Jaguar XF 5.0 V8: You Know You Want To

A V8 XF without the R shouty bits? Yes please!

The focus with the new Jaguar XF is, predictably enough, on the Ingenium diesel engines and the new infotainment and the refreshed styling. After all, that's what will attract buyers away from the German alternatives.

Now if we could just find a facelift V8...

But there's one thing missing from the XF Mk2 line up: a non-R V8. In fact it's been missing for a while. A plain-jane(ish) V8 was a feature in the XF range from launch in 2008 until 2012, when presumably very tiny sales killed it off. Given attention is very much on the XF for this week, what better time to revisit the V8?

Originally this was going to be the XF SV8, the supercharged 420hp model that preceded the XFR. A fine car it is too - stylish, fast and by all accounts an excellent drive as well. They are available from £12K in the PH classifieds now, complete with those stunning five-spoke wheels.

But the SV8 is made to look as common as a Honda Civic by the model that effectively replaced it: the 5.0 V8. In 2009 the new V8 arrived with the XFR, supercharged to 510hp and sending the British motoring press into a frenzy with its pace and ability. But it was also offered in naturally aspirated guise with 385hp and without much sporting pretence at all. It was aimed more at the American market, where large V8 sedans are of course very popular. But who would buy one in the UK? The SV8 at least sold to the early adopters who wanted a fast XF. With the R's arrival that position was certainly spoken for, leaving the naturally aspirated V8 with very few likely customers. Performance is covered by the R, efficiency by the then-new twin-turbo diesel. But a few years on in the classifieds...

You read that right - V8 XF that isn't an XFR!

For those after an old Jag spec with new Jag dynamics, this 5.0 V8 S Premium Luxury could be just the ticket. Caviar Red with Ivory leather is a really classy colour combination and to have 385hp in a car that resembles a 2.2d will always appeal. It would be a Q-car were the term not a little vulgar for a Jaguar.

There are a few of these luxury saloons with big engines and little sporting aspiration around. And they look rather excellent actually. See the BMW 550i SE, with 400hp from a turbocharged V8 and a 525d aesthetic. Lord knows what happened to the tail lights there but a very interesting car nonetheless. And though the Audi S6 is more overtly sporting, it would be hard to tell from this car. Plus there's the Volvo S80 V8 as well. Now there's a cool four-door saloon.

They are all more numerous than the XF though, at least by cars available on PH. Oh sure, it will be expensive to run and sensible people in sensible shoes will tell you the diesel is just as quick in 'the real world'. But the 5.0 has incredible rarity curio charm on top of the XF's regular talents. And a V8. What more do you need?

JAGUAR XF 5.0 V8 S PREMIUM LUXURY
Price: £22,221
Why you should: Discreet, desirable V8 Jaguar saloon
Why you shouldn't: Spec perhaps too fuddy-duddy? The SV8 is faster and cheaper too

See the original advert here.