2022 Jaguar XF

Jaguar XF 2021-2022 Review

Even among luxury products, there is a very distinct difference between old luxury and new luxury. In some ways, old luxury has its charms – traditional ways of displaying wealth and status that range between the subtle and the outrageous. New luxury is cleaner, cooler, and ever more in fashion – although it is that last bit that creates a bit of chaos among luxury automobile manufacturers.

In the case of the German marques, it is a constant struggle between keeping their long loyal customer base with products they can recognize and appreciate, without being altogether off putting for a younger, newer demographic. At times this hasn’t quite worked right and occasionally a product generation ends up being a bit of a miss in terms of one demographic or the other – or both.

With jaguar, however, the story is a little different. Those unfamiliar with the brand will most often associate it with older luxury, being perhaps a class above the Germans though not being exceedingly popular either. Between the 1990s and the 2010s, there was a bit of a lull in development for the brand as ownership changed over the years and left little room for proper development.

But when Jaguar eventually returned, they came back with a strong product line – expanding to eventually include models like the Jaguar F Type roadster. Still though, the bread and butter for the British marque lies with their mid-sized luxury sedan in the form of the Jaguar XF – and it is now in its second generation, which was globally and locally introduced back in 2016.

During the initial launch of the Jaguar XF in 2016, It was made available in two variants, eventually being pared down to a singular option as of 2021-2022. In 2022, JLRM, the official distributor of Jaguar in Malaysia launched the XF facelift, which brought along with it a new exterior design as well as a more premium interior in terms of both looks and feel.

Jaguar XF 2021-2022 Specifications

Over the years, Jaguar has quietly changed the specifications of the Jaguar XF available in Malaysia – though this information isn’t widely available. At launch back in 2016, Jaguar introduced the XF with two variants – one of which was known as the 2.0 R-Sport and the XF 2.0 R-Sport. When the facelift model arrived, Jaguar only presented buyers with one option, the Jaguar XF R-Dynamic

While it maintains the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine from the Ingenium range of Jaguar powerplants, in today’s trim it produces 350 PS and 365 Nm of torque – which is a significant downgrade over the pre-facelift models. However, in what seems specific to our local market, this 2.0 R-Synamic comes with only rear-wheel drive instead of the all-wheel drive setup found in other markets.

Similarly it’s difficult to discern which exact variant of the transmission is used in our local model, but they all fall under the ZF 8HP eight-speed conventional automatic umbrella of transmissions. There is sequential shift mode for gear control, though this is only accessible via steering mounted paddle shifters as the gear selector is a rotary dial.

There are also some performance options such as All Surface Progress Control, or ASPC, and torque vectoring. These two elements add a bit of an edge in terms of performance and handling characteristics, being a mild evolution of the traditional traction and stability systems that you know of. The power steering system is electrically assisted, as is par for the course in your modern car.

Dimensionally, the Jaguar XF comes in at 4,954 mm long, with a wheelbase that stretches 2,960 mm. The overall width is 2,088 mm inclusive of mirrors, while the height stands at 1,457 mm. The boot space is rated at 540 litres – large enough for the odd golf bag or two.

Jaguar XF 2021-2022 Exterior

Exterior-wise, the 2022 XF is fitted with a refreshed front-end design that includes a new grille with lower-positioned air intakes, all-LED 'Double J' headlights, plus a sleek rear bumper to round up its new look. The Jaguar XF was already a handsomely proportioned vehicle, bearing sportier design cues compared to the model it replaced and the refreshed model added to its dashing looks.

Jaguar XF 2021-2022 Interior

More changes can be seen on the inside than out as the new XF now comes with a more 'dynamic and bold' cockpit setup for a more enhanced driving experience. It is said to have a much sportier centre console that blends into the dashboard and it also comes with a wireless device charger.

Speaking of dashboard, you'll also find a new and wider 11.4-inch curved glass HD touchscreen that features the latest Pivi Pro infotainment tech. Not only is it three times brighter and 48% larger, but there's also wireless Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto (for compatible smartphones only).

Jaguar XF 2021-2022 Safety Features

Thankfully, the Jaguar XF is not a car that skimps on advanced safety systems, including items such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot assist,driver condition monitoring and reverse traffic detection. This is on top of the regular safety items like electronic stability and traction control, as well as ABS with emergency brake assist.

Jaguar XF 2021-2022 Strengths & Weakness

At first glance, it can be incredibly difficult to see where the strengths of the Jaguar XF lie – especially with the rather hefty pricing that sits head and shoulders above an equivalent German rival. It is this pricing alone that usually makes one think twice about taking on Jaguar ownership, but even if things seem comparable on the surface there’s a lot more consider with Jaguar’s products.

For one, there’s an element of prestige that you get from the badge alone. Jaguar may have been absent for a stretch, but their current range of products are still exclusive enough to be considered distinguishable from a crowd of otherwise German luxury sedans. Performance and handling are easily comparable, though at this price point they aren’t priorities.

Technologically the Jaguar XF doesn’t have an edge, but it is in the choice of materials and the design where the real value of the Jaguar XF lies. On paper it ticks all the right boxes, but understanding why Jaguar products demand a higher price point requires you to take an in-person trip to your nearest showroom and experience the car for yourself.

Jaguar XF 2021-2022 Price

You can get the Jaguar XF in Malaysia in a single variant – the 2.0 R-Dynamic. This model goes forRM498,800 (price includes 10% SST but without insurance, road tax, and registration). Like other Jaguar products, it comes with a five-year, 150,000 km warranty, as well as a five-year service package that stretches 65,000 km, and three years of roadside assistance.

Jaguar XF 2021-2022 Features

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard, pairing with the 11-inch touch screen infotainment system that also comes loaded with its own navigation functionality. There is a 380W Meridian sound system to reproduce crystal clear sounds, as well as Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity for the convenience of occupants. Two-zone climate control is standard, as are ambient lighting and keyless entry and start. There's also Active Road Noise Cancellation, which adds to the serenity of the XF's interior.