2007 Frankfurt Auto Show: 2008 Jaguar XF
- Competes with: BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class, Lexus GS
- Looks like: An ungainly S-Type crashed into the beautiful C-XF concept
- Drivetrain: 420-hp, supercharged 4.2-liter V-8; 300-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 and 240-hp, 3.0-liter V-6, all mated to a six-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
- Hits dealerships: March 2008; dealers are taking orders now
When the concept version of the new XF debuted at last year’s Detroit auto show, it was heralded as the car that would save Jaguar. It’s hard to remember any other concept drawing such undisputed praise. Jaguar vowed to build a production model true to the sexy concept, and it did — for the most part.
While we’re happy with three-quarters of the S-Type replacement’s exterior, the front headlights are almost unforgivable. Instead of the sleek daggers of the concept (right), someone — and if Jaguar can find the person responsible, he or she should be fired – inserted a round element right into the middle of that dagger (left). The result is a disjointed design that transforms this otherwise fine automobile into a mixed bag.
Besides the debatable looks outside, we can’t complain about the massive interior upgrade that mimics, and perhaps even improves upon, the new XK sports coupe.
There are some neat tricks inside, too. The air conditioning vents close when the car is off, and when you start the engine they roll open and into their last position. The shifter is a recessed knob that rises out of the center console when needed. The glove box and interior lights can be controlled via motion sensors instead of switches or buttons. Just wave your hand over the light and it turns on. There’s also voice recognition to control the stereo, navigation, telephone, climate and other settings.
The choice of three engines, all controlled by Jaguar’s excellent shift-by-wire six-speed automatic transmission, is a fine array of power. Each XF model gets shift paddles, as well. We honestly can’t wait to drive one, but still wonder how much it would take to change those headlights before March 2008 rolls around.
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omg, they *%$ed it up! the headlights from an angle looks like a Hyundai Sonata (definitely my first impression, and lasting impression, upon seeing the top photo) from like 3 or so generations ago!!! nothing against Hyundai, obviously, but come ON, if Jag wants to mimic a Sonata, at least mimic a late model ...
Upside down Legacy headlights, anyone?
Upside down Legacy headlights, anyone?
I think it's gorgeous!
You're right DL. I had the same thought beofre reading your comment; the headlights look like they were lifted off of a 1997-98 Hyundai Sonata.
What a shame because the rest of the car is gorgeous!
It's so disappointing to see a great concept and then kind of screw it up. Why don't these companies do the production just like the concept if it is otherwise safe and even half way reasonable?
Does anybody else see some Volvo S80 in the profile?
Well I think narrow headlights reached their peak with the late 90's chryslers. I had a 1st Gen Stratus and the headlights were the weakest I ever remember. I heard the 90's Caravan's lights were so bad they were dangerous.
So much so that ever since headlights have grown taller.
Yeah, those ugly headlights takes away the so-called “elegance and classy” image of Jaguar automobiles. I too see an upscale Kia of some sort from certain front angles. What happened to the 4 door coupe look that this car was suppose to have? I thought it was going to compete against the Merc CLS? Ford should’ve made sure this Jag was a few inches longer, a few inches lower and a lot sleeker looking. What a shame!
YIKES! Definitely reminds me of a Kia or Hyundai. BUTT UGLY!!!! How dare Ford tease us with a beautiful design like the CXF and then deliver with this TOTAL DUD! GET THE HOOK. I haven't used that many all-caps in a long time... that's how truly disappointed I am about this new Kia-Jag.
Take it easy, Rich :)
Don't you recall that this is not a special "treatment" that Ford has done to Jaguar the first time? Recall the 1st S-Type...that looks like a "glorified" 96 Taurus?
Idea: lets bitch to Jaguar as much as possible to change the cars exterior back to what it was in the concept. Literally, lets spam every email address at all of Fords companies, and make sure to raise as much kane as possible everywhere else. I have already, under different email addresses and my own, sent maybe ten notices to Ford and Jaguar alone.
I think Jaguar probably is dumb enough to ignore criticism of its new exterior for the XF. So we need to make sure every division of Ford is telling Jaguar to cut the crap and give us the real XF.
I agree there is something very Subaru-ish about it.
I am thinking more previous-gen Tribeca, toned down a bit?
OOOO.... and definately some Buick Lucerne in there. Wow a Buick-Subaru, congratulations Jaguar on creating an old-people-ugly-hippy-mobile.
"Instead of the sleek daggers of the concept (right), someone — and if Jaguar can find the person responsible, he or she should be fired – inserted a round element right into the middle of that dagger (left). The result is a disjointed design that transforms this otherwise fine automobile into a mixed bag."
You hit the nail on the head with this comment.
The concepts headlights are so much better looking and unique.
Reminds me a bit of the new Ford Mondeo here in Europe! Looks nice but I agree the headlights r not as Kewl looking as the concept. Really kewl features tho!
I'll bet what happened to the headlights is that the centre of the concept ones was too low, so sticking that ugly bulge in enabled them to be raised enough to comply with the relevant regulations.
Graham,
good thought but I think they are in the same location, the new ones are simply bigger. Also the XF has a new pedestrian crash system which I'm sure could've been adjusted for whatever headlight size they picked.
FINALLY!! THE INFINITI Q FOUND A HOME.
In regards to those headlights this is a case where "function meets form". Although the concept version may look better, it probably has handicaps in terms of real world use. If one would look at a more detailed picture (say @ jaguarxf.com), you can see that the larger casing for the headlights is needed for the Adaptive Lighting function as on the XK (The 'lamps turn as the car turns). The concept version lights also would have a problem with overheating because of the narrow space involved. This may be an example where one may have to hold judgement till you can actually see the car in person.
I like the interior except for the a/c panel looks a bit "Lincoln"ish & the navi screen seems a bit small. Kewl a/c vents tho! The steering wheel reminds me of the new CTS/STS.
Also, y aren't they calling it a 2009 if it doesn't come out til March of '08??
If Infinity can make the G35 Headlights, Ford could have made the original headlights in a cost effective method.
Thanks for ruining a great design Ford. It more resembles a Chevy Malibu, than the sleek, sexy lines I am used to from Jaguar.
I like it, I have paid the deposit with delivery March 08 some people are never happy.
Can anyone tell me whether the supercharged version will be available in March, the MSRP of each different engine, the amount of a deposit anyone has paid, whether the deposit is refundable, and finally, whether the dealer allowed the depositor to totally spec the car on order?
Can anyone tell me whether the supercharged version will be available in March, the MSRP of each different engine, the amount of a deposit anyone has paid, whether the deposit is refundable, and finally, whether the dealer allowed the depositor to totally spec the car on order?
Can anyone tell me whether the supercharged version will be available in March, the MSRP of each different engine, the amount of a deposit anyone has paid, whether the deposit is refundable, and finally, whether the dealer allowed the depositor to totally spec the car on order?
The writer of this article does not understand, that those lights they like so much would be useless on the road. Why do they not critize Honda or Audi in their designs. The new Accord looks like a copy of three cars when looked at different angles. And the 2009 Audi a4 is more like the old one than a new car. It has new ugly LEDS on the head lights which serve no purpose. The Jaguar is a unique car.
The LED's on the Audis are for daytime running lights, from what I hear! I think people will get used 2 the lights on the XF! It's really an awesome looking car!
Just bring back the c-xf. The concept car looks a lot better than this ugly xf. There are many car with small headlight and still working fine. Is not only the headlight that is wrong, Try putting a big headlight in the concept car and it still look nicer than the current xf.