Jaguar XFL Driving Experience

The car is quite long, measuring 5.1 meters. Despite its length, the handling is still excellent. I haven’t driven any high-performance cars, but in comparison to my old 5 Series, the XFL feels more agile. My previous car was a BMW E60, which I drove for almost twelve years. The XFL handles sharp turns exceptionally well, perhaps due to its double wishbone suspension.

I purchased the top-of-the-line configuration, and the seats in the luxury package are more comfortable and softer compared to the sport package. They offer excellent support and a greater sense of envelopment. The sport seats and the highest trim level seats are too firm, according to online reviews.

Some online reviews mentioned low-speed juddering and vibrations. Initially, I did experience some of that when I first got the car, but by the time I reached over 2,000 kilometers, I hardly felt anything. It’s likely that the transmission and other components needed some time to break in.

The infotainment system currently supports wired CarPlay, but some authorized dealerships now offer wireless CarPlay as well. It shouldn’t be long before the system receives a major update and automatically enables it.

Additionally, the new car smell is not overwhelming, and the steering wheel feels light.

The acceleration is relatively slow at the start, but once you reach speeds of fifty to sixty miles per hour and continuously press on the gas pedal, the power flows continuously. This aspect is quite good.

Due to the 19-inch tires (245/45/19), I have already had to repair the left rear tire three times, and it’s always the same one.

Speaking of craftsmanship, I personally find that Chery (Jaguar) has done a pretty good job. The materials used are of good quality, and many touchpoints are covered in genuine leather, which I appreciate for its tactile feel.

There are also many thoughtful details, such as the gearshift lever on the steering column, which is made of metal and feels substantial. Many of the visible and shiny elements in the car are made of metal.

The crystal gearshift handle provides a very comfortable feel, and of course, it is much more practical than the previous rising rotary gearshift lever. As for the interior, I’m a bit lazy, so I chose black, which is easy to maintain. Additionally, the interior comes in a dual-tone combination of red and light brown, which looks very attractive and suitable for a business environment. It exudes a sense of grandeur.

Well, I’ve said a lot, but in essence, this car is suitable for middle-aged people like us for daily commuting and transporting children. The rear seating space is ample, and it doesn’t feel out of place as an extended version in the domestic market. The car’s design lines are harmonious.

Now, let’s talk about the downsides. Jaguar’s minor issues still require attention. The suspension is quite stiff, and compared to my old E60, it doesn’t filter vibrations as well. To put it positively, the road feel is too clear, and even slight vibrations are immediately noticeable. Additionally, there is significant tire noise, especially when reaching speeds above 100 mph. The ground clearance is low, and I’ve scraped the front lip multiple times. I’ll have more to share after driving it for a few more months.

To borrow my wife’s words, this is like a budget replacement for the 5 Series (56e), considering the significant price difference, right?