DRIVING
DYNAMICS
Delivering the highest levels of driver enjoyment is a must for any
Jaguar, so it is essential that the XF’s driving dynamics live up to
its powerfully athletic looks. Underpinned by the stiff platform, wide
track and finely resolved suspension, steering and brakes, the XF’s
dynamic flavour combines the comfort and refinement of a luxury saloon
with the grip, balance, responses and stability of a sports car. The
result is a dynamic character that delivers real driver involvement,
as far removed from the premium saloon crowd as are the XF’s bold looks.
Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity Mike Cross explains the development
processes behind the new car: “Two key objectives defined the XF’s dynamic
flavour – firstly that its driving abilities should match its sporting
coupe-like looks, and secondly that it should have Jaguar’s unique balance
of ride, handling and refinement. The XF succeeds on all counts and
the result is a very special experience.”
Every XF model uses Jaguar Sequential Shift TM transmission control,
allowing manual gear selections in the automatic transmission via ‘paddle’
switches mounted on the rear of the steering wheel, in either Drive
or Sport mode.
But sporty is only half the XF driving dynamics story – refinement
is equally important, and equally impressive. With its stiff shell,
smooth powertrains and extraordinary attention to acoustic management
(including a secondary bulkhead and dual-isolated subframe on all versions),
the XF has outstanding NVH performance to match the best in class. At
30mph (50kph), for instance, the interior noise level is only 65.6dB,
below its nearest BMW 5-Series rival, even when the XF is on larger
wheels. Special attention has been paid to the V6 diesel, whose sound
quality is so impressive it is hard to tell which engine lies beneath
the bonnet. The V8 XF takes lessons from the XK with an exhaust system
tuned for an overtly sporty sound quality, especially when accelerating
hard – again, just as the looks promise.