Jaguar XFR 2011: combines speed and safety

There are cars, and then there are Jaguars." This isthe response I got from a diehard Jaguar fan when I asked him why he was refusing to buy any other car (he was on his third Jaguar at the time, a 2005 XJ).

That's the thing about a Jaguar. It's more than just an automobile that takes you to your destination. And the relationship you have with it can develop into a full-fledged love affair.

I hadn't believed that until I got to drive the 2011 XFR.

I must admit, with Jaguars it's unlikely to be love at first sight. They are not in-your-face like some brands in the same league. In fact, some would say the XFR looks bland compared to its rivals.

This model does conform to the Jaguar DNA in looks. However, I felt that the re-worked front with a mesh grille works very well - sheer elegance. The rear-end styling with quad exhaust tips, spoiler on the boot, and sculpted side panels kind of grows on you. Understated would be the right term.

Top-notch cabin trim

The same theme is carried forth inside the car. A full leather interior is standard - with a combination of aluminium trim dashboard, awash with wood panelling, and door panels with twin-needle stitching. There's even mood lighting.

The XFR has sport seats with electronically adjustable side bolsters that are said to be much more supportive than the buckets in the regular XF. Soft-grain leather is again standard. The seats have an ‘R' logo embossed on them, and the front seats have leather seat-back map pockets. The ventilated seats are adjustable 18 ways for the driver and 14 for the front passenger. They can also be heated or cooled depending on the temperature.

Very tall passengers may complain about the space in the backseat (however, my 6'3''-tall son only murmured his discomfort towards the end of the Jaguar's stay with us), but rest assured there's decent head- and legroom for anyone shy of six feet.

One feature that could have been more user-friendly: the multifunction touch-screen panel. The XFR boasts an impressive audio system with an optional 14-speaker sound, and a portable audio interface which allows simple, direct connection of iPod and MP3 players with full control via the touch-screen or steering wheel controls.

Loaded with gadgets

The interior design theme is distinctly modern. The speedometer and tachometer have the unique sporting signature of red dial pointers and carry the "R" motif. At start up, the aluminium panels go up to reveal the a/c outlets and the "R" logo appears on the display panel; a very dramatic welcome to the driver.

From there on, it is one exciting drive. The XFR boasts an optional Dynamics Pack, which incorporates an Adaptive Dynamics System. This high-tech system analyses chassis movement along with inputs from the driver and the wheels 500 times every second, continually adjusting the suspension to improve handling without loss of comfort. The result, according to Jaguar, improves the car's handling and strikes a balance between a smooth ride and the handling of a sports car.

Other user-friendly technologies abound. They include cruise control with automatic speed limiter; an optional radar-based Blind Spot Monitor that warns the driver when there is another vehicle in adjacent lanes; and an optional rear camera parking aid, which provides a clear view of the area behind the car on the display panel while reversing. This features on-screen guidance lines that move according to steering wheel angle to indicate the area into which the car will reverse.

Enough about the features. What everybody wants to know is how it drives. With a 5-litre supercharged V8 (the XF has a 4.2-litre V8) that produces 510bhp at 6,000rpm and 625Nm of torque at 2,500rpm, the XFR certainly sounds like it belongs on a racetrack. The growl of the V8 is hard-edged, but this translates only to a mild snarl inside the cabin when the accelerator is pressed. Even under hard acceleration, the car remains relatively composed.

According to Jaguar, the 0-100km/h sprint time is just 4.9 seconds. It certainly did feel like it though we did not time it. Speed aside, what matters in everyday driving is that it takes less than two seconds to move from 80 to 112km/h, which makes overtaking manoeuvres a breeze.

The steering may not be very communicative, but the responsive chassis tells the driver what's about to happen. You can feel the grip levels change through a turn, allowing you to react to the car's ever-changing attitude.

On the straight runs the XFR is nicely balanced, with impressive body control and a ride quality that's truly impressive. A drive to Abu Dhabi and back within a span of a couple of hours feels like an evening in the park.

On the windy trail up the Jebel Hafeet, the XFR was incredibly agile, the ZF six-speed transmission shifting super smoothly even in regular Drive mode. In Sport mode it's even more fun. Even if you go flat out, the XFR's wild snarling performance is controlled by the electronic rear differential. Bringing it under control is child's play. You never feel out of control at any stage.

The dynamic suspension has much to account for; it firms up when you're putting the XFR through bends, and settles down to provide a smooth ride on a rough patch. The combination of excellent ride and the incredibly quiet cabin belie how fast this beast can be. If you aren't careful on highways you'll find yourself exceeding speed limits without ever feeling it.

Ah, it took just four days to realise how easy it is to fall in love with a Jaguar. Just speed alone doesn't usually impress me. Control is equally important. The XFR bridges that gap. And how!

Inside Out

Engine: 5-litre AJ-V8 Gen supercharged engine
Horsepower: 510 horsepower at 6,000rpm
Max torque: 625Nm of torque at 2,500rpm
Transmission: ZF 6-speed transmission
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 4.9secs
Mileage: 12.5 litres/100km (combined)
Price: Starts at Dh399,000