Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Jaguar XF

The Unsung Hero for today is no newcomer to the Checkered Blog. The Jaguar XF has made several appearances on our blog, and for good reasons. We have told you before that the XF is the newest "sporting" luxury sedan on the Jaguar lot and that it gives a modern spin on the traditional Jaguar look. What we have not really talked about is how for a vehicle of its class, the XF gets great fuel mileage. It gets 26 highway miles and 18 city. The 18 gallon XF tank can garner around 470 miles. I spoke with Phyllis Hunter, a Jaguar gold certified sales consultant at Checkered Flag yesterday, and she says that people may also be interested to know that the XF is not subjected to a gas-guzzler tax (in fact no Jag vehicle is) .

I got a glimpse of the XF when it first arrived at Checkered Flag last March, but Phyllis was kind enough to reintroduce me, and I quickly remembered that it is one of the coolest cars I have seen.  There are three trim levels offered: Luxury (starting at $49,975), Premium Luxury, and Supercharged. All the models have a 4.2-liter V8, but of course the Supercharged comes with a supercharged engine.

The XF interior is really what got me excited. It is no surprise that it received the Best Interior of the Year Award from Wards Auto World. Phyllis and I hopped inside the XF, and with just a push of a button it came to life. I have seen keyless ignitions on other cars before, but pressing the start/stop button on the XF triggers a series of events. The JaguarDrive (gear) Selector knob rises from the center console. The hidden rotating air vents appear on the dashboard, and the 7-inch Touch-screen welcomes you. It is all just very cool to watch. The softgrain leather seating surfaces (standard on the Premium Luxury and Supercharged) paired with the walnut veneer adds a very classic and comfortable feel. The audio system on all XF levels feature full iPod and MP3 connectivity (that you can control on the touch screen) and at least 8 speakers plus a subwoofer. An optional Bowers & Wilkins 440W surround system is also available (it is the same system used at the George Lucas Skywalker Ranch). There is so much that I could highlight about the interior, but we could be here all day so check out the full list here. 

Aside from all the technological conveniences, the XF also has you covered with safety features including: dual-stage front airbags and seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants; side-impact curtain airbags for front and rear; Lower Anchors and tethers for Children (LATCH); active head restraints; and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Phyllis also told me about the very useful Advanced Vision Package. With it comes a rear camera parking aid, blind spot monitor (radar sensors placed in the side view mirrors alert the driver when another vehicle enters the blind spot); Bi-Xenon headlamps; and front parking aid.

You will not have any trouble whatsoever finding pictures of the XF online (they are everywhere), but take my word for it, you cannot truly appreciate its styling beauty until you have seen it in person. Experience the XF by visiting Checkered Flag Jaguar, 2865 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111 for more information.