You’ve probably seen the news. Even for those that haven’t, it’s unlikely to come as too much of a surprise given what the future’s meant to hold. The Jaguars that aren’t SUVs - so the XE, XF and F-Type - are in their final throes, production of a limited amount of specifications (individual configuring is done) set to wind up in June. As Jaguar limbers up for its grand all-electric reinvention, only the E-Pace, F-Pace and I-Pace will soldier on. Temporarily at least, the Jaguar lineup isn’t going to have a saloon in it - which feels a little like a Porsche range without a 911 in it.
Of course, one will return - indeed the EV revival is set to be spearheaded by a luxury four-door - but it remains a momentous change nonetheless. For decades there has been a range of Jag saloons, some very good ones as well, and now there won’t be. It’s the kind of radical move many manufacturers look set to take in the coming years. With no sign of the saloon’s popularity waning, regardless of powertrain, hopefully the new Jaguar is able to retain some traditional elements. But, honestly, nobody outside knows for certain. We just want a successful Jaguar making great cars.
For those of you who love the brand, the end of the XF feels like a big one, as it’s been the archetypal Jaguar saloon for more than 15 years now. It can be hard to recall the impact of the first generation, all the way back in 2007; it was such a drastic change in every regard (and for the better) over the old S-Type that it was hard to believe it represented just one generation’s difference. The XFR was one of the best super-saloons of the era, the S version of that was a cult classic, and all the Sportbrakes demonstrated Jaguar could do capacious wagons just as well as Germans (or Swedes).
The second generation lost the V8, which was a pity, but it was a more complete package overall, with worthwhile improvements to the interior. The 380hp V6 S was a worthy Q-car for a time, too. As can so often seem the case with Jaguar, however, the very best XF has arguably come towards the end, with interest waning. The 2021MY update introduced the excellent Pivi Pro infotainment system while keeping some rotary dials for the air-con; it seemed a nice touch back then, and now like a stroke of genius. Combine that with plusher materials inside, a slightly revised look and a significant price cut and the XF was at its compelling: we called it ‘the best generation of XF yet’. And it’s hardly like there has ever been a bad one.
So arguably it's the generation you want to be looking at used, though there are canny buys to be had at what is basically new as well thanks to the reductions in asking price. In their latest iterations, it’s not possible to buy a new Mercedes E-Class for less than £55,000, or a BMW 5 Series for less than £51,000. The limitations of the XF’s age are rather easier to overlook when it starts at £35,000. Yes, really.
On PH at the moment there are more than a few interesting XFs for sale. See this top-of-the-range R-Dynamic HSE Black, in dark green over tan, for £40k. And doesn’t red look smart, too? The featured car is the most expensive XF for sale on PistonHeads right now, all £50k of it, a very handsome and brand new dark blue estate in P300 Sport spec. So you won’t want for equipment or performance, really, even allowing for the age of the platform. The new Jag era ought to be a very exciting one, but there’s plenty to appreciate about the outgoing one for just a little while yet.
SPECIFICATION | JAGUAR XF P300 SPORT
Engine: 1,997cc, four-cyl turbo
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 300@5,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 295@1,500-4,500rpm
0-62mph: 6.1 seconds
Top speed: 155mph
MPG: 31.8
CO2: 202g/km
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £51,563
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