What is it?
This is the Jaguar XF 3.0D S, which brings a new, more powerful turbodiesel to our favourite executive saloon. The engine is now a 3.0-litre unit rather than a 2.7. It’s from the same family – its block is still compact graphite iron, the four-valve heads aluminium, it’s built by Ford in Dagenham and Land Rover will get a single-turbo version of it later – but its aim is slightly higher.
In 2.7-litre form the Jaguar XF looked a tad undernourished compared with the BMW 5-series. No longer. The new Jaguar XF 3.0D S is available in two states of tune: one with 237bhp (rivalling BMW’s 530d), or this, the 271bhp S version. It’s bang on 535d territory. Economy and CO2 output is 42mpg on the combined cycle and 179g/km – an improvement of more than 10 per cent over the 2.7.
The increased capacity is only half the story. The new Jaguar XF 3.0D S also gets third-generation piezo-electric injectors at the squirty end of its common-rail fuel system, and improved exhaust gas recirculation.
Apart from new wheels, a small boot spoiler and, naturally, an ‘S’ on the tailgate, there’s very little to tell the new Jaguar XF 3.0D S apart from older XFs.
Jaguar claims that the XF 3.0D S weighs 1820kg (up from 1771kg for the 2.7), so with some options it is a near two-tonne car. That’s a power-to-weight ratio of 149bhp per tonne, short of the 535d’s 163bhp per tonne.
BMW claims the 535d can hit 62mph in 6.4sec. Jaguar claims the less powerful, heavier XF 3.0D S will reach 60 in 5.9sec. Sound reasonable? No, nor to me, especially given that we couldn’t coax a 2.7D to 60mph any quicker than 8.4sec when the Jaguar claim was 7.7sec.
What’s it like?
Some engineers have told us that getting a diesel to meet Euro5 emissions is hard without increasing engine noise, but there’s no evidence of that with the XF 3.0D S. At idle it’s as smoothly thrummy as ever. It sounds neither louder nor quieter than a 2.7D. It pulls smoothly, too.
The Jaguar XF 3.0D S’s interior really is lovely, and the hushed motor and slick six-speed ZF transmission suit it perfectly. The ’box has been adjusted to lock up its torque converter more frequently, but you don’t feel that when you’re in full auto mode around town.
There are no suspension changes, so the firm yet comfortable and ably damped set-up continues. My guess is that on suspension derived from the XK, yet with some S-type floorpan bits, the XF has a light unsprung weight and a heavy body, which is not a bad combo from a ride perspective. It steers with a lovely fluidity and you aren’t aware of the extra weight in the handling, which is composed and predictable.
What the Jaguar XF 3.0D S doesn’t feel, though, is instantly fast. Sometimes when you get in a 535d and put your toe down, it fairly blows your socks off. When the opportunity arises I try this in the XF and, well, it’s fast, linear and progressive, but my socks remain in place.
But for me, it’s the Jaguar’s power delivery that’s more impressive than its pace. From as little as 1200-1300rpm, if you ask it, it quickly gets its skates on, all the while maintaining a fine quietness. It keeps on pulling, too.
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Jaguar 3.0D S
Firstly I need to point out that I moved away from an Audi A5 to Jaguar as my Audi was consuming a lot of engine oil. It was consuming 1 litre per 200-300 miles and Audi were unable to fix it despite an Audi approved dealer trying to fix the problem. After speaking with a few work colleagues that have Audis I realised that this was a shockingly common problem. Shocking because I’d always been under the impression German cars were extremely reliable, despite my brother in-laws Mercedes giving all sorts of problems and head aches, but hey that’s a different story.
Anyway with the background information out of the way I think I should now speak about my second hand Jaguar XF 3.0 D S. I could end this review in a few simple words, such as, the best car I’ve ever owned! I’ll try and be more thorough though.
Before buying I’d read a lot of reviews, a lot amazingly great, and some indifferent ones. The indifferent ones always had to end with “it’s great but not as good as **Insert German Car here**” mainly the BMW 5 series 535. However after buying it and driving it I have to say that it is awesome.
Inside it is beautiful, everyone that sits in it are just gob smacked and awe struck. People used to love my Audi but after sitting in the Jaguar it was a different story. My brothers exact words were “This is just another level, the people that designed this must have spent a lot of time and effort doing it”. I have the all black interior with black leathers as I felt the cream and wood finish made the car feel and look old inside. I must remind everyone that every XF is identical inside, you pay extra for the engine power, bigger wheels and outside trim, I have to say I love this about Jaguar as other makers change the inside of the car for a more powerful engine but it shouldn’t be that way! I have to say gear cylinder knob and air vents automatically moving after turning the car on is futuristic, some may not like it (jealousy maybe) but I definitely like it.
Outside it is beautiful, everyone that looks at it is just amazed particularly with the standard 20” rims and the S badge. They simply love it, it looks modern (in the right colour) and if you’re lucky enough to have the S or the Super Charged versions then they just look like total beasts (particularly the super charged version).
Some negatives would be the latency between putting the pedal down and getting power in the D mode (Drive Mode). However if you use the S mode (Sport mode)and flappy paddles then I have to say that the car just flies and I personally think 0-60 in 5.9 is not accurate. In S mode with the flag button pressed (dynamic mode) and using only the flappy paddles - starting from gear 1, I am certain that the 3.0 D S is actually faster than 0-60 in 5.9 seconds stated by the manufacturer and most websites.
Basically to sum up the car is awesome, yes the touch screen is a bit laggy and they could have used nicer electric window control buttons but they are seriously minor niggles. If you want to really moan about something then try buying a top of the range car having it fully serviced by the dealer and then it start consuming 1 litre of engine oil every 200-300 miles at only 60,000 miles and the dealer cannot fix it, despite them trying. That’s what my German Audi did!
Also keep in mind I bought this second hand and not brand new.
Everyone at Jaguar can give themselves a good pat on the back for bringing Jaguar back up to scratch again and I hope they go from strength to strength.
Jaguar XF 3.0D S Luxury
Earlier this year I changed my 320D Touring .. and looked at the XF but felt it was too big now I am retired ... its a problem Jaguar have ! Instead I bought the latest 3 series ... good (averaging 54mpg) but the quality is no where near the older version I traded in! Little details ... bright trim that looks cheap and stains easily and generally feels less well built! Before retiring I ran Land Rover Discovery's complete with that V6 engine ... which improved dramatically as the miles ran up ... friends who didn't know thought it was a petrol! Maybe I am biased having worked for JLR ... they just don't do a car that suits the retired needs ... Freelander is just too big ... as is the XF !They so need that 3 series size ... maybe though with that same V6S diesel!!! One things for sure though ... it will be a Jaguar!
Re: Jaguar XF 3.0D S Luxury
Re: Jaguar XF 3.0D S Luxury
Not sure whether the 123d has the switchable mode button that the 320D has ... but if I put mine into Sport mode it changes quite markedly .... can see off 123d's usually! Autocar refer to the 123d as a 'storming turbodiesel' ... but the new 320D has the same 0-62 time of 7.0secs ... and mine is loosened up now ... it also has a higher top speed and just £30 road tax! As for Jaguar ... they have a new range of Hotfire engines coming ... I can tell you ... well named!