Oh yes, you see it correctly. Jaguar shifts it up a notch. From D to S...
Which we could translate as 'From Standard to Sportbrake'.
Because the XF saloon has been on the road since 2008, and now finally it gets company. Finally, another stationcar from Jaguar.
Jaguar is synonymous for design, so we can ask ourselves: did Jaguar do a good job in turning the XF into an estate?
From the B-pillar towards the back, the Sportbrake is all-new. And when you ask me, they've made a stylish machine.
Like this, it looks very sharp even though the rear end makes me less enthousiastic.
One way or another, the Sportbrake looks less refined than the saloon. No coupé-like roofline, but a pretty big butt
But hey, that is my personal opinion... That fat ass is there for a reason. According to Jaguar this XF Sportbrake has 550 liters of cargo space.
And when you fold the rear seats, that volume grows up to 1.675 liter. Jaguar has done this with the competition in mind...
because with those figures it lands exactly between the Audi A6 Avant and the BMW 5-series Touring.
But let's be honest, what do numbers tell us after all?
Numbers don't say too much. How practical and useful is this Sportbrake in real life?
Take a look. Nice and wide loading area, low threshold, the floor is nice and flat. Smart!
It gets even better when you pull two simple levers, and a flat loading bed appears. Well done, Jaguar.
Are you looking for a practical car? Jaguar now has one.
But with a Jaguar you expect a car with driving charcteristics which exceed the average.
I can assure you, Jaguar has done a good job on this Sportbrake.
The suspension is very convincing, it feels quite sturdy. The car behaves in a easy-going way, the interior is quiet, it still is a Jaguar you know.
And then the steering. At the turn-in point it lacks a bit of communication, but turn in more and the car starts to react smoothly.
Next to that, it stays on course even when you push the limit. There is not a lot of understeer.
It's a comforting drive, this car.
To be honest, it's not the most dynamic car. But that will suit the business man and his family on their travels; fast, solid, and with good comfort.
It's remarkable that Jaguar will only bring diesel engines into this Sportbrake.
There's a choice between four options: two versions of a 2.2 four cylinder and two versions of a 3.0 V6.
Why, you ask? It's quite simple.
This car was developed for the European markets, and in this segment diesel engines make up the majority of the sales there.
Jaguar says: we have very good petrol engines, but they won't make any money for us in Europe.
So a Sportbrake with V8 will remain a dream.
Both diesels are very nice engines. The four cylinder is the economic choice. Is quiet, pretty smooth...
and this V6 is for those wanting more power and smoothness.
This is a very convincing power plant.
All engines are coupled to an eight speed automatic transmission. Which is flawless.
Well, it's a bit slow from standing start, but the good thing is you hardly notice it doing it's job. And that's what you want in an Jag.
The V6, with the big reserve of power, fits very good with this car.
Yeah, I'm starting to like this car. It looks good for an estate, it's practical enough and the technical aspects are good as well.
Chosing a Jaguar XF Sportbrake has to do with guts, even more than ever before.
Dare to chose differently, because this car turns out to be a pretty good deal.
The nice thing is, especially while driving in Scotland, this car slowly but surely gives you a certain thought: I want a Jaguar.
+ useful and practical + Drivetrains and comfort - Use of infotainment system - No petrol engines