For MacDaddy- It's fast, English, and the right color

Quick Test: 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged

Tested: 0-60 in under five seconds and the quarter at nearly 107 mph!

By Ron Kiino
Photography by Brian Vance

What: Jag's topline midsize luxury-sport sedan, reinvented
How Much: Base price, $62,975; as tested, $65,475
What's Hot: 420 supercharged horses, gorgeous cabin, sexy sheetmetal
What's Not: Compromised rear-seat headroom, thirsty engine, narrow front seats

On the Road:
"While I'm not taken with every styling cue (the XF's profile reminds me too much of a Lexus GS's), I do like the overall look-it's sexy and stealthy, rich and polished. More important, this all-new Jag handles much like its lighter, smaller, and sportier (and far more expensive) sibling, the XKR; provides a ride that is plenty supple yet responsive (thanks to the CATS adaptive suspension); and accelerates and stops as well as a 911 Carrera. What's not to love?" -- Ron Kiino

"Vastly improved over S-Type, thrilling to drive with loads of high-tech goodies. Power-up sequence is modern and classy. New transmission dial rises slowly, in sync with the swivel-up air-con vents, a trick you'd be happy to show your mate and mates. Gutsy throttle response, with heavy and precise steering, reminiscent of a GT car. Still, only 98 percent of the way there and betrayed by only the tiniest missteps. A bit more refinement and sophistication would make this a world beater. There was an annoying creak from the A-pillar, a kind of plastic bending noise seemingly triggered by high-frequency road vibrations. Metal-look switch plates and panels are high-quality plastic, but still plastic. Loud seat and steering-column motors seem to grind as though near death. But if you can look beyond these minor annoyances, the new Jag XF SC is definitely a luxury sedan you'll want to leap into." -- Edward Loh

"If this is Jaguar's new direction, I'm impressed. Can't remember the last time I've driven something that got so much attention, so many double takes. I'm guessing the fact it doesn't look like other Jaguars is playing in its favor. I see a little Lexus and Aston Martin in the exterior, but it's the interior details and nimble road feel that really make this one sing. Good to see such a strong competitor here in a segment of world-class sedans." -- Mark Williams

Bottom Line: Like the Beatles and Beckham, this Brit's a superstar.

2009 Jaguar XF