Slotted between the entry-level XE sedan and the flagship XJ sedan, the midsize XF sport sedan has been the workhorse of Jaguar's fleet of luxury-oriented vehicles since its debut in 2007, due in part to its sleek styling, range of available powerplants, and many customization and upgrade options. With a next-generation refresh still a year or two away, Jaguar keeps the XF relevant for 2019 by introducing a new limited-edition XF 300 Sport trim and adding a few new standard features to existing trims.

The new XF 300 Sport, offered only for the 2019 model year, gives buyers a wider choice of trims and features. Available with either a gas or diesel powerplant and equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), it features a number of exclusive exterior and interior upgrades. Outside, the 300 Sport gets Dark Satin Grey detailing on the grille surround, window surrounds, side vents, and rear spoiler, as well as unique 19-inch Dark Satin Grey wheels with a metallic diamond-turned finish. Buyers can choose from Yulong White, Indus Silver, or Santorini Black exterior colors. Jaguar dresses up the 300 Sport's interior with yellow contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, shifter, armrests, and doors, as well as unique badging on the carpet mats and door sills. Larger 20-inch wheels are available.

In addition to the 300 Sport, XF trims include the entry-level Base, mid-level Premium and Prestige, and high-end Portfolio, as well as the sport-oriented R-Sport and S. For 2019, all trims now come standard with a 10-inch touchscreen, which provides access to the automaker's Touch Pro infotainment system. Jaguar also adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a suedecloth headliner, metal pedals, and illuminated door sills embossed with a stylized Jaguar script as new standard features for all XF trims.

Outside, the XF's fluid, streamlined exterior design remains one of its best selling points. It displays a low, poised look with a low cabin line, long rounded nose, deep mesh grille, subtle wheel wells, and straight sidelines. Standard exterior features for all trims include automatic headlights with auto-leveling, J-Blade LED daytime running lights, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and LED taillights. The Portfolio, R-Sport, and S add cornering LED headlights and auto high beams, while the R-Sport and S also include a rear spoiler. The Base and Premium ride on 18-inch wheels, while the Prestige and Portfolio get 19-inch wheels. The R-Sport and S upgrade to 20-inch wheels. The S receives a few unique exterior features, including a sports front bumper, red brake calipers, and gloss black detailing.

A trio of engines with four levels of output power the various XF trims. Power for the Base, Premium, Prestige, and R-Sport trims comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gas engine making 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. It drives the XF from 0-60 in 6.2 seconds with a top speed of 121 mph. The engine links to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission with paddle shifters, which is standard equipment on all XF trims. The base engine posts fuel economy numbers of 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined.

Buyers seeking better performance can opt for a more powerful version of the 2.0-liter turbo 4. Available on the Premium, Prestige, and R-Sport trims, and standard on the 300 Sport and top-line Portfolio trims, it boosts hp to 296 and torque to 295. The 0-60 run clocks in at 5.4 seconds, while top speed remains 121 mph. Fuel economy numbers for the tweaked 4-cylinder drop slightly to 23, 31, and 26.

The performance-oriented S trim is the only XF variant powered by a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine, which pumps out 380 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with the V6 and the 8-speed transmission, the S bolts from 0-60 in 5.1 seconds, with the same top speed of 121 mph. Fuel economy numbers fall to 20, 29,and 23.

Those who seek improved fuel economy can opt for a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel powerplant, available on the Base, Premium, Prestige, 300 Sport, and R-Sport trims. It delivers much-improved fuel economy numbers of 31, 42, and 35. Top speed remains 121 mph.

The XF delivers a smooth ride and precise handling, thanks to its sport suspension and driver-assistance features. In its base configuration, the XF sits on an aluminum-intensive rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform, which it shares with the XE and F-Pace. Buyers can add Jaguar's intelligent AWD system on all trims. It includes torque vectoring, which improves stability by applying the brake to the inside front wheel in tight turns. On all trims, drivers can use the automaker's JaguarDrive control dial to choose from Normal, Eco, and Dynamic driving modes, as well as a Rain/Snow/Ice mode, which make adjustments to the throttle mapping, gear shift points, and electric power-assisted steering for optimal handling in different driving conditions. The S trim adds an Adaptive Dynamics system, which monitors the vehicle's driving dynamics and makes adjustments to improve acceleration, braking, and cornering. The system is available as an option on the Prestige, Portfolio, and R-Sport trims.

The XF seats five passengers in its comfortable cabin. It offers a quality feel with high-end materials and good overall fit and finish. Passengers will find plenty of legroom and headroom in both rows of seating, as well a large trunk with a generous 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space. All trims except the Base come equipped with a 40/20/40-split rear seatback for cargo flexibility.

In addition to the new 10-inch touchscreen and auto-dimming rearview mirror, all trims come standard with interior features such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, push-button start, panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable seats, cruise control, and 380-watt Meridian audio system with HD radio and Bluetooth. Models with Premium trim and above include a reversing camera and a power-adjustable steering column, while models with the Prestige trim and above get heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, and navigation. Luxtec upholstery comes standard on the Base and Premium. All other trims add leather upholstery, with contrast stitching included on the R-Sport and S. The Portfolio, R-Sport, and S also come equipped with a number of advanced safety features like lane departure warning, emergency braking, and a head-up display.