The Jaguar XF has become a familiar sight on our roads since its launch in 2008 and its elegant looks no longer turn heads as they once did.
Yet familiarity has not bred contempt and it remains one of the most beautiful mainstream cars on sale today.
The range starts at £29,945. That’s a very good price for such a car, especially as even entry level models come with full leather seats, so it doesn’t look like you’ve gone for the cheapest option.
The variant I spent a weekend with was the 2.2 diesel Premium Luxury model, which costs £35,795.
Most XFs come with diesel engines and mine had the four-cylinder, 161bhp diesel unit. It doesn’t make it the fastest executive saloon on the market 0-62mph takes a leisurely 10.5 seconds but it feels quicker than that and the engine is remarkably smooth for a four-cylinder. It also returns a healthy 57mpg.
There is a 197bhp version of the same unit, which cuts 0-62mph to 8.5 seconds, and 3.0 litre V6 diesels with 237 or 271bhp.
Those with money to burn can look at the bonkers XFR or XFR-S models, which have north of 500bhp.
Ride quality is on the firm side but still very comfortable and the handling is superb given the car’s size.
It’s terrifically agile, with loads of grip and good feedback from the steering wheel. The eight-speed automatic gearbox goes about its business without any fuss, making changes just when they’re needed.
Although there’s a touch of wind noise at higher speeds it’s just a touch and the XF is one of the best long distance cruisers.
The attention to detail seen on the exterior is continued inside the car. Most cars at this end of the market have well designed, high quality interiors, but Jaguar has had enough fairy dust sprinkled on it to elevate it to the realms of the truly special.
There are so many touches that put a smile on my face every time I sat in the driver’s seat and pressed the start button.
As soon as the engine bursts into life the air conditioning vents rotate into view. Switch off the heating system and, job done, they disappear back out of sight.
Similarly, the clever rotary dial that operates the automatic gearbox slides down flush into the centre console when you switch the engine off.
A wealth of other smaller touches, from the cool blue interior lighting (lights come on at the brush of a fingertip) to the touch-open glove compartment and real wood trip make the interior a delightful place to spend time.
Everyone in the car will agree, unless they happen to be exceptionally tall and seated in the back. That striking low roofline means headroom is tight for anyone over around 6’3”, but for normal size people it’s perfectly fine.
With 500 litres there’s plenty of room in the boot.
Although some of BMW and Audi’s engines manage slightly better fuel economy and lower emissions, neither the 5-Series or A6 puts a smile on your face quite like the XF does.
Its blend of sporting saloon and luxury cruiser, along with its terrific good looks (designed by Scotsman Ian Callum) mean it remains one of the best executive cars available.
Price: £35,795
0-62mph: 10.5 seconds
Top speed: 130mph
Fuel economy: 57.7
CO2 Emissions: 129g/km