2012 Jaguar XF: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Jaguar XF gets a substantial mid-cycle refresh. The biggest change is its sharper exterior design, joined by redesigned front seats, revised cabin controls, and updated navigation and audio hardware.
About the 2012 Jaguar XF
1st generation XF (X250, 2009-2015 U.S.), mid-cycle refresh year.
Jaguar positioned the XF as a sporty luxury sedan that mixed strong straight-line power, rear-wheel-drive balance, and dramatic styling with a cabin that felt more theatrical than its German rivals. The XF’s appeal was not just speed; it was the combination of sleek design, a distinctive dashboard layout, and a smoother, more emotional personality than a typical midsize luxury sedan. For most buyers, it was the stylish Jaguar alternative to a BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
For 2012, Jaguar presents the XF as a V8 luxury sports sedan, ranging from the comfort-focused XF Portfolio to the more serious supercharged models. The XF Supercharged has a 470-hp V8 and adaptive suspension, while the XFR tops the range with 510 hp, sport bodywork, and a 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
What changed, by category
2012 Jaguar XF specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.0 Liter | V8, Supercharged, 5.0 Liter | V8, 5.0 Liter | V8, Supercharged, 5.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/Seq Shft | Auto, 6-Spd w/Seq Shft | Auto, 6-Spd w/Seq Shft | Auto, 6-Spd w/Seq Shft |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 15 mpg | 16 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 21 mpg | 23 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 385 hp | 510 hp | 385 hp | 470 hp |
| Torque | 380 lb-ft | 461 lb-ft | 380 lb-ft | 424 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4079 lb | 4079 lb | 4079 lb | 4079 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 17.7 cu-ft | 17.7 cu-ft | 17.7 cu-ft | 17.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in | 36.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Jaguar XF?
The biggest change is a broad exterior redesign. The 2012 XF has a reshaped front and rear, slimmer HID xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, and LED tail lamps, giving it a look closer to the larger Jaguar XJ.
Did the 2012 Jaguar XF get a new engine or transmission?
No, the U.S. XF kept its V8 engines and six-speed automatic transmission for 2012. The major updates were to the styling, cabin, controls, and infotainment hardware rather than the powertrain.
How did the 2012 Jaguar XF interior change?
The 2012 XF received redesigned front seats, a revised instrument panel, reworked switches, and updated navigation and audio hardware. These changes refreshed the cabin without introducing a completely new interior design.
Did the 2012 Jaguar XF trim names change?
Yes. XF and XF Portfolio replaced the previous Base and Premium entries, while Supercharged continued under the XF Supercharged name. The XFR remained the 510-hp range-topping performance model.
Is the 2012 Jaguar XF meaningfully different from the 2011 model?
Yes, mainly in appearance and cabin presentation. The 2012 model has extensively revised bodywork, new lighting, redesigned front seats, updated controls, and revised navigation and audio hardware, but its U.S. V8 powertrains carry over.