IF you think executive cars have had their day, try telling that to Jaguar.
Almost single-handedly, the Jaguar XF is keeping the company going through some of the toughest times and could just become its single most important model in three decades.
While most manufacturers and executive models in particular have been suffering in the showrooms, the Jaguar XF has been enjoying remarkable success.
The order bank is strong and growing and the XF is ticking all the right boxes for buyers, buoyed by a knowledgeable network of keen dealers and a car which appeals as much in the showrooms as it rewards on the roads.
The Jaguar XF is available in six versions based on a 207bhp six-cylinder 2.7 turbo-diesel, 238bhp V6 3.0 petrol, normally aspirated 298bhp V8 and supercharged 416bhp 4.2-litre engines with luxury, premium luxury and SV versions.
All are mated to standard six-speed automatic Tiptronic gearboxes but sadly there is only rear wheel drive available.
With diesel powertrains taking the majority of sales, it is nevertheless worth looking at the most desirable supercharged V8 top model as it embodies the sharpest elements of the Jaguar appeal, namely its sophisticated performance and delivers the dynamics which set it apart from its competitors by a huge margin.
The supercharged V8 is a most impressive engine, delivering immense refinement with awesome power and effortless ability. It is not the most economical of engines but it is comparable with rivals nonetheless.
You would have to go a long way to better the creaminess of the gearchanges under any load or situation and its instant ability to change from full to semi-automatic styles at the click of a finger on the column paddles.
All the subtleness of the powertrain is matched by that of the power steering and enormous brakes. The XF turns sharply and tightly but it's not twitchy at speed and you can stop as gently or as hard as you wish with equally undramatic results underfoot, thanks to the well weighted and powerful brakes.
The really clever secondary system is a command lever which rises out of the central tunnel with the ignition on and which allows you to choose the automatic gears. Column stalks exist for wipers and headlights.
Instruments burst into illuminated life with the ignition and the gauges are big and clear with good markings.
I also liked the straightforward and efficient heating and ventilation which was easily selected and maintained, filling the car with air at a selected temperature.
Oddments room is reasonably good, though not exceptional, but the boot is massive and easy to use with capacity rising from 500 to over 900 litres and it's a good shape to use.
For the driver and passengers access is very good, the seats are big and comfortable and in the front the adjustment is very plentiful.
Vision is clear all round, the headlights very bright and the wipers effective in the heaviest rain.
With the refinement of the powertrain you notice the amount of road rumbles and tyre roar over some surfaces but it's not excessive.
It certainly soaks up all bumps with ease and nothing upsets the excellent ride quality over any road. At the same time, the handling is very, very good. It turns in sharply, grips tenaciously and there is no tail wagging or wandering off line, so long as you leave the ESP engaged.
Acceleration is rapid yet refined and motorway limits are reached and maintained without any complaint from the engine and you have about another 80mph under your foot when you hit the UK limit.
For fuel consumption, you have to remember this is a V8 petrol and not a diesel, but it can be modest if you do not use high revs in the intermediate ratios and it is a small fuel price to pay for that refinement and composure.
The enduring feeling about the Jaguar XF is that it is not only very stylish and feels well built but its sophistication is calming and it's not only extremely comfortable but also very capable in any situation, with - in the case of the supercharged version - an awesome ability to deliver stunning performance right across the board.
FAST FACTS
Jaguar XF 4.2 SV8
Price: £54,900
Mechanical: 416bhp, 4,196cc, 8cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 5.4 secs
Insurance group: 20
Combined mpg: 22.4
C02 emissions: 299g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage, 3yrs paint, 6yrs anti-rust