2012 Jaguar XF, XFR at 2011 New York Auto Show
- Competes with: BMW 5 Series, Infiniti M, Lexus GS
- Looks like: Jaguar gave the XF the headlights it should have had from the get-go
- Drivetrain: 385-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 or 510-hp, supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 with six-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
- Hits dealerships: 2011
Jaguar has revised the exterior styling of its 2012 XF and XFR sport sedans, but even though the changes are relatively small, the impact on the car’s appearance is quite dramatic.
More 2011 New York Auto Show Coverage
When the car that became the XF debuted in concept form a few years back as the C-XF, it was a stunning vision for a Jaguar. The production XF that debuted as a 2009 model had much of that concept’s style, but it had sprouted bug-eyed headlights, marring the car’s look. All has been rectified for 2012, as the XF and XFR have thin bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights with LED daytime running lights that more closely mimic the original concept car’s look — and the lights on the brand’s flagship XJ sedan. To further differentiate the high-performance XFR, Jaguar has enlarged the mesh-filled openings in the lower bumper.
The XF’s rear sees minor changes, too, including new taillights that incorporate LEDs. New alloy wheel designs are available from 18 to 20 inches in diameter.
Inside, the XF’s seats have been revised for better support, and Jaguar has done away with many of the silver buttons of the prior car, replacing them with black ones that should offer better legibility. There are also three new stereos, including a 17-speaker premium system from Bowers & Wilkins. Two USB ports and Bluetooth-based streaming provide multiple ways to connect a portable music player.
