Exploring the 2009 Jaguar XF Premium Luxury: Is the Non-Supercharged V8 Enough?

The supercharged 2009 Jaguar XF in our long-term fleet has consistently been a staff favorite, rarely finding itself parked alone. It’s easy to see why; its supercharged 4.2L V-8 engine delivers a robust 420 hp with a satisfying sound. The XF’s design, crafted by Ian Callum with its Aston Martin-like taillights, stylish fender vents inspired by the XK, and a front grille nodding to the ’68 Jaguar XJ, captures attention even among the most jaded onlookers. Furthermore, the XF’s driving dynamics, characterized by sharp power delivery, strong brakes, and responsive, well-weighted steering, are truly enjoyable. Given all this, what more could one possibly desire? Or, perhaps the better question is, what less could one accept? This leads us to consider the non-supercharged version of the 2009 Jaguar Xf Premium Luxury.

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This formidable feline is also available without forced induction. It retains a 4.2L V-8 engine positioned ahead of the driver, but without a belt-driven supercharger forcing air into its cylinders, it produces 300 hp. Is this significant drop in power as detrimental as it sounds? Could enthusiasts still appreciate the XF with 120 fewer horsepower?

Model Overview and Comparison Basis

To answer this, we obtained a normally aspirated 2009 Jaguar Xf Premium Luxury for testing. Our test vehicle featured the Premium Luxury package, the higher of the two available trim levels, and was extensively equipped. Comparing the specification sheets revealed that, aside from the absence of the supercharger, our standard XF lacked only two options compared to our XF Supercharged long-termer: Adaptive Cruise Control ($2200) and Jaguar’s renowned CATS Active Suspension (standard on the XF Supercharged). Both models feature the same six-speed automatic transmission equipped with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Both also ride on 20-inch wheels, though the XF Supercharged uses wider 285-width rear Pirelli PZeros compared to the non-supercharged XF’s 255-width Dunlop SP Sport Maxx J tires. The XF Supercharged was approximately 140 lb heavier than the non-supercharged model. Both cars benefited from numerous luxury and technology features, including the Advanced Vision Package, an excellent Bowers and Wilkins premium audio system, navigation, a rear backup camera, and interior panels finished with genuine aluminum and wood trim (rosewood in the Supercharged, burled walnut in the Premium Luxury).

Performance Testing Results

At the dragstrip, the non-supercharged 2009 Jaguar XF Premium Luxury achieved a 0-to-60 mph sprint in 5.9 seconds and completed the quarter-mile in 14.4 seconds at 97.7 mph. While respectable figures, these times were exactly one second slower than those recorded by our XF Supercharged.

Driving Impressions: On the Road

The difference in performance was most apparent when accelerating aggressively. Punching the throttle in the XF Supercharged causes the car to hunk down and leap forward with a roar, much like the “leaper” emblem on its hood. Performing the same action in the normally aspirated version elicits spirited movement, but without the same level of ferocity as its more powerful sibling. Adding two or three passengers further highlights this difference. Nevertheless, the standard XF is far from slow and provides more than sufficient power for everyday driving needs.

Beyond outright acceleration, the standard 2009 Jaguar XF Premium Luxury is nearly identical to the supercharged variant. The car maintains excellent composure on tight freeway on-ramps and during rapid lane changes, even without Jaguar’s CATS adaptive suspension. Similarly, the brakes effectively decelerate the XF from speed with the same confident feel and easy modulation as our supercharged long-term car. The ride remains quiet and comfortable. Even the exhaust note is pleasing, allowing for quiet cruising while providing an eager growl when pushed. The unique, pop-up rotary gear selector continues to be a fascinating and delightful feature to use, and the car’s overall build quality and superior fit and finish are on par with the pricier model. Frankly, the standard XF possesses all the capabilities that at least 95% of Jaguar customers will ever require, whether they fully realize it or not.

Pricing and Value Analysis

So, is purchasing a non-supercharged XF worth the cost savings? The answer depends largely on your desired level of performance and preferred options. Our long-term XF Supercharged had a final price of $66,675. Subtracting the $2200 cost of the Adaptive Cruise Control, which our standard XF lacked, leaves a comparable sticker price of $64,475. The total MSRP for the non-supercharged XF Premium Luxury tested was $61,550, approximately $3000 less. This price included optional features such as the B&W premium stereo ($1875), 20-inch wheels ($2700), and the Advanced Vision Package ($1000). When comparing base prices without options, the XF Supercharged commands a $9500 premium over the $55,975 cost of the non-supercharged car. However, a significant portion of this price difference is accounted for by features that are standard on the Supercharged model but extra-cost options on the less powerful car. Of course, for the truly performance-oriented buyer who plans to drive their Jaguar with the spirit of Phil Hill in his XK120, the XF Supercharged remains the sole choice.