2018 Jaguar XF

Pros: Fine mix of ride comfort and handling prowess; classy interior trimmings; distinctive luxury character; all-wheel drive available on all models; cavernous trunk; available fuel-efficient diesel engine

Cons: Some visibility issues; some testers find the exhaust note almost too subdued, given the athletic overall character

CG Says: For 2018, Jaguar XF gains a new bodystyle and engine. A station wagon badged “Sportbrake” has been added and a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 247 horsepower in 20t trim or 296-hp in 25t trim is also new to the XF line. The other engine choices are a turbodiesel 180-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that puts out 380 horsepower in the S and First Edition trim levels and 340 in the 35t models. An 8-speed automatic is standard on all, and all sedan trim levels are available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Sportbrake is only offered with all-wheel drive and the 380-hp supercharged V6. In addition to the expected luxury trimmings, available features include heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, power-closing doors, hands-free power trunk lid, faux suede headliner, parking assist, and an adaptive damping suspension. Safety features include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. The new Jaguar XF makes a fine case for itself as an alternative to the usual German midsize luxury/sport sedans. Its lightweight aluminum construction makes it feel lithe and athletic from the driver’s seat, and also contributes to respectable fuel economy numbers, given the power on hand.