Jaguar XF S | PH Auction Block

Half-forgotten fast Jag still has plenty to recommend it - not least a great colour

By Matt Bird / Wednesday, 24 June 2026 / Loading comments

When considering recent fast and four-door Jaguar heroes, plenty spring to mind. The Project 8 is one of the most outrageous saloons ever created, let alone just from Jaguar, and we’ll always have a really soft spot for the final supercharged XJR. Even the standard XE S with the V6 demonstrated that cool compact execs didn’t have to be German.

Which is all well and good, but it means the second (and final) generation of XF S tends to be overlooked a bit. This despite the same 380hp supercharged 3.0-litre as the smaller XE (and F-Type), another fine Jaguar chassis and a design that - if not quite as bold as the XJ - was undoubtedly handsome. Probably the fact that there wasn’t a follow-up XFR - after an original for the ages - didn’t help the reception of the supercharged S.

Whatever the case, it’s clear to see the considerable secondhand appeal in one. Gripes that matter when new become less of a concern a decade (and some considerable depreciation) later, with a rousing engine and suave appearance very much still present and correct. Very likeable, too, it should be said. Those who enjoy fast saloons (we all know there are plenty on PH) should find plenty to appreciate about the lesser-seen XF S.

Look at this interior, too. Later in the XF’s life it gained a touchscreen infotainment setup; as an early example, however, this one retains the buttons. Great big glorious buttons fit for farmers fingers in a Defender, and a sight for sore eyes in 2026. The standard system will be a bit sluggish these days, but imagine a modern unit that speaks smartphone with this sort of usability. Fantastic. Even your father-in-law could grasp the HVAC.

There’s plenty more to be encouraged by here than just the buttons, too. Because the trusty, lusty old 3.0-litre was not the last word in efficiency (and there was an S-spec of 3.0-litre diesel), the majority of these will have been private sales. Low miles, lovingly cared for, special saloons rather than motorway hacks. And that’s exactly the case here: just two owners have covered less than 40,000 miles, there’s plenty of main dealer and specialist history, and the Michelins were fitted just last year. Aurora Red was an inspired colour choice.

With a service and suspension parts in recent months, this big Jag should want for little until December’s MOT. Which, going from recent inspections, ought to pose little problem. With plenty of traditional Jaguar swagger alongside modern usability and performance, the XF S offers up a pretty compelling blend of talents. Hopefully your memory has been jogged along with ours. The bidding kicks off next week…

See the original advert