When Jaguar introduced their replacement for the now defunct S type with the new XF the only thing they were missing was the blower, well the now Indian automaker has solved that problem with the Jaguar XF Supercharged. From our test car’s Radiance Metallic red paint, to the stylish 20 inch rims, the exterior of our XF Supercharged is an eye catcher. The interior features a few new tricks that are promised never get old. Te seats are comfortable and the ride is smooth, but what sets this 420 HP Jaguar apart from the rest is its supercharged 4.2 Liter V8 engine that when combined with the six speed automatic transmission, allows our XF to go from 0 to 60 MPH in just 5.1 seconds. Can Jaguar sell enough of these high performance sports sedans to up and coming car shoppers starting at around $63,000 in order to keep a good thing going, we can only wait and see.

Continued after the jump.

2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged
  • Horsepower: 420
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Exterior Impression:

The exterior of the Jaguar XF is striking to say the least. The unique headlights set this car apart from any other vehicle, the way the headlights bulge up, towards the hood, makes the XF look as if it is staring you in the face. The rear of the car shows off Jaguar’s ability to meld the muscular boxy shape with such round edges to create a vehicle that still turns heads, especially with the Radiance Metallic paint, almost two years after the car’s auto show debut at Frankfurt back in 2007. Speaking of the paint, when viewed close up, the finish had what looked like orange peel, at least too much for a $65,000 car. However, the huge 20 inch rims will keep you from looking at the body for too long. Measuring in at 8.5 inches up front and 9.5 in the back, the wheels look like oversized saucers with five large openings stamped out of them. Overall the vehicle is stunning, it is everything that you would want to be seen in.

Interior Impression:

The first thing you will notice when you step into the new XF is the little red button that replaces the traditional turnkey. When you press this button a beautiful thing happens, aside from awaking the supercharged V8. The once hidden air conditioning vents open up and showed the occupants with a cool refreshing breeze. The Jaguar Drive Selector simultaneously arises from its resting place, gone is the old three on the tree, and what is left is a futuristic knob on the center armrest that only needs to be twisted in order to initiate forward momentum.

Once the driver is done being captivated by the show, they will notice the beautifully finished wood trim, 7 inch touch screen display to control the creature comforts and the Jaguar Sense ambient lighting. Sitting behind the familiar Jagaur steering wheel, you will find yourself in a bucket covered with supple leather, the kind that makes you never want to get up. The back seat is just as comfortable, although, while 6 footers will sit comfortably up front, sitting in the rear would get a little cramped due to the cars fastback profile. The interior of the Jaguar XF is as comfortable and luxurious an environment as in cars worth four times as much.

The Drive:

Although the XF Supercharged is a sedan, it drives like a purpose built sports car. Push the blown V8 and you will feel what we mean. There is so much power on tap from the boosted 4.2 Liter engine that it took a while to get used to the vehicle’s response, push down too hard and you will be rewarded with a quick trip to the back of your seat, as the 420 HP is shifted through a ZF six speed automatic transmission. It is enough to make you forget that there could possibly be passengers sitting behind you.

Surrounding the shift knob, there were a few familiar buttons and a few new ones as well. We remembered how to disable the DSC, but the button with the checkered flag was a pleasant surprise, that when pressed really woke the Jaguar up, so much that you can feel the XF’s electromagnetic dampeners doing their job. The addition of a supercharger allows the XF to hit 60 MPH in 5.1 seconds, 1.1 seconds quicker than the naturally aspirated version. Even though the four-door sports car is electronically limited to 155 MPH, we didn’t need to get anywhere near there in order to fully appreciate the Supercharged XF’s power, even enough to make a few 5-Series owners unhappy.

Why to Buy?

According to Mike O’Driscoll, Jaguar’s Managing Director, if you are a 30 to 40 year old looking for a sports saloon with the styling of a fastback coupe, he wants to sell you an XF. For the utmost level of comfort, and styling that will set you apart from the likes of BMW and Mercedes Benz owners, the sophistication and speed of the supercharged Jaguar is exactly what you are looking for.

If you don’t mind never stepping foot in your house again, and changing your permanent address to your license plate number, because the car is so comfortable, then you should own an XF.

Why not to Buy?

If you have a heavy right foot, and don’t want to risk loosing your license for having too much fun, you should think about looking into a naturally aspirated version, with its 320 HP, the Jaguar XF has the styling of the supercharged car, without the added speed.

If you believe that only Germans can make a quality sports sedan, then you should look into a BMW 5-Series r a Mercedes Benz E Class. However, in order to match the XK Supercharged’s performance would be behind the wheel of an M5, and that would cost you at least twice as much as the Jags $65,000 asking price, and with the restyled 2010 E Class coming out soon, new car buyers will have a new face to think of.

Top Speed Final Verdict:

The Jaguar XF Spercharged offered everything that the standard XF did and then some. The exterior of the XF is just as fresh as when it debuted, the interior is just as luxurious as we expect from a Jaguar and the speed is simply out of this world. The Jaguar XF Supercharged is a steal for the price offering performance and comfort on par with vehicles well out of its price range, we just can’t wait to see how the 510 HP XF-R could be much better.