2010 Jaguar XF Premium

For 2010, the Jaguar XF gets Jaguar's all-new, 5.0-liter V-8 engine, which displaces the long-serving 4.2-liter V-8 across the Jaguar lineup. Its 385 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque represent substantial increases over the outgoing 4.2-liter engine's 300 hp and 310 lb-ft, such that this normally aspirated XF model felt nearly as fast and energetic to me as our Four Seasons 2009 XF Supercharged, which has 420 hp and 413 lb-ft. The same engine is also available in the 2010 Jaguar XK coupe and convertible.

Our affection for Jaguar's ability to combine athleticism with luxury in the XF has been well-documented. Anyone considering a BMW 5-series, Mercedes-Benz E-class, Audi A6, or Lexus GS ought to test-drive the XF as well.

What's even more amazing about Jaguar's chassis tuning is that the company's engineers manage to instill the XF with a comfortable ride even while using huge wheels and tires. Our XF Premium test car was shod with 20-inch "Senta" wheels that were simply stunning. Jaguar has, arguably, done the best job of any luxury carmaker over the past decade with its wheels. They're invariably gorgeous.

Joe DeMatio, Executive Editor