It is certainly true that this car represents a break with the brand's past, and it is all the better for it. Many luxury icons have not fared well in recent years, and Jaguar is among them. However, it remains a luxury brand - and, as such, it should always be aspirational, exclusive and, above all, desirable.
However, the Jaguars of recent years have failed to embody these qualities. Once a rather racy cut above a Rover, known for being the managing director's choice, the Jag lost its way. Sold to Ford, the marque looked to be headed for glorious revival, but the pastiches of Sir William Lyons' great designs failed to deliver. Forgetting the spirit of the brand, many of the XF's predecessors were dumpy creatures that lacked the poise of a great cat.
The XF is different. It looks sporty, poised and modern. It bears more than a passing resemblance to its half-brother, the Aston Martin, and therefore also to the XK. It is a big, impressive car on the road, but looks fast enough to be a getaway vehicle in a Guy Ritchie film. Its clean lines revive a sporting heritage with a contemporary edge that will ensure the car turns heads, and may well prompt another generation to reassess the 'Big Cat'.
We can only hope that Tata, which has just bought the marque, keeps up the good work.
Design: Jaguar.
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