2015 Jaguar XF 3.0 TDV6 S UK first drive

Would you notice? More to the point, does it matter that the new, lighter Jaguar XF doesn’t look dramatically different to its slightly bulkier predecessor? Given that it was hardly an ugly duckling before, I’d say that sticking to a known recipe makes eminent sense. Those open-mouthed air vents and the slimmer, slightly F-typed rear lights are a big improvement in my books.

Perhaps more critically, as we know from our forays abroad in the new XF, this staple Jag saloon has retained the bright, responsive handling characteristics that always gave it a distinctly different feel to the core rivals from BMW and Audi. What we need to find out here is whether it still feels so well suited to the UK’s patched-up roads. 

Over everything from fast B-roads with typical high-frequency, almost corrugated undulations and awkward mid-corner ruts, to tight, clogged urban streets and then out for long motorway miles, the XF excels.

Our 3.0d S test car rode on 20in alloys instead of the standard 19s, but other than that was the standard dynamic setup that you get with this range-topping V6 diesel. That includes adaptive damper, steering, throttle and gearbox settings, although we’d say it’s well sorted enough in the default mode that you rarely feel the need to venture into the red-lit Sport mode.

There’s always been a sort of fluidity to the ride and handling compromise of modern Jags, and if anything the new XF has enhanced this further. It feels quite firmly sprung, but the damping keeps it from jarring over anything but the most punishing potholes, and there's no unflattering post-bump wobble or shudder form the body, giving the XF a ruthlessly composed yet supple feel over all sorts of surface intrusions. Even big, low speed bumps are smoothed over easily, and expansion joints and the like are more heard than felt.

This well-resolved damping also helps the tyres maintain consistent contact and grip levels with the road, even over fast mid-corner yumps, which in turn brings confidence to the light-footed handling even over scrappy-feeling country roads. Together with the organic-feeling steering, the Jag is a car that keen drivers can really revel in, yet is also easy to judge in a tight spot, and generally enjoyable even in the sort of awkward, traffic-clogged ebb and flow that's often the reality of driving in the UK. 

The powertrain is no hindrance to any of this. Step-off is smooth and predictable, with the eight-speed auto keeping the V6 in a satisfyingly effortless mid-range mooch. Is it the most refined six-cylinder in the class? Not really, and nor is it the most intuitive gearbox, with the odd unexpected heartbeat of a pause just when you don’t want it if you’re dallying with Sport mode. 

Still, there's masses of mid-range urgency, while engine noise isn’t bad unless you really rev it out, road noise is well suppressed and there’s very little mechanical vibration, so this remains a refined exec that would have you feeling fresh even after many hours of motorway slog. 

An excellent driving position is a big part of that, too. The XF S gets full electric adjustment including tilt and four-way lumbar adjustment as standard, plus a seat that drops as low as anyone could want. Heated front seats and suitably top-notch leather, plus various driver aids including traffic sign recognition and automatic emergency braking, complete a pretty comprehensive standard spec.