than the forearm-straining 5 Series and more responsive than the E-Class, which should make piloting the XF an enjoyable experience for most buyers. However, should you enjoy the quicker pace implied by the Jag's sophisticated chassis and the Portfolio package's 20-inch wheels, you'll likely be disappointed by the dearth of communication between the tires and your hands.

Comfort

While the 20-inch wheels included with the available Portfolio package are infinitely more attractive than the Supercharged's bulbous, plastic-looking rims, the effect on the 2010 Jaguar XF's ride quality is exactly the same: They ruin what should be an otherwise compliant ride. The suspension sops up undulations and bumps well, but the wheels create unpleasant impact harshness — particularly over nastier asphalt imperfections. Unfortunately, we've never tested an XF with the base model's standard 18s or the Premium's standard 19s.

Inside, Jaguar concedes that the XF has less space than rival sedans, but notes that its slinky proportions and low coupelike roof line are a welcome trade-off for certain buyers. We'd agree, but buyers should be aware of certain issues. The driving position is compromised by the low roof line — you feel low to the ground and tall drivers will desire additional front rise to the seat and more telescoping steering wheel travel. Also, the front seat bottoms are rather narrow, but at least they extend forward for thigh support.

The backseat is especially cramped with tall folks up front. Should they decide to switch things up and ride in the rear, their hair is likely to greet the haughty Alston faux-suede headliner. A limousine the XF is certainly not.

Function

The 2010 Jaguar XF's cabin is gorgeous, and as is often the case, beauty comes with concessions. Buttons and knobs are kept to an absolute minimum and those present are laid out in a symmetrical, eye-pleasing manner. But those for the audio system are unnecessary (except the volume knob) and could be better utilized by other functions.

The seat cooling and heating controls are annoyingly under the jurisdiction of the main touchscreen interface, which also controls the many stereo functions, the navigation system, Bluetooth phone connection, other vehicle systems and additional climate controls. Its menus are laid out in a logical manner, but going between modes takes a lot of icon-pushing and waiting around for the irritating swoopy graphics to do their thing.

On the upside, the secondary controls for signals, windows, mirrors and adaptive cruise control are all well-placed, while the admittedly gimmicky raising and rotating shift knob works exceedingly well at making quick gearchanges. Going from R to D and back while parallel-parking is an easier experience than it is with other electronic gear selectors.

Another high point was the 2010 Jaguar XF's optional Bowers & Wilkins stereo, which ably represented the diverse musical stylings of all the artists we threw at it with crisp highs and thumping bass. Most premium stereos aren't worth the added dough — this one is.

The XF's trunk is quite deep and wide enough to hold two golf bags, although the narrow opening makes fitting them in a juggling act. Also, a structural brace that protrudes up from the floor will impede the loading of suitcases. A rear-facing child seat can be squeezed into the backseat's central position, but taller drivers may find themselves scooching their seats up to accommodate junior. Front-facing child seats fit well, although the sloping roof line can make it difficult to squeeze larger seats through the door.

Design/Fit and Finish

As irritating as the cabin's controls can be, its deficiencies tend to be forgiven when you sit back and take a long look at the beautifully sculpted scene before you. The downward-sloping dash covered in soft leather with contrast stitching not only looks fantastic, but creates a sense of openness. Below, arching panels of dimpled metal and ebony wood trim are interrupted with air vents that elegantly rotate into place upon engine ignition.

A high center console containing silver buttons, the rotary gear selector and more ebony wood trim is accented in cool blue light to complete the classy hipster ambience. It's like sitting in a Ken Adam James Bond movie set from the 1960s. Thankfully, the materials used to create it all are world class.

While the interior sets itself apart from the pack, the exterior does the same. Parked next to a BMW and a Mercedes, it doesn't take Jay Leno to point out which one was built in England. There's an almost Aston Martin quality to its sensuous curves (no coincidence since designer Ian Callum is an Aston alum), but it's a unique design that will get you noticed in a parking lot.

Who Should Buy This Vehicle

The 2010 Jaguar XF Premium should appeal to luxury car buyers who find German and Japanese entries too austere and soulless. Whether you're seeking a sporty driver's car, a sumptuous luxury cruiser or something in between, the XF should satisfy.