(Jaguar)
Jaguar launched a lighter, more dynamic XF for 2016.
The svelte sedan doesn’t get as much attention as its German rivals, but it’s one of the best options in the mid-size luxury segment, especially if you’re fond of spirited driving.
Now the XF has spawned its wagon body style, which Jaguar likes to call a Sportbrake. And the good news is that the vehicle will be sold in the United States. We’re expecting it later this year, as a 2018 model.Jaguar launched a lighter, more dynamic XF for 2016.
The svelte sedan doesn’t get as much attention as its German rivals, but it’s one of the best options in the mid-size luxury segment, especially if you’re fond of spirited driving.
Now the XF has spawned its wagon body style, which Jaguar likes to call a Sportbrake. And the good news is that the vehicle will be sold in the United States. We’re expecting it later this year, as a 2018 model.
The XF Sportbrake is certainly handsome, though a long rear overhang gives the vehicle a slight tail-heavy appearance. That expanse helps the XF Sportbrake deliver a maximum 60 cubic feet of load space when the rear seats are folded flat. This drops to 20 cubic feet when the rear seats are required.
Speaking of the design, Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum said every line on the vehicle serves a purpose. For example, the fast, sweeping silhouette not only delivers a sense of speed but also helps the car achieve a slippery 0.29 drag coefficient.
JAGUAR'S DESIGN SECRETS REVEALED:
There are some new tech features to improve the experience of driving the XF Sportbrake, too. This includes self-levelling suspension at the rear to ensure smooth handling, even when towing loads of 4,400 pounds. On top of this, owners will find a gesture control function for operating the full-length, panoramic roof and a waterproof wristband key that’s ideal for active lifestyles.
Powertrains should be the same as those in the XF sedan, which in the U.S. means a 180-horsepower inline-4 diesel in base trim and supercharged V-6s delivering 340- and 380-hp further up. Hopefully there will also be a fire-breathing XF SVR Sportbrake to succeed the previous-generation XFR-S Sportbrake.
Potential rivals include the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon, Volvo V90, and to a lesser degree, the new Panamera Sport Turismo. BMW has also announced a 6-Series Gran Turismo as the replacement for its 5-Series GT, though this is more of a hatch than a true wagon.
The wagon is the third and likely final body style for the current-generation XF. In addition to the standard sedan, Jaguar also sells a long-wheelbase XF L sedan in China.
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JAGUAR XF TEST DRIVE: