News : Jaguar XF Sportbrake revealed

The new Jaguar XF Sportbrake has been unveiled ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Sharing its underpinnings with the XF saloon, the Sportbrake’s overall length grows by just 5mm, its weight by less 70kg and its chassis structure matches the strength of the conventional XF. These characteristics mean the Sportbrake can closely match the acclaimed handling of the XF saloon yet offers a large and highly practical load space.

Every panel on the XF Sportbrake, from the B-Pillar rearwards, is new. The strong silver signature line running the length of the car is extended while the C-Pillar is finished in gloss black, a trait shared with the XJ saloon. Slim rear light units extend into a strong chrome crossmember that dominates the rear of the car. The result is a car that blends style and function with the rear seat occupants benefiting from 48mm of extra rear headroom.

The large, practical tailgate can be specified with power struts, opening to reveal a wide and highly versatile load space. Measuring 550-litres with the rear seats up, the boot is framed by a set of useful cubby compartments. With the seats folded, the total volume grows to 1675-litres.

Practical touches are prevalent – and standard equipment – on the XF Sportbrake. Remote fold levers are mounted within the boot area to lower the rear seats – negating the need to stretch into the boot. Powerful LEDs throw a pool of light onto the ground when the boot is open while the tailgate itself features a soft close function, avoiding any requirement for it to be slammed. Set into the boot floor is a panel that splits into three sections to allow smaller loads to be neatly wedged and avoiding a precious or fragile cargo being thrown about. A tray mounted under the boot floor helps protect valuable items.

Beneath the car there are extensive changes to the rear suspension. Self-levelling air suspension aids driving dynamics and means the Sportbrake can serve as an accomplished tow vehicle. Powering the XF Sportbrake will be a range of efficient yet powerful diesel engines in 2.2-litre four cylinder and 3.0-litre six-cylinder form, each directing drive through the rear wheels via an advanced eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Prices and specifications will be announced nearer the time of the launch of the Sportbrake, set to take place in the third quarter of 2012.

 

Keith Adams

18 Comments

  1. Jaguar are making some really good cars now, but I get really hacked off with journos still saying the BMW 5 series is better and looking for the slightest, petty reason to have a go at the XF. The Jaguar is a far better car to look at and drive and has far more character and I think the old reliability argument is irrelevant now as the Jaguar is as well made as a BMW and BMW quality isn’t as good as the company would like to admit.

  2. Now that would look seriously good in Police livery zipping along the M27, much better than the BMW 5 Tourings that Hampshire run at the moment!!!

  3. Beautiful, that should sell well. A model that has always been missing from the big Jaguar line-up. All they need now is an XF 2 door coupe.

  4. a really nice car indeed, come on lads, trade in all your boring german lastkraftwagons and get a Jag!!!
    but only diesels? why and when comes the XF R 550 bhp?

  5. ..Wonder which D pillar arrangement will be the standard and which will be the option… or if they’ll be interchangeable…

  6. Stunning car, i am so glad it is now out, i was bursting with excitement when i first saw it, the XFC will now not be appearing in facelifted guise, it will be on the MK2 XF

  7. Joy of joy, the XF Sportbrake has officially been announced and with an indication of when it will go on sale. Well done.

    I look forward to seeing it as a convincing British designed and built luxury estate car after the demise of the Rover 75 Tourer, and stealing sales from the usual ‘suspects’ in the process.

  8. There was a Jag XF Estate on the shuttle from France this morning. Rear end camouflaged, front end not.

  9. Fabulous looking car and I wish them every success and with a 2.2 litre diesel, surprisingly relevant too!

    To buy a 520d Touring in place of one of these, you’d really need your head examining!

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