By Sabrina Lee in Pamplona, Spain

What is it?
When Jaguar first launched the XF back in 2007, it was to be the successor to the S-Type.

The XF retained the elegance and charm of the S-Type but presented a new design language more suited for contemporary times, and quickly became one of Jaguar's best-selling models. The new XF moves things along even further.

How has it changed?
The new second-generation Jaguar XF is seven millimetres shorter than its predecessor (good), has an increased wheelbase of (51mm longer, also good) allowing for better interior room, despite the lowered roofline.

It also comes with 540-litres of luggage space, that's 20-litres more than the first of its main contenders, the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz's E-Class, both of which are Singapore's top sellers in the medium-executive segment.

How does it drive?
We sampled the turbodiesel 3.0-litre V6 Portfolio; thankfully, the XF variants are still proudly rear-wheel drive and mated to the competent and smooth ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. 

You sit quite low, and the seats are supportive if on the firm side of comfortable.Though the engine doesn't sound sporty, this is a business class diesel sedan, and as such is very capable in that it's fun to drive, refined and should prove to be decently efficient too.

Steering is accurate and full of feel, a pleasant surprise for a car this size and no doubt a result of the stiffer, lighter chassis. The assisted steering feels meaty, there is precision as soon as you push it off-centre. Consistent in weight and accuracy, there is also a certain alacrity to its responses that lets you muster some sportiness from the otherwise large-ish car.

Refreshed looks, refined ride.
The XF turns eagerly, and hugs corners like a well-clawed cat because of Jag's Adaptive Surface Response (AdSr). We relied on the AdSR system- which adjusts steering, throttle, transmission, and stability control - while tackling a narrow and quiet stretch of road that is one of the stages of the Tour de France; it made the going very easy, almost effortless even, and more importantly brisk and smooth.

Even when driving at 160km/h along the motorway, it almost feels like you could have Sunday Brunch in the cabin of the V6, which speaks of the car's refinement. When it came to climbing uphill hairpins on the slopes of the mountainous Pyrenees, the V6 was responsive and powerful from very low down in the rev range, with its 700Nm on tap from just 2000rpm.

Should I get one?
If you happen to be in the market for a big luxury sedan, this new 2015 Jaguar XF is a credible alternative. Though the 5 Series and E-Class have been solid segment choices for decades even if they're not the most exciting options. The XF could be the thinking man's alternative...

NEED TO KNOW

Jaguar XF 3.0-litre TDV6 Portfolio

2993cc, V6, RWD, 296bhp, 700Nm

5.5l/100km, 144g/km CO2

0-100 in 6.2secs, 250km/h

1750kg

Q4 2015