Jaguar XF 2024 review – the Jag that died as I was testing it! | batchreviews (James Batchelor)

Jaguar F-Type 75 review – one final drive in Jag's sports car

This is the Jaguar XF – the updated model. I've wanted to have a go in it for a while. The last time I drove an XF was in 2016 when I had one as a long-term test car for Auto Express magazine. So I put the request in with Jaguar and they said of course I could have a go, but I better be quick because the XF wouldn't be around for much longer.

While I knew I was to be one of the last journalists to drive the XF before it was axed, the car was deleted and the final XF trundled down the production line while I was testing the car – weeks before I had thought the final XF would be produced. So, in effect, I was reviewing an old car – the XF died while I was testing it for one last time!

Most cars don't age very well and when they're given a facelift it only serves to ruin the original design. In the case of the XF, though, I think this is a rare case of the facelift being prettier than the original...

And in contrast to a Mercedes E-Class or a 5 Series BMW, the Jag might look a little dated but it's by far and away the prettiest. In this spec, I think the XF is stunning.

It's a sad time because for a while the XF changed the face of Jaguar. Just like the original XJ, the first generation XF showed Jags could be cool and modern and didn't have to be a fuddy-duddy pastiche like the S-type.

The XF's demise is more symbolic than that though. It's the last petrol-powered saloon car Jaguar ever made, before the legendary Coventry carmaker becomes a pure electric car brand. The next saloon will be a £100,000 electric GT to rival Bentley.

It's the conclusion to a near 70-year romantic novel. From the 2.4 saloon of the mid 50s, through to the timeless XJ6 and thuggish XJR and up to this the XF, Jaguar's petrol saloons have been legendary. It's the end of an era.
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If I look a bit familiar then you might have seen me on Carbuyer and Auto Express YouTube channels in the past.

#jaguar #xf #review

00:00 - Intro
00:50 - XF axed
01:30 - Styling
02:09 - Interior
05:17 - Driving
09:01 - End of an era

[JonathanHealy-ok]

A truly fitting and at times beautiful tribute to one of the most gorgeous saloons of the past 20 years. Good to see you back in the driver's seat, James.

[petitflocon]

I have one since 2021, this car is ENORMOUS updated since 2015 model. The reviews are rare and this car is no sell new anymore. You can't get one anymore. This is a crime because this sedan have an immortal design. The lines never get old. Inside the finish and build quality have been so much improved. Driving this car is making you calm and cool.

[nicdoye]

Look how beautiful it is compared with the latest 5-series. 😢

[philmurray]

I had 2 XF s and they were both the best cars I ever had. The looks were absolutely beautiful rom


😊the first edition to the third edition

[wainerollins]

Sad to see the XF go; it's still one of the best cars in its class.
I also believe that it's the beginning of the end for Jaguar.
They have this bonkers policy of letting their cars grow old, then either replace them too late or not at all.
Their current transition into a super luxurious EV brand will end in failure, because they have allowed themselves to become a dead brand.

[HenryPalfrey]

Very sad day, end of an era, but another great video tribute, well done.

[wilbo]

Totally criminal! If there isn't a MAJOR rethink, Jaguar will be gone forever 😢

[owenmcdonald]

Never had the success it deserved. I don't understand Jaguar dropping cars with no immediate replacement. They let cars get too old.
Great review with a particularly lovely version of Canon in the background.

[petitflocon]

since 3 years my gear selector is still like new, the leather on it is solid.

[nigelmorley]

Bought a brand new one in September. My God, it is fantastic, beats and German equivalent in comfort, handling and as for looks BMW eat your heart out

[robertchattin-smith]

I have a 24 plate XF p250 HSE Black pack. I've had it for 6 months now and I love it. Perfect machine for me. While it might not have a V6 or V8, drop it into dynamic mode and put the auto box in sport and it will put a smile on your face. Sounds good in the cabin in those modes as well. Comfy, and quick enough for the majority of today's roads with the amount of traffic on them. it also looks fabulous inside and out. I love it. Shame there'll be no more, apart from EVs. Real shame.

[larrysimon]

Love the XF XJ & F type I own one of each ! Jaguar have lost the plot with this EV Tomfoolery ! They used to build cars for customers needs and wishes. They have now decided they know better what the customer needs than the customer and market, which is a massive blunder which will sadly see the end of Jaguar.

[kevinledgister]

Still one of the most beautiful cars around. I have thought of getting one next to my wife’s F-Pace when interest rates come down. Just ready to step up to something a little bigger and more practical to my lovely Alfa Romeo Giulia. I like the fact that I don’t have to deal with an expensive battery replacement.

[marygaleac]

I had a 2012 Portfolio…..sat on 20s….and Stage 1 remap…..had it six years……cost me a good few bob in repairs….but it was a fantastic car….I had always wanted to own a Jaaag…..as Clarkson used to say…….watching them go thru auctions for pennies now is the demise of a once great name……but I loved mine….

[andrewtuff]

I so very nearly bought one, always loved the way it looked, so wanted to get out of my 5 series into a Jag, but I just couldn’t get an engine combo that worked. The 4 cylinder petrols just weren’t quite good enough and the fab 3.0 v6 d wasn’t available with 4 wheel drive as an estate, so the rear wheels just spun all the time on the test route. Loads of back seat space in the latest one, very good looking, big boot, great ride and handling. Such a shame they won’t be making these anymore 😢

[JayYoutube]

Do people really believe, that a glued I-Pad in a car looks pretty? The model before was much prettier inside. Dated or not.

[kawa]

I have owned both an xfs and xfr both of which were plagued with annoying niggles mostly electrical, Saying that i loved both of them especially the xfr and would have another one in a heartbeat. The xf is still a lovely looking car though and personally i prefer the look of the pre facelift cars. I drive a GS300 Lexus now with 150k on it and the only thing that occasionally plays up is a front parking sensor and the engine is virtually silent.

[XfrRocketship]

All the Jaguars are underrated cuz people are afraid to have a change that's the problem but Jaguar has always been known from the best quality interior materials and best sexy exterior end great reliable engines people just don't do their research

[trumpderangementsyndrome]

I cried watching this. Ever since I was a kid jags have been in the family from the XJ which always needed maintenance, to the x type and the f type. Now they have ruined the timeless pieces they once put out over and over by making this an all electric car company. I so wish they would rethink their stance and still produce these timeless classics. RiP Jag You were and always will be my once favorite car company.

[runawayronnie]

Great review but when I read 'the Jag that died as I was testing it', I'd just assumed typical Jaguar reliability and the car broke down midway thru a piece to camera.