2011 Jaguar XF Series

While the Jaguar XF might look somewhat bland in photographs, it's extremely handsome in the flesh. The shape is elegant, modern and smooth. Inside, there's more legroom, front and rear, than I remember in previous Jaguars. Plus, the touch-sensitive controls for lighting and the glove box, the heater vents that open and close automatically, and the unique dial that controls the automatic transmission are very cool. Under the hood is a brilliant, supercharged engine that can be switched from racy to luxurious by pressing a button on the center console. So many desirable touches make the XF far more attractive to own than the photos suggest. – Paul Hagger

The 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged is the top-line trim of Jaguar's new sport sedan, and is powered by the 420-horsepower 4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine. The engine delivers massive torque at virtually any rpm, accompanied by a menacing whine familiar from other supercharged Jaguar models. With a stiff chassis, the XF Supercharged feels nimble and quick, with active suspension and 20-inch wheels and tires, and the driver can control all the power with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The interior is all about a modern but classically elegant design, with oak veneer and leather combined with electroluminescent gauges and a touch-screen interface to control navigation, climate control, audio system and other functions. High-tech features include a blind-spot monitoring system that warns the driver of another car lurking off a flank with a light in the outside mirror. – Mike Meredith

The new Jaguar XF Supercharged is a superb vehicle. There is so much to like about this car. The transmission is very quiet and refined. It has a smooth V8 that develops 420 horsepower. Driving the power to the ground are large, 20-inch rims outfitted with meaty 285 series rear tires. Inside the car, there is excellent craftsmanship in leather and wood, and there is a nice use of aluminum accents on the pop-up shift knob and door sills. As a car tipping the scales above the 2-ton mark, it is adept at hiding this weight during spirited driving. On the technology front, the XF is equipped with Bluetooth, a user-friendly navigation system and a nice blind-spot management feature in the mirrors, which is subtle and not obtrusive. The XF is a perfect fit for a driver who wants a sporty touring car with a luxurious interior. – Joe Chulick