Jaguar XF Named Most Desirable Towing Car in 2009 Towcar Awards
The Jaguar XF 3.0-litre Diesel S won the ‘Money No Object’ prize at the 2009 Towcar Awards, beating 39 rivals for its blend of performance, stability and refinement.
Jaguar’s XF 3.0-litre Diesel S was awarded the ‘Money No Object’ title at the 2009 Towcar Awards, after judges from Practical Caravan, What Car? and The Camping and Caravanning Club rated it the most desirable towing vehicle among 39 contenders.
The panel, which included experienced motoring journalists and caravan specialists, highlighted the XF’s towing stability, strong diesel performance and comfort both with and without a trailer. The Diesel S version, powered by Jaguar’s new 3.0-litre V6 producing 275PS and 600Nm of torque, was singled out for its ability to combine powerful acceleration with secure handling while towing.
XF Diesel S: performance and towing ability
The XF Diesel S’s 3.0-litre V6 was the most advanced diesel engine Jaguar had produced at the time, offering 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. For towing, the engine’s 600Nm torque output was a key advantage, allowing the XF to accelerate confidently with a caravan in tow and maintain stability at higher speeds. Judges reported that the car could pull a caravan securely through manoeuvres that unsettled less capable vehicles.
Beyond raw performance, the XF was commended for its precise steering and agility, unusual for a car of its size when towing. The judges also noted the car’s ability to provide a relaxed and refined experience at sensible towing speeds, with comfort and noise suppression that stood out among premium saloons.
Criteria and competition
The Towcar Awards panel assessed vehicles on towing stability, solo driving ability, practicality, and overall ownership experience. The XF’s high scores in both towing and solo driving reflected its dual role as a luxury saloon and a capable tow car. The 2009 judging team included Steve Cropley of Autocar and Sue Taylor of Camping and Caravanning magazine, both with extensive experience in the field.
- Towing stability under load and in emergency manoeuvres
- Solo driving dynamics and comfort
- Practicality for loading and hitching
- Ownership costs and running efficiency
Jaguar’s UK managing director at the time, Geoff Cousins, credited the award to the XF’s refinement and the new diesel engine’s combination of performance and efficiency. The model’s residual values and lower emissions were also cited as advantages for buyers seeking a premium car with genuine towing capability.
What the award meant for Jaguar
Recognition from the 2009 Towcar Awards reinforced Jaguar’s claim that the XF could serve as both an executive saloon and a practical vehicle for caravan owners. The result also underlined the shift in perception of luxury saloons, with buyers increasingly expecting both comfort and versatility from high-end models.
The XF’s win demonstrated that premium saloons could match or exceed traditional tow vehicles in stability and usability, provided they offered the right blend of power and chassis control. For Jaguar, it marked a successful entry into a market segment where the brand had not been a traditional choice.
