2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged Review (video)

The jaguar is a refined, discreet predator; yet, when on the prowl, it shows no mercy. That's probably the image designers had in mind when they created the all-new 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged as a replacement for the old S-Type.

At idle, it impresses anyone with its graceful body, powerful stance and quiet confidence.

Both in terms of style and performance, this newly-bred English cat marks the beginning of a renaissance for Jaguar. You certainly all know by now that the brand was purchased by Tata Motors, a move that will hopefully bring increased stability. More importantly, though, the XF boasts a more assertive personality and, in Supercharged trim, a powertrain this full-size sedan can be extremely proud of.

New Jaguar signature
The luxury automaker wants to make it clear: the new XF is a first step into a whole new, more modern styling direction. No doubt inspired from the Jaguar XK, a racy coupe which has been receiving plenty of praise and admiration since last year, the XF displays similar lines while elevating its appeal to the ranks of world-class premium sedans.

The highly swooping roofline almost gives the impression that the XF is a 2-door car. But make no mistake: the rear doors are big and easy to open, offering convenient access to the interior despite the sleek, aerodynamic shape of the body. Rear-seat headroom is slightly affected, of course, but not as much as one might expect.

Overall, the 2009 Jaguar XF is quite a physical specimen: long, wide and commanding, it niftily maximizes aerodynamics to appear smaller and stealthier. The bright mesh grille and tapered bi-xenon headlights further emphasize the refined character of this new Jaguar.

All-luxury interior
Having said that, the most spectacular part of the design is the cockpit. Sure, you'll find the same classic materials that have made the brand famous, including soft-grain leather upholstery, rich oak inlays and aluminum accents, but while Jaguars used to be known for their conservative-looking interiors, the new one is truly modern, maybe even forward-thinking. The noble atmosphere usually associated with this type of automobile is obviously present.

The dashboard and center console are a complete success.