The E60 M5 did let itself down in some areas over the Jaguar XFR, but can the latest twin-turbo F10 M5 prove a worthy match for the supercharged XFR in 2012?

WORDS Adam Tait | PICTURES Jackie Skelton

‘SPRAY SLOW DOWN’ is a common nag of the overhead matrix displays on the UK’s motorway network. The tyres project water from their grooves, which are aimed rearwards, obscuring the vision of anybody following too closely. Apparently a concrete surface exaggerates the phenomenon, and at this moment in time, I’d have to agree.

To the left of the M5 is an incredibly courageous blind guy attempting to break a speed record in a Porsche 911 Turbo. He’s only practising, but the Porsche must be travelling at well over 100mph along Bruntingthorpe’s main runway, and to the right of the M5 is the reason why we are here today, to experience Jaguar’s latest version of the XFR. It packs a 5.0-litre AJ-V8 and a supercharger which produces 503bhp. Combined, the road spray from the 911 and XFR could compete with the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas.

Why the XFR? In sales terms it was the closest super saloon to rival the E60 M5, pipping Audi’s RS6 and Mercedes’ E63 AMG, not to mention being the most usable and refined over its V10 Munich rival. The previous seven-speed SMG gearbox found in the M5 even came with a warning that it would be erratic from cold, and it most certainly was. These problems have since been ironed out with the advent of the F10 M5, so it’s time for the two to compare notes again.

This XFR has been revised for 2012; namely freshened up in the looks department, both inside and out. Mechanically it remains unchanged, but a new bonnet, bumper and slimmer headlamps take care of the exterior and new switchgear reinstates the premium feel when you climb inside.

 To read more, including the verdict and Phil Weedon's views, see the March 2012 issue of Total BMW.

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