Published:
23 April 2012The Jaguar XF cabin has always been a highlight and, mindful of that, Jaguar’s latest interior updates have been anything but radical.
There’s now a slightly different design and material specification for the steering wheel’s audio and cruise control panels, and the ventilation controls. There’s also some new leather seat designs and a few slightly different fascia trims – and that’s about all.
Which is good news, because the XF has, since its launch, set a high standard when it comes to appealing, contemporary style and the luxurious feel of its interior. It’s reassuring to find that’s still the case, even as the XF has come down in price with the introduction of smaller engines.
As such, the cabin remains a real treat; it is a pleasing piece of automotive theatre to settle into this cosseting cockpit, press the starter button and watch the gear selector dial rise to meet your fingertips, as the air vents rotate in their housings. Being in a BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class or even the new and relatively lavishly appointed Audi A6 seems a dull and cold experience by comparison.
We can only regret that Jaguar didn't find any extra space for passengers’ knees and elbows during the XF’s refresh. This Brit still lags behind pretty much all of its rivals when it comes to the provision of sheer cabin space. Up front, it feels just the right side of cosy, but it’s more restrictive in the rear. Those with grown children, or who frequently transport taller adults, may find that a small but annoying problem. The touch screen interface isn't the most intuitive or easy system to use, either.
