(Login Velociphile) AP Discussion Group Posted Jun 6, 2009 3:40 PM
The XF seems to have been made to appeal/compete with Lexus buyers. While the XF has managed to get away from the hideous 'floating' feel of the S-type, it still has no way captured the taught-yet-supple feel of an old XJ on sports suspension - which I think really typifies what a Jaguar should feel like*.
Jaguar seem to have lost their way (or ran out of money before launch date more like). Even the pedal map and shift pattern is 'American' unless left in sport - and sorry but the paddle shift calibration is designed for novices. When I use a paddle shift I expect no less than a clutchless manual not a second guessing nanny.
They also still need to sort out some shunting (B A N G) of the driveline at certain speeds - unusual for Jaguar and hence I'm sure on a cal update or model year upgrade it'll get fixed, but it should never have got signed off like that.
It also demonstrates how ludicrous modern cars have got regarding weight. All that capacity with a supercharger and it feels just about agile enough but nothing special.
Even worse though it looks like a repmobile with Aston rear lights - what were they thinking?
Summary: Forget the Merc, get the BM.
Velociphile
*I should point out that I'm only comparing the 'R' versions.