Refreshed 2021 Jaguar XF Gets a New Lease on Life
The Jaguar XF doesn’t have the prestige of German rivals or the great residual value of the Lexus ES. In fact, as recent sales numbers show, this British midsize luxury sedan has pretty much fallen into oblivion since the launch of the second generation for 2016.
One year after the compact XE and hot on the heels of the F-PACE crossover, the XF is now getting a solid mid-cycle update in hope of attracting more customers—though with the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class having received fresh makeovers of their own, is it too little too late?
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Aesthetically, the 2021 Jaguar XF stands out with new slimmer LED quad headlights with “Double J Blade” daytime running light signatures, plus a new mesh grille with diamond detailing and a Noble Chrome finish for a more premium look.
The lower air intakes have been revised and enlarged, while a Black Exterior package is available for those who want a darker, more aggressive appearance. New 19- and 20-inch wheel designs are also part of the mix.
Inside, the 2021 Jaguar XF is more refined and technologically advanced. The highlight is a new centrally mounted, 11.4-inch HD touchscreen housed in a magnesium frame painted in tonal black satin. It is powered by the new, more intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment system, which introduces a simplified menu structure and over-the-air updates.
Elsewhere, there’s more extensive use of open-pore wood veneers and metallic accents, a redesigned gear selector and a sleeker centre console that sweeps up to the instrument panel. The new front seats are said to provide increased comfort and support, while available ambient lighting allows drivers to personalize the interior atmosphere.
On the road, expect a quieter driving experience thanks to Jaguar’s Active Road Noise Cancellation technology. Safety has been improved, too, including a standard 3D surround camera system.
The turbocharged four-cylinder engines delivering 247 and 296 horsepower are back along with the eight-speed automatic transmission, but there’s bad news for performance enthusiasts: the supercharged V6 and its 380 ponies won’t return. In Canada, all-wheel drive will come standard like in years past.
Pricing will be announced closer to the 2021 Jaguar XF’s on-sale date early next year. The outgoing model starts at $65,100.
