Test Drive: Jaguar XF Supercharged

We can?t think of another automotive brand more closely associated with elegant, world-class styling than Jaguar.? Over its 75-year history, the brand has consistently built some of the most beautiful sports cars and sedans.

First brought to the U.S. as a 2009 model, the 2010 XF is unchanged, except for the addition of a fourth model, the XF Supercharged Sport Sedan.? Taking its place just below the awesome 510-hp, supercharged XFR, the new version has a slightly more subtle 470-hp, 5.0-liter Supercharged engine and slightly fewer accoutrements.

Now with four luxurious trim levels, the XF base model is powered by a modest, by Jaguar standards, 300-hp 4.2-liter V-8 engine for a base price of $52,000, including the destination charge.? The Premium version gets the new naturally aspired 385-hp, 5.0-liter V-8, a few more features and a $57,000 price tag.? The top of the line XFR is priced at $80,000, with the only option being special paint.

Our test car, the new supercharged version raises the ante to $68,000, but further enhanced content and only two available options, adaptive speed control ($2,000) and special order paint ($1,000).? Zero to 60 mph acceleration times are an impressive 4.9 seconds with a top track speed limited to 155 mph.? The EPA estimates fuel economy at 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, avoiding the Gas Guzzler Tax.? Our actual average economy during a week of mostly local driving was 17.9 mpg.

With standard mechanical features like the responsive six-speed automatic transmission, Adaptive Dynamics, active differential control, wide 20-inch alloy wheels and massive vented disc brakes, the XF is well equipped to handle the high horsepower and torque.? The driver?s job is made more convenient and comfortable, with standard heated and cooled leather seats, navigation system, Bi-Xenon headlights, Bluetooth, blind spot monitor and Bowers and Wilkins audio.

The front seats were some of the best we?ve experienced with excellent support, soft comfortable surface and we especially liked the heating a cooling feature.? Unlike some sport sedans that place a heavy emphasis on rear seat passenger comfort, the XF concentrates on the front seat, because they know the owner will be there, behind the wheel.? The rear seat is little, tight, but comfortable.? Cargo space is a generous 17.7 cubic feet.

The XF Supercharged is 100 percent driver?s car with all the elements and performance to maximize fun and comfort, plus it doesn?t hurt that this car is a real head turner.