The 2007 International Auto Show in Frankfurt, Germany, meant the world's introduction to many new and improved vehicles. Jaguar decided to replace its S-Type with its latest addition, the Jaguar XF. The XF is being marketed as a sports sedan, and it has a 240 horsepower to support that claim. Jaguar created the XF at its Whitley Development and Design Center in the United Kingdom. And while critics claim that the XF certainly doesn't break the Jaguar mold, it definitely replicates the luxury and power that Jaguar has always been known for. Originally titled the C-XF (for concept XF), the sports sedan has veered slightly from the classic Jaguar design. The XF is built more in the style of a sports coupe, rather than a sedan. However, it does have four doors, putting it in the sedan category. Jaguar seems to be taking its cues from Mercedes, who has been developing similar vehicles for several years.
The Design Director for Jaguar, Ian Callum, says that the XF is made for "interesting, edgy people." That is, interesting, edgy people with a lot of money. The base MSRP on the lowest trim is set to be $49,975. The XF undoubtedly is not a vehicle for every buyer. Also, while most people are seeking out vehicles that get the best gas mileage, the Jaguar XF only reaches 18 city MPG and 26 highway MPG. While that may seem high for a powerful V8, the fact that the vehicle is sold as a sedan puts it on the lower end of the fuel economy chain. However, anyone that purchases a $50,000 vehicle probably isn't too terribly concerned with gas mileage.
Critics claim that the Jaguar XF fails to attract a younger set of consumers. Surely those same critics see that any vehicle in the XF's price range will usually not attract younger buyers. They simply don't have the means to afford it yet. If Jaguar wants to appeal to Generation Y, then they'll have to start developing economy cars that are affordable. One technological advancement that may get some younger buyers on the sales lot is the JaguarSense System. This system allows drivers and passengers alike to merely wave their hands in front of light sensors to open the glove box and turn on interior lights.
Test drivers have said that the Jaguar XF is incredibly powerful, but also amazingly comfortable. The main aspect that test drivers seem to all agree on is that JaguarDrive starting system is overdone. It takes several practice runs for a driver to even become familiar with the specific sequence needed to start the XF. However, drivers with a fondness for Jaguar will be happy to know that the XF is true to the Jaguar brand.
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