Family sedans are hurtling down the road to obsolescence. In 2018, Ford announced that after the 2021 model, it would stop producing the Ford Fusion, the brand’s last domestic sedan. And SUVs have essentially edged most sedans out of the market. However, luxury sedans, such as the Jaguar XF, refuse to go down without a fight. And it doesn’t hurt that many luxury sedans, especially the XF, don’t carry the hefty price tag you might expect from a high-end car. 

Luxury sedans are sticking around

According to GoodCarBadCar, many luxury sedans are seeing improved sales so far this year compared to last year. Audi, BMW, and Genesis have all seen large sales increases. In fact, the Audi A7 has seen an 85 percent year-to-date change over 2020. And the Jaguar XF is also on pace to outsell previous years.  

A little less sport, a lot more luxury in the 2021 Jaguar XF

According to MotorTrend, the Jaguar XF has bolstered the case for luxury sedans, and the 2021 model is no exception. In fact, this model year is possibly the strongest for the XF. The 2021 XF saw significant changes, with a bigger emphasis on luxury and a little less on sporty performance. Jaguar eliminated the V6 engine, which took away quite a bit of power.

For example, the XF’s 0-to-60-mph time averages between 5.9 seconds and 6.8 seconds, and the top speed is between 130 and 155 mph. Its quarter-mile time also isn’t as fast, with times ranging from 14.4 seconds to 15.1 seconds. But it boasts responsive steering and a well-balanced chassis, allowing it to handle corners smoothly. However, the all-season rubber tires slow the sedan’s braking time.

The 2021 XF may be less powerful than before, but it’s definitely more luxurious. Jaguar modified the exterior to give it more elegant lines, along with a new grille, new bumpers, and new taillights. But the interior saw even more changes. Both the dash and instrument panel were modified, and an electronic shifter replaced the retractable dial-a-gear shifter. Plus, the dash features an open-pore wood treatment with an aroma of real wood. 

Overview of the 2021 Jaguar XF

With the elimination of the V6, there are now only two available engines for the 2021 Jaguar XF. Both are 2.0-liter turbo-fours, producing 245 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque with front-wheel drive and 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque with all-wheel drive. EPA-estimated fuel economy averages between 23 and 25 mpg in the city and 33 and 34 mpg on the highway. Both engines come with the same eight-speed automatic transmission, and steering-wheel paddles give you the option of shifting yourself.

One other major change for the Jaguar XF is the infotainment system. The Pivi Pro infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, and it comes with an 11.4-inch touchscreen. A 12-speaker Meridian hi-fi sound system also comes standard.

The interior has a much more luxurious feel than previous models and is better insulated against road and wind noise. It’s also fairly roomy, with a back seat that can easily fit taller riders.

LED headlights and running lights are standard, and an optional package blacks out part of the outer trim.

So, while some sedans might be joining the unfortunate ranks of obsolete cars, don’t expect luxury sedans to disappear. And with the new Lincoln Zephyr that Ford is producing for the Chinese market, it might bring Ford sedans back into the mix. The 2021 Jaguar XF is making a statement. Don’t count luxury sedans out.