Sitting unloved in the middle of the Jaguar XF range is a 298PS 4.2-litre V8. It’s unloved because if you’re worried about costs you’ll go for the diesel, and if you’re not then the 400PS supercharged V8 is the choice.
Often, though, the mid-range models are a hidden gem, but that’s not the case here.
Despite a claimed 6.2secs 0-60mph time it doesn’t feel quick and certainly isn’t frugal at 25.5mpg. Yes, it has the nice touches that come with all XFs – pop-up automatic gear selector and rotating vents – but it also has the same gappy look around the headlights, while our test car had a couple of electronic niggles. At 96.9p per mile, running costs aren’t cheap, either, and for these reasons we’d recommend business users sticking with the excellent diesel.
Verdict: This XF isn’t the best pick – go for diesel or top V8 depending on need
