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2021 Jaguar XF P300 Road Test | Still in the game, but now in another league

The Jaguar XF is never the four-door you think of first when it comes to picking a luxury sedan. After all, you’re much more likely to see a BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class or Audi A6 roaming the streets than you are to see JagÂ’s midsize sedan. The numbers back this up, too, as Jaguar sold a middling 748 XFs in the U.S. in 2020. Does that mean this drive in the refreshed 2021 Jaguar XF could be one of our last? Perhaps, and as we pointed out in our first drive of this XF, getting rid of the model would mean the end of the Jaguar sedan. The XE and, most regrettably, the XJ have already met their maker. What a sad day that would be. But that day hasnÂ’t come yet, which means itÂ’s time to take this entry seriously. The specific version that was sent to review is the top-of-the-line Jaguar XF P300 R-Dynamic SE model that starts at $51,145. Even this one is cheaper than what has traditionally been considered its main competitors: the base BMW 530i or Mercedes-Benz E 350. Instead, the Jaguar XF lineup is priced to be in what is clearly a lower sedan segment with the Lexus ES, Acura TLX, Cadillac CT5 and cheaper Genesis G80s. The XF stands a chance on this playing field; on the previous one that flies the German flag? Not so much.  Walking up to the car is enough to deliver our first demerit. It comes in an area that was traditionally JaguarÂ’s strong suit: distinctive design. The XFÂ’s general look hasnÂ’t changed much since the 2016 model year when this generation was introduced, and the mid-cycle refresh didnÂ’t do enough to help. ItÂ’s not a bad-looking car, but JaguarÂ’s taken no chances, and itÂ’s getting boring. That wasn't the case with the original XF, which stood out boldly inside and out. Today's XF doesn't. We'd much rather stare at the slinky new TLX or stately G80. And while the sleek LED tails are a nice new touch, the elimination of its elegant dual exhaust for a hidden exhaust tucked up under the bumper is a step backwards — especially for the uprated and more powerful P300 R-Dynamic trim. 2021 Jaguar XF P300 R-Dynamic View 18 Photos At least output from the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four — the supercharged V6 option is dead, much to our dismay — is more than acceptable for this class, sitting at 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration is largely emotionless with a small bit of response lag after stepping into the throttle — it does hit 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

Take a trip down Jaguar's memory lane with Xcar

For decades, Jaguar has been a company of two minds. On one hand, there are its luxurious, British saloon cars. They might be quick, even sporty, but when it comes down to it, they usually put a focus on comfort and accommodations above all. On the other hand, Jag has its sports cars to really get its buyers' blood pumping. Think about it: the XJ might look pretty sweet, but you know deep down that you would rather take the F-Type for a spirited drive, reveling in its snorty exhaust note. In its latest video, Xcar Films takes us on a very enjoyable history lesson covering some of the Brit brand's most exciting models ever.
Xcar hits all of the highlights, starting with the often-overlooked C-Type from early '50s with its somewhat bulbous shape. Things then progress to the drop-dead gorgeous D-Type. The one in this video is actually the first ever made and therefore worth a fortune. Because of that, the host isn't really able to get too aggressive, but it's fantastic to get an idea of what it's like to experience being behind the wheel of this icon. Finally, it ends with a Series 1 E-Type. This was when the classic model was still something of a sports car; instead of the grand tourer that the E-Type became in its later days.
All three of these cars are legends in their own right, and maybe one day the F-Type could be too. Scroll down for a history lesson on some of Jaguar's best sports cars.

Jaguar XE SV Project 8 is a 592-horsepower monster

Move over, F-Type, Jaguar has a new performance flagship. The Special Vehicle Operations division of Jaguar Land Rover applied its expertise to the XE sports sedan to create an absolute monster of a car. Named the XE SV Project 8, it features a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 pumping out 592 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. That power goes through an eight-speed automatic and an all-wheel-drive system with an electronically controlled torque-vectoring rear differential. In practice, this will rocket the super sedan to 60 mph in a claimed 3.3 seconds on the way to a 200 mph top speed. The XE SV Project 8 is not only about raw power and speed, though. Lightweight carbon fiber bumpers, front fenders, and hood have been fitted. The fenders are significantly wider, too, which cover 265-mm wide tires up front, and Hellcat Widebody-rivaling 305-mm wide tires in the back. The added grip is supplemented by stiffer springs and retuned anti-roll bars and shocks. The front splitter and rear wing are adjustable, as is the ride height. Carbon ceramic brakes are also included with six-piston front calipers and single-piston rear calipers. All of these pieces should come together to make the XE SV Project 8 just as impressive in the corners as in a straight line. View 12 Photos The interior has undergone an overhaul, too. The standard model has seating for four, featuring front buckets with magnesium frames, and more sculpted rear seats. Carbon fiber and Alcantara can be everywhere throughout the cabin. All of the typical Jaguar comforts are still present, as well, including 4G Wi-Fi, climate control, LCD displays, and a 380-watt sound system. The dial shifter in the regular XE also gives way to an F-Type-style lever allowing for manual shifting via the lever instead of paddles if you so choose. There is an additional interior configuration for the XE SV Project 8 that won't be available in the US and Canada. Called the Track Pack, it completely removes the rear seats, and the front buckets are replaced with carbon fiber units. In place of the rear seats is a roll cage with harness points for fitting the included four-point harnesses. The pack also adds a fire extinguisher system along with a black roof and stripes. The Jaguar XE SV Project 8 will make its full public debut this week at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Only 300 of the cars will be built, and all of them will be assembled at the Jaguar SVO facility.