2016 Jaguar XF is one svelte, high-tech cat (pictures)

Notice how the large lower air serve to underline this XF S' performance potential.

These oversized 20-inch wheels lend the XF a planted stance.

The second-generation XF's nose features a more upright grille for added aggression.

A longer wheelbase yields more room for rear-seat occupants despite the XF's shorter overall height and length.

Jaguar's midsize sedan looks at home in a racetrack paddock.

The XF's rear three-quarter view looks a lot like its XE kid brother.

Twin exhaust pipes sit inboard a bit, looking (and sounding) a bit too meek for an S performance model.

This all-black interior scheme is rich, if a bit dour. Lighter and brighter leathers and trims are available.

Not the way the wooden "Riva loop" gracefully and subtly encircles the dashboard, blending into the doors.

While this car features analog gauges and a smaller multifunction screen, the optional InControl Touch infotainment system swaps the binnacle out for a beautiful reconfigurable TFT display.

Jag's InControl touchscreen infotainment returns here with numerous updates, but you'll want to hold out for the late-availability InControl Touch Pro system and its much larger and more capable screen.

Jaguar's now-signature rotary gear selector rises theatrically out of the center console upon startup.

Remember when special engines looked special? Jaguar's 380-hp supercharged V-6 is a great powerplant, but it's covered by a boring plastic shroud.

These headlamps are all-LED, from the daytime running lamp "swoosh" to the main beams.

The XF's taillights feature double-dip light pipes for added character.

These thin-spoke alloys look sensational, and the S model's red calipers play nicely off the red Jaguar center caps.

This Jaguar-head logo design disappeared for a number of years, but it's nice to see it proliferating anew.

These Jaguar side vents break up the front fender's visual mass and serve as the origin point for a character line.

The sideview mirrors integrate turn signal repeaters and a camera for the bird's-eye view system.

Note the small forward-facing camera hidden above the Jaguar logo.

How else will your neighbors know you spent the extra money for the S model if you don't have some fetching badging to point it out?

Since Jaguar's Leaper hood ornament is now a special-order item, the trunk lid is the only place you'll find this iconic pouncing feline on most XFs.

These round exhaust tips are nicely integrated, but look -- and sound -- a bit too reserved.

Note the way the "Riva loop" joins together the door and dashboard to encircle the passenger compartment in wood.

Jaguar's InControl Touch system is standard and now snappier than before, integrating tablet-like swipe and pinch controls. However, the optional InControl Touch Pro system looks like the way to go.

The front seats in this model S provided just enough support for track duty and were comfortable for a long day of driving.

Rear seats are now available heated and with dual-zone climate control, but if you want cooled seats, you'll have to sit up front.

The XF's trunk opening is wider than its predecessor's and offers 17.7 cubic feet of space (more than its rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz).

Stainless kick plates call out that you've splurged on the S model.

These buttons control everything from the fuel-saving stop/start engine feature to the XF's various drive modes.

A bird's-eye-view camera system is available, and very helpful in tight parking spots.

Door controls are logically arrayed. Note three memory positions for the power seat controls.

Take notice of the heated steering wheel button above the cruise control switchgear.