First Drive: 2012 Jaguar XF

Finally, it’s sorted. It is something which bothered me ever since the release of the Jaguar XF in 2008. Apparently the technology wasn’t there to do it at launch, but now it is. And it was the one thing that tamed what could have been the perfect package. Yes, we’re talking about headlights.

You’ll remember the C-XF concept car from 2007 at the North American International Auto Show, and how stunningly gorgeous it was with its angry, squinty eyes and classic chrome grille. When the XF production car was first revealed, though, it was somewhat disappointing. Its bulbous headlights which cut into the bonnet just didn’t reflect the time and effort master designer Ian Callum had put into creating the concept. The ruined the flowing styling. Sure, the car was excellent and from the rear it was still gorgeous, but the frontal design just didn’t quite live up to what we were expecting.

Fast forward to today and the 2012 Jaguar XF has rectified all of that. The headlights are now back to what the C-XF concept promised in terms of style, but in terms of drive it completely delivers.

It’s one of the most driver focused mid-size premium sedans on sale today, with chassis and styling which simply embarrass the German trio. Nothing in the premium mid-size market comes close to looking as good as the 2012 XF.