Jaguar XF vs Lexus IS F 02/15/2011
Manufacturers have increasingly targeted the "entry-level" luxury market - typically in the $30,000 range - as buyers have enthusiastically shelled out in order to say that they drive a certain make or model. But there's still a healthy middle class of luxury vehicles, and the Jaguar XF and Lexus IS F are two prime examples.
Both vehicles start north of $50,000, but the XF is cheaper at $52,500 than the IS F at $59,760. Lexus somewhat closes the price gap by offering a 6 year/70,000 mile warranty, which beats Jaguar's 5 year/50,000 mile pledge.
The vehicles are quite similar underneath the hood, as both sport 5.0-liter V8 engines that get 16 city/23 highway miles per gallon. The IS F is tuned for horsepower, producing 426 to the XF's 385. But the XF wins in torque, with 380 lb-ft compared to the IS F's 371.
The two vehicles both come fully loaded, but the Jaguar comes with standard navigation and parking assist, two optional features that add on to the already-high price tag of the Lexus.
Ultimately, the IS F is the better vehicle - but it's not $7,000 better. The XF is close or even superior in nearly all aspects, ultimately making it the better value.