This is arguably the most important car Jaguar has ever produced. With questions over future ownership - after Ford put the company up for sale - and continued losses, the brand needs this car to succeed.
The good news for Jaguar fans is that first impressions are promising. The new mid-range premium executive model, called the XF, is a world apart from the outgoing S-Type. Following on from the new XK sports car, next up is the XF, replacing the S-Type and due for a public unveiling at next month's Frankfurt motor show. The car will go on sale in Ireland in March.
Speaking at a recent briefing for the new car, at which we got to take a closer look at the car, Ian Callum, Jaguar chief designer told Motors that he has high hopes for the revamped model range. As we spoke, the new car cruised up the driveway. The first sight is of the new mesh front grille and the sleek new lines, similar in stance to competitors such as the Lexus GS or the BMW 5-Series. It's a radical departure from the retro S-Type and a very welcome one. Comparisons with the GS come up in conversation, but Callum says he signed off on the new XF before the GS was introduced.
Side fins have been carried forward from the XK sports car and add real character, while the tapered side windows give the car a strong physical presence. At the back, the strong use of chrome around the car is carried further with a thick strip across the rear, again similar to the XK.
While the roofline has increased over the concept car to create adequate rear-seat headroom, the long sweeping tail is reminiscent of the new Aston Martin DB9 range, particularly with the large sweeping rear window and the "boomerang" LED taillights. Despite the sleeker coupé lines at the rear, the new car is 20mm taller than its predecessor.
While many Jaguar fans had been expecting something radical when it came to exterior design, what you get on the inside is revolutionary compared to the outgoing car. Gone is the aura of an old gentleman's club, replaced instead by something closer to an ultra modern vodka bar.
Sit behind the wheel and the first noticeable change is the lower dashboard. The styling here is closer to the new XK, particularly on the passenger side where the lines taper off to give better visibility. The new XF also features Jaguar's latest colour touchscreen control system currently in the XK, arguably the most user-friendly interface on the market.
The changes don't end there. Along with a new keyless entry system, Jaguar has created a whole welcome procedure for the car. First up, the starter button illuminates when you get in. It pulses like a heartbeat until you push it and the engine comes alive. With that the new JaguarSelector knob rises from the central console, while previously closed air vents rotate to reveal their louvred fronts. The idea is that the car comes alive. It's all rather showy, but it certainly entertains. The new shift-by-wire dial selector is another radical move by the brand. Other modern features include new motion sensors fitted to the interior lights and the glovebox.
There are four engines are on offer: a 2.7-litre 206 bhp diesel engine; a 3-litre 236 bhp V6; a 4.2-litre 295 bhp V8 petrol; and the flagship 4.8-litre supercharged V8 415 bhp unit.
The XF is the greatest signal yet that Jaguar is determined to cast off its staid, conservative image. With a new XJ due, hopefully, in the next 18 months, it looks like a brighter future for the leaping cat. But the question is: can it turn all these positives into profit before its new owners - whoever they are - lose their patience?
Factfile
What is it?The replacement for the S-Type and rival to the likes of BMW's 5-Series, Audi's A6, Mercedes' E-Class and Lexus's GS range
When is it here?The official launch is next month but cars go on sale in Ireland in March
Engines:2.7-litre 207PS V6 diesel; 3-litre 238PS V6 petrol; 4.2-litre 298PS petrol; 4.8-litre 418PS V8 supercharged petrol. All with Jaguar's new six-speed automatic transmission and shift-by-wire JaguarSelector dial.
Standard features:Wire mesh grille; boomerang LED rear lights; side fins; chrome tailpipes; eight airbags. Options: blind spot monitoring; rear camera for parking
Prices:No indication, but expect them to be marginally up on the current S-Type range