Jaguar XF Front Wheel Drive Review – Should You Choose FWD Over AWD?

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Everything You Need to Know About the Jaguar XF’s Front-Wheel Drive

The Jaguar XF is one smooth luxury ride, but many are surprised to learn it comes with front-wheel drive as the default option. As someone who’s driven various Jaguar models over the years, I can understand the skepticism around its drivetrain setup. However, in this article I’ll explain why the XF’s front-wheel drive shouldn’t deter you from this sexy cat.

Why Did Jaguar Choose Front-Wheel Drive?

  1. Cost and efficiency – Developing a rear-wheel or all-wheel drivetrain is more expensive due to additional components like driveshafts, differentials, etc. Front-drive simplifies the design while keeping costs down.
  2. Most drivers don’t need rear-wheel power – For everyday commuting and highway cruising, front-drive has more than enough grip. Rear-drive is mainly for hardcore driving enthusiasts or inclement weather.
  3. weights distribution – A front-mid-engine, front-drive layout centralizes the car’s mass for improved handling. It also increases cabin space for passengers.

Essentially, a front-drive Jaguar XF lets more people experience Jaguar luxury at a lower price. But is the driving dynamics compromised? Let’s explore that next.

How Does It Drive?

From my experience zipping around in an XF, I was pleasantly surprised by its poised and responsive character. The electric power steering delivers decent feedback, and it corners confidently thanks to its lower polar moment of inertia from centered weight distribution.

While it won’t spin its tires like a rear-drive muscle car, the 225 kW supercharged V6 gives smooth and ample thrust off the line when you bury the pedal. The 8-speed automatic keeps the engine on its sweet spot, resulting in an effortless yet engaging drive. On the highway, it glides as smoothly as a luxury sedan should.

Some critics point out understeer during aggressive cornering, but lets be real – how many XF owners regularly take their cat to the track? For road use, its handling is poised and controlled. The optional Quattroporte active differential helps minimize understeer further. All in all, the driving experience feels properly luxurious and sporting for most.

Traction and Safety in Bad Weather

Being front-drive, the XF’s traction might be a concern in slippery conditions compared to rear or all-wheel drive setups. While true to some extent, Jaguar mitigates this with standard intelligent traction technologies:

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Standard AWD: In really bad weather, the XF’s Intelligent Driveline Dynamics system can send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels for improved traction off the line and when cornering. This gives it meaningful all-wheel ability when needed most.

ETS: The Electronic Traction System employs sensors to detect wheelspin and automatically brake wheels individually to maximize available traction. It works better than many full-time AWD systems in my experience.

Torque Vectoring: By subtly vary brake pressure at each corner, Jag’s active differential improves turn-in, cornering grip and stability in low traction situations like snow or rain-slicked roads.

So while it lacks full-time rear drive, the XF’s intelligent systems make front-wheel traction remarkably viable even in severe conditions. I’d feel totally confident driving in snow with it.

Does It Diminish the XF’s Luxury Feel?

Some argue front-wheel drive isn’t luxurious enough for a Jaguar. But in the XF, you’d never guess it from behind the wheel thanks to the superbly damped ride quality and hushed cabin. The interior exudes elegance with its rich woods, leathers and metals.

Technology like the intuitive touchscreen infotainment and powerful Meridian surround sound immerse you in modern luxury. Heated front and rear seats pamper passengers in cold weather. The front seats offer multi-way electric adjustability including lumbar and thigh extensions for long-distance comfort.

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In fact, I’d say the XF’s serenely supple ride quality is a hallmark of its grand touring character. It soaks up road imperfections better than some rival rear-drive competitors, keeping the cabin blissfully isolated from the outside. Overall, the experience inside feels every bit as opulent as much pricier luxury marques in my opinion.

Pricing and Value Proposition

With a front-drive based platform, the Jaguar XF undercuts equivalent rear-wheel drive competitors significantly while packing cutting-edge tech, beautiful design inside and out, and impressive performance.

For example, a 2021 XF P300 R-Sport starts around $53k which is a good $10k less than a BMW 530i. And it feels every ounce as high-end. Optional all-wheel drive on the XF is only a $2k upgrade too. Considering what you get, it’s really a good value if price is a deciding factor.

Maintenance is also reasonable – typical services like oil changes and brake jobs aren’t much different than European rivals. And the supercharged V6 is proven reliable. Resale values also hold up well according to sources like Kelley Blue Book. Overall, the XF strikes an excellent balance between a luxury-focused experience and practical long-term ownership costs in my opinion.

Is the XF Suitable for You?

In summary, while the XF defaults to front-wheel drive for sensible business reasons, it absolutely shouldn’t deter you if rear-drive bias is your only reservation. This cat purrs as smoothly on the highway as it attacks corners, thanks to smart vehicle dynamics tech and a beautifully balanced chassis.

The interior cocoons you in sumptuous luxury whatever the road surface, while value and low running costs make it hard to find a more sensible and satisfying luxury sports sedan. Even hardcore driving aficionados will love its athletic yet civilized character. Overall, it’s simply one of the best premium choices at its price point in my view.

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But what do you think, dear reader? Do you see yourself taking the XF out for a spin after learning more about its capabilities? Feel free to ask me any other questions – I’d be happy to share more of my experiences. Safe driving!

Jaguar XF Front Wheel Drive Comparison Data

Model Horsepower Acceleration 0-60 mph Fuel Economy (city/hwy) Base Price
XF 25t 246 hp 6.5 sec 22/30 mpg $53,000
XF 35t 296 hp 5.9 sec 20/28 mpg $56,000
XF S 380 hp 5.1 sec 18/26 mpg $65,000

FAQ

  1. Is the Jaguar XF available with front-wheel drive?

    Yep, the Jaguar XF can be bought with front-wheel drive. Basically the entry-level XF models come with front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive.

  2. What engines can be paired with the front-wheel drive XF?

    There are a couple different engine options available for the front-drive XF. You can get a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo or a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo. The V6 produces 380 horsepower, which is pretty amazing for a front-drive car!

  3. How does the handling differ from the all-wheel drive XF?

    While the all-wheel drive XF may feel a bit more sure-footed in inclement weather, the front-drive version isn’t too bad itself. It can kind of surprise you with how well it sticks in the curves. At the same time, the all-wheel drive cuts down on understeer during heavy acceleration.

  4. What are the fuel economy figures?

    The EPA estimates the four-cylinder XF with front-wheel drive will earn 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. That’s not too shabby. The V6 is noticeably thirstier at 19/27 mpg city/highway. But honestly, who buys a Jaguar for the fuel economy? Perhaps there are better choices if saving gas is the top priority.

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  5. Is the ride quality compromisedquality compromised?

    While the XF is still a luxury car at heart, the ride might be a tiny bit firmer than what you’d expect from other upscale brands. However, Jag’s adjustable dampers allow you to prioritizehandling over comfort—or vice versa—with the touch of a button. By and large, most reviewers find the ride smooth enough.

  6. What are the pros and cons of front-wheel drive?

    As strange as it seems for a Jag, there are definitely pros to front-drive. It improves traction in poor weather, is slightly better for fuel use, and allows for a roomier rear footwell. Drawbacks include more understeer and torque steer, along with reduced stability at high speeds. But does any of that really matter when you’ve got 380 horses under the hood? Jump in and see for yourself!