What is it?

You’re looking at Jaguar’s new shape XF. Lighter, sleeker, roomier and more efficient than the model it replaces, this all-new XF is a car to appeal to all discerning business users.

Based on all-new aluminium architecture, this new gen XF has been designed to better the original in all key departments while also making life harder for the likes of the 5-Series, E-Class and A6 among the executive set.

While most versions of the reborn XF will come with Jaguar’s efficient new 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel on board (with C02 emissions as low as 104 g/km), towards the top of the range there is this more pacey Jaguar XF 3.0 TDV6 S, with 300PS.

On the road, it’s a powerful new representation of what the latest XF can offer, as we quickly discovered…

What’s hot?

•  It’s recognisably an XF yet Jaguar has thoroughly re-engineered the car to cut weight, improve efficiency, increase space, upgrade technology to create a thoroughly modern sporting package.
• Lower and shorter than the XF it replaces, it’s also lighter (by up to 190 kgs) and there’s improved leg, knee and headroom in the rear.
• The new XF is said to be 19% more efficient and C02 emissions for the base four cylinder model come in at just 104 g/km (with 70.6 mpg).
• Performance: this top spec XF packs 300PS, plus a titanic 700 Nm of torque, so tardy it isn’t. 0-60 mph comes up in just 5.8 secs.
• High levels of refinement from the V6 turbodiesel mating to a smooth, crisp-shifting eight-speed automatic box.

• Given this level of performance, combined economy (51.4 mpg) is arguably not too bad at all. C02 is 144 g/km.
• Incisive, well balanced rear-drive handling, fine steering and grip a-plenty make this XF a top level sports saloon in its class.
• Within the classy new XF cabin, InControl Touch Pro is an all-new infotainment/sat nav system with 10.2-inch touchscreen, matching up to a high grade 17-speaker 825W Meridian digital surround system.
• Adaptive cruise control with queue-assist, lane keep assist also feature on the XF spec list, along with autonomous emergency braking and semi-automated parking.
• Jaguar from the outset has keenly benchmarked the new XF for total cost of ownership over the initial three years. CAP predicts the XF will retain 52% of its value over three years/30,000 miles, compared to the (outgoing) Mercedes E-Class (47%) and BMW 5-Series (44%).

What’s not?

• While visually dramatic, the optional 20 inch Venom Twin 5 Spoke Gloss Black alloys on our test car did little to enhance Jaguar’s famed ride quality.
• It could be that the imminent arrival of the Jaguar F-Pace SUV, and Mercedes’ new E-Class might steal some of the new XF’s thunder…
• With the bulk of the new XF sales action surrounding the economical 2.0-litre four cylinder Ingenium models (163-180 ps), this relatively costly 3.0 TDV6 S may end up a fairly specialised buy.

Business Car Manager verdict:

Be in no doubt, the new Jaguar XF is a great driver’s car and for an SME director, say, this 3.0 TDV6 S would make an inspired business car choice.

It has all the right ingredients. Plenty of cool British premium style, excellent quality inside and out, effortless performance, good refinement and kit. The key cost of ownership numbers also look promising. It’s a significant step up on the (still desirable) outgoing XF and as a modern sporting drive, it genuinely delivers.

OK, so this near-£50K top end V6 XF is something of a specialised ask and many will naturally gravitate towards the more tax efficient four-cylinder models.

Nevertheless, if circumstances and budget permitted, this Jaguar XF would certainly find a place on our executive business saloon short list.

The Low Down on:  Jaguar XF 3.0 TDV6 S 3.0V6 S 300 PS

Doors and body style	4-door saloon
Engine/gearbox:	3.0 V6 turbo diesel/8-speed auto transmission
CO2 Emissions:	144g/km
Economy:	51.4mpg
Power/torque:	300PS/700Nm
0-62mph/top speed:	5.8secs/155mph
Insurance group:	41

…..and what it costs

 

P11D Value	£49,745
Monthly business rental (ex VAT)	From £n/a (3yrs/30,000 miles)
Road tax (VED)	Band F
Company Car Tax Bands 2015/16 to 2018/19	26%, 28%, 30%
Benefit in kind 2015/16 to 2017/18	£12,934/£13,929/ £14,924
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%)	£1149/£96
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%)	£2298/£192
Annual/monthly company car tax (20%)	£2587/£216
Annual/monthly company car tax (40%)	£5173/£431
Figures correct at time of posting	January 2016
For latest figures	Use our company car tax calculator