Judged purely on its towing ability, each and every one of our drivers had the Jaguar XF at the top of the 1550-1699kg weight class. It really is that good.

We’ve enjoyed towing with the previous XF, but the new model is even better. The 180PS (178bhp) version of the new Ingenium diesel engine delivers much improved fuel economy and emissions, but without compromising on performance. Pulling a tourer weighted to 85% of its kerbweight, the Jag accelerated from 30-60mph in 11.8 seconds.

Data from the Al-Ko ATC system showed stability to be beyond reproach, both at speed and in emergency manoeuvres. Very few cars come close to the Jaguar’s unperturbed towing manners at 70mph, and in the lane-change the XF completed the test at ever faster speeds without any pushing or pulling from the caravan – the Jag made our most dramatic and violent test seem almost pedestrian.

The hill-start was just as straightforward. In wet and dry weather, the Jag pulled easily to the top of the slope, and reversed on the far side without any problem.

Like the smaller XE from the class below, the XF continues to impress once the caravan or trailer has been unhitched. It corners beautifully, with direct and accurate steering. But while the smaller Jag has an over-firm ride, the XF rewards the driver without compromising comfort.

Inside, the XF may not match some German executive saloons for fit and finish, but the interior design is attractive and sporty, with a very good driving position. There’s decent space in the back, too.

If you don’t think saloons make practical tow cars, the XF could be the car to change your mind. Our testers found room for a full load of holiday luggage in the boot. Other towing-friendly features include a clear reversing camera and trailer stability control to help combat snaking.

Upmarket saloons like the Jag aren’t cheap, but in Prestige spec the XF is decent value. What Car?’s research suggests Jaguar dealers are prepared to offer healthy discounts on the list price, too.

2019
Category Winners
2019 Up to 1400kg

Škoda Octavia

Hatch 1.5 TSI 150PS SE L DSG

2019 1400-1549kg

Seat Ateca

2.0 TSI 190PS FR DSG

2019 1550-1699kg

Volkswagen Arteon

2.0 TDI 150PS Elegance DSG

2019 1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2019 1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 SDV6 HSE

2019 Best Budget 4x4

Dacia Duster

1.5 dCi Ambiance 4x4

2019 Best Plug-In Hybrid

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

P400e HSE Dynamic

2019 Best Ultralight Tow Car

Seat Arona

1.0 TSI 115 FR

2019 Fuel Economy Award

Ford Focus Estate

1.5 EcoBlue 120PS Titanium X

Previous Winners
2018
1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2017
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 Td6 HSE*

2016
1400-1549kg

Skoda Superb Hatch

2.0 TDI 150PS SE Business

2015
1400-1549kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI BMT 150PS SE Business DSG

2014
1400-1549kg

Nissan Qashqai

1.6 dCi (130PS) Stop/Start System Acenta Premium

2013
Up to 1424kg

Skoda Octavia

2.0 TDI CR 150PS Elegance

2012
1725–1899kg

Jaguar XF

2.2D Premium Luxury

2011
1425-1574kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Sport

2010
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery 4

3.0 TDV6 XS

2009
1900kg+

Volvo XC60

D5 SE Geartronic

2008
1575-1724kg

Ford Mondeo Estate

2.0 TDCi Titanium auto

2007
1575-1724kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI Sport 4Motion

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