Jaguar XF – The definitive executive saloon?

The Jaguar XF came about with two goals back in 2008; one, to rid the Jaguar name of the horrid S-Type and two to give those pesky German exec-saloons a proper run for their money.

To achieve this Jaguar threw away its dusty old drawing books and Ian Callum, Jaguar's head of design, penned an absolutely stunning exterior while the interior guru's whipped up something contemporary. Underneath some new power units were introduced and the overall result was an unmitigated success.

We're a few years on now and into the XF's facelift years, so let's find out if this Jag is still one you'd want to buy, over something like a 5 Series BMW.

First off the styling is still spot on. The facelift elevated all the tired elements of the 2008 model to keep a modern, contemporary look, while LED daytime running lights always add an element of theatre.

And speaking of theatre, the start-up procedure is just that. Subtle mood lighting fills the cabin as your finger holds down the pulsating red-illuminated start button, while the gear knob rises out of the centre console and the air vents turn on their axes. This alone would be a poignant reminder of just why you bought the Jag over anything else.

A gentle whir emanates from ahead as the 2.0 litre turbo charged unit springs into life and the electronic instrument cluster readies itself. It's remarkably comfortable and quiet at all speeds, the compliant suspension ensuring road imperfections aren't translated into the cabin. The engine technology comes from Ford and is pretty cutting edge, providing all the performance you could want because after all, performance isn't what it's all about.

The leather topped dash and expanses of glass are typically British, typically Jaguar, but blend so well into the contemporary surroundings. It's touches like these that set Jaguar apart – and indeed are elements that need to exist for any Jaguar to be a proper Jag.

Other niceties that have found their way onto the XF's standard features list are rear park assist and a comprehensive navigation system. There are elements of which I was not a fan, like the fact that the gear knob isn't brushed aluminium as it appears, but rather a flimsy feeling plastic. Also some of the switchgear feels a little below par.

The XF approaches the task of being an executive saloon quite differently to the German's – and that's what Jaguar should have been doing all along when the S-Type was introduced in the late 90s. From a comfort and luxury standpoint it is so far beyond anything from BMW, Audi or indeed Mercedes that the odd glitch here or there can be overlooked – after all, you're experiencing the kind of motoring that you just can't get anywhere else.

Price: R629,500
Engine: 1999cc four cylinder turbo charged petrol
Power (kW): 177
Torque (Nm): 340
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 7.9
Top speed (km/h): 240
Consumption (l/100km): 8.9 (claimed)
Service: 5 year/100,000km maintenance plan