The XF marked a radical departure in terms of styling for Jaguar and while there’s still plenty of wood, it is used in a modern way with the main facing dashboard panels trimmed in aluminium.

There are plenty of unique feelgood features in the XF from the start button light that pulsates like a heartbeat to the cylindrical gear selector which silently slides up out of the centre console. Other touches include blue lighting around the controls (inspired by Motorola mobile phones) and air vents that automatically revolve closed when you turn the engine off.

Jaguar has also done away with the need for switches or buttons for the glove compartment and overhead reading lamps – touching a point in the wood veneer opens the glovebox and touching the lights will switch them on or off. The satellite navigation system (standard on all models) is a modern-looking touch-screen version and other functions, such as ventilation or heated seats are also accessed through it.

The XF’s cabin is beautifully finished, however despite claiming to be a five seater, three adults would find the rear space a bit of a squeeze. Leg room is adequate but rear headroom suffers mainly because of the coupe-like profile, although both the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class aren’t a great deal better.

Jaguar has done a great job of keeping unwanted noise out of the cabin, while ensuring the best aspects of the engine noise can still be heard and enjoyed. This combined with the excellent ride makes the Jaguar XF comfort levels to be excellent on long journeys.