The current XF has been around for quite some years now.
But we've never driven the petrol 4-cylinder, only the diesels came around.
When we asked ourselves why we had never driven one, we didn't really know the answer.
So it's time to take a closer look at the Jaguar XF 25t.
Previously, we only discussed the 4-cylinder diesel comprehensively.
And to be honest, that isn't the strongest engine for this Jaguar XF.
That engine produces a huge amount of torque, but that's only at 1700 RPM.
The standard ZF automatic gearbox however, is always trying to keep the revs as low as possible.
That way, the engine gives a very stressed impression.
At first, there is next to nothing, but if you keep your foot down you get all of the torques,
but then it shifts up again... It isn't really refined.
Luckily, this new 2.0-litre Ingenium 4-cylinder petrol engine doesn't suffer from that.
It produces 200, 250 or 300 horsepower, depending on which model you get.
In this case; the 25t producing 250 horsepower.
More importantly however; 365 Nm of torque at 1200 RPM.
Even with that quick shifting gearbox, it means the maximum amount of torque is always available.
That way, this 4-cylinder feels a lot smoother,
not as stressed as that diesel.
It's very pleasant drivetrain, because it's quick enough.
It weighs 1635 kg, which isn't very light, but the engine doesn't have any problems with that.
You can easily go with the traffic flow, the engine reacts very smoothly to the throttle,
almost no turbo lag, if you can hear it; it sounds very good,
but you can't always hear it, so that's a good thing as well.
All of those things make this drivetrain a lot nicer. It's smoother, it's more fitting to a car which could set you back about 2 year salaries.
So that's very nice.
There are a few points of criticism however, but those only point out how high the bar is set,
instead of how bad this Jaguar would be.
You can feel it shaking about when you're stationary, only a little bit.
And the automatic gearbox is a little indecisive about shifting back sometimes. So if you want the power, it takes a while for it to go.
That's too bad. It isn't very annoying, but it goes to show how high the bar has been set.
Other than that, this still is a Jaguar XF with all of the advantages and disadvantages that come with it.
The disadvantages? It's quite expensive, but that's isn't unique in this segment.
It's not very spacious in the back, and the finishing of the interior and the ergonomics of the multimedia system...
It isn't bad, but again; a 5-series or an E-Class show what's possible in this segment.
This all looks okay, the touchscreen works pretty quick,
so it's easily controllable, but an BMW i-Drive system makes a lot easier when you're driving.
Right. Jaguar really tried to build a true drivers alternative, and they've succeeded quite well.
It's fitted with 19" wheels, and even though it isn't fitted with a sports chassis,
but you can still feel a lot. The car is very direct.
It's almost immediately balanced on the under- and oversteer, so you won't have to push it back or something.
The moment you start driving a little more sporty, it's balanced very well.
You can really choose what you'll do with the chassis, it gives a lot of feedback,
the steering is very direct and predictable, and that makes it a very fun car to drive.
It's a car which is supposed to apply to the emotions, more than the average car in this segment,
and with this new 25t-engine, they've done a very convincing job.