Jaguar's new XF executive express is as happy tackling twists and turns as munching motorways with style and stamina, says motoring editor Andy Russell.

I'd been gobbling up the miles on the dual carriageway until the sat-nav's traffic system warned of a hold-up on the motorway ahead.

Faced with a dreaded delay, its country A-road detour turned into a delightful diversion and highlighted that the all-new Jaguar XF is a dynamic sports saloon, as happy tackling twists and turns as munching motorway miles.

So what's new?

It's hard to believe the XF – which heralded that radical, and highly successful, new era for Jaguar – was launched in 2007 as it's worn its age very well.

It's not a radical change of design direction but park next to its predecessor and you realise how much it's changed, especially in dark colours which show it in the best light.

It picks up design cues from the smaller XE, now the brand's entry model, and F-Type sports car but what you don't see also makes a big difference.

Lighter, more efficient and packed with new technology, aluminium-intensive architecture has cut up to 190kg for class-leading weight which, along with new and improved engines, improves all-round performance and there's more space.

Under the bonnet

At the top end are 275PS turbo diesel and 380PS supercharged petrol 3.0-litre V6 engines but new high-economy, low-emission 163 and 180PS Ingenium 2.0-litre turbo diesels, replacing the old 2.2-litre units, are the highlights here. A six-speed manual gearbox is now offered but I'd still go for the seamless eight-speed auto with paddle shifts.

The 180PS diesel and automatic box make a formidable pairing but the XF needs a good prod of the throttle to get off the mark smartish. Once rolling it picks up crisply – especially in dynamic mode, kicks down eagerly and cruises in near silence pulling just 1,500rpm at 70mph in eighth gear. Overall I saw 50mpg compared to 40mpg out of the old 2.2.

Ride and handling

As I found out, the XF has a sublime balance between ride and roadholding, helped by near 50/50 weight distribution.

Even with the R-Sport's sport suspension and optional 19in black alloy wheels – which look fantastic with matching black front grille – it dismisses bumps and lumps as though they don't exist, yet hugs the roads with remarkable athleticism for a big, solid car and the sweet steering – it now has electric power assistance which also helps economy – is precise and responsive.

The XF is a top-notch long-distance cruiser with some tyre noise on poor surfaces the only intrusion into the overall air of peace and quiet.

Space and comfort

The new platform puts another 51mm between the front and back wheels, put to good use with class-leading space in the back thanks to 15mm more legroom, 24mm more kneeroom and up to 27mm more headroom.

The headroom is partly down to the low-set back seat so small people might find it more difficult to get out, especially with the heavy doors. A new feature is an extra small window – dubbed a sixth light – behind the back door opening which gives a clearer view from the back and allows more light in.

It may be available only as a saloon – there's no Sportbrake estate as buyers needing more space now have the new F-Pace sport utility vehicle - but the 540-litre boot has good access and plenty of space for luggage. Optional 40/20/40 split rear seat backs are released by pulling a knob each side of the boot.

At the wheel

There are few places nicer than being at the wheel of a new Jaguar with soft-touch materials across the fascia, set off with twin stitching and brightwork highlights, but the finish lower down isn't so classy.

The fascia combines modern flair – the rotary automatic gear shift controller rises from the centre console and the air vents swivel open when you start the engine – with traditional taste.

The new XF has Jaguar's most advanced infotainment and connectivity with an all-new next-generation InControl Touch Pro system, complete with navigation and wifi, with a 10.2in touch screen with dual view technology. It's intuitive to use but not the quickest to respond.

Final say

I was concerned the smaller XE saloon would steal some of the XF's thunder but Jaguar has raised the image and prestige of the bigger model. It's even more a true driver's car that makes every trip a sense of occasion.