20/08/2008 15:20. Aug. 20 (Bloomberg) -- As I sweep down the hills in my 2009 Jaguar XF test car, I am a man divided. That elusive and graceful Jaguar ride is readily apparent, the sense of gliding atop a powerful cushion of air like Aladdin on his magic carpet. The $63,000 car itself, though, is less beautiful and graceful than the ride suggests.

As usual, I want to love Jaguar. And, as usual, I'm not sure it's entirely on the mark.

Sometimes a company's storied heritage works against itself. Every time Jag releases a new car, it's difficult not to compare it to classics such as the 1960s-era E-Type convertible and coupe. It's doubly disappointing when they don't live up to that high mark, souring the brand's iconic imagery like love handles on James Bond.

The XF is the replacement to the S-Type, the... // Bloomberg