There are V6 and V8 engines; all come with a six-speed automatic gearbox and provide plenty of pace. Most buyers will go for one of the two 3.0 V6 diesels - the 271bhp S model gives surprisingly strong performance, but the standard 237bhp is so good that it makes the stronger unit seem a needless expense. If you prefer a petrol engine, the 3.0 V6 uint is fine, but the smooth, flexible 5.0 V8 is much more impressive

Jaguar has an amazing ability to produce cars that are as sharp as a tack to drive, but as smooth as molten chocolate to ride in. There's a bit of firmness at low speeds, but the XF has a more cossetting ride than most rivals. Once you're going at a decent pace, it displays a terrific balance of control and suppleness. The fluid handling, sensitive steering and plentiful grip help to make any journey a joy.

To say there's no noise inside the XF would be a lie. You can hear the V8s gurgling and growling at times. What Jaguar has done is to expel unwanted noise, such as from the road, wind or other traffic. The six-speed auto gearbox shifts smoothly most of the time, but in sport programme there are definite steps in the downshifts when braking hard.

Unlike Jaguars of old the XF is not a cheap car when compared with the opposition, although it is one of the best equipped. The absence of four-cylinder engines is the main issue. Most rivals offer this option to keep running costs for company car drivers low. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are comparable to most rivals with six- or eight-cylinder engines, however, and residual values are pretty strong.

From the stitched leather dash and door cappings to the aluminium and wood furnishings and the blue mood lighting, the XF looks expensive and stands comparison with all but the very best. The company's reliability seems to be right up there, too: in the most recent JD Power survey, Jaguar finished a very creditable fifth.

The XF has all that's expected and more - not only does it protect its occupants with systems to help you avoid accidents and others to minimise the effects of one, but it also looks after pedestrians by using a bonnet that springs up in the event of a collision. There's no shortage of security kit, either, so your investment should be well protected.

You're reminded of just how modern this car is every time you look at the dash. From its theatrical start-up procedure to its lighting and materials, it's like no other Jag. Despite this, it's all so easy and instinctive to use. The driving position is good, too, but visibility is restricted from several angles.

You can't have a coupe-like roofline without sacrificing some headroom, while the transmission tunnel makes it a car for two in the back rather than three. Only the tallest adults will suffer, though, and legroom is fine. There's also a proper boot - a minimum of 500 litres, with fold-down rear seats so you can enlarge it.

Jaguar has given us a no-holds-barred specification list that leaves little to be added and explains the XF's comparatively high pricing. You don't just get the expected (wood, leather, air-con) either: modern features such as touch-screen sat-nav with voice controls and iPod connectivity are also in there.