Exterior
Just like the sedan version, the new XF Sportbrake will be defined by smooth, uninterrupted flow lines. The first line begins from the propeller-inspired blades fitted to the side air intakes and goes along the sills of the car and around the rear bumper. The second one runs up from the outer edge of the same intakes, defining the edges of the front wings before wrapping the entire way around the car, creating the XF Sportbrake’s muscular shoulder line.
At the front of the vehicle, there is a new, more upright grille, a purposeful bonnet, and, of course, new headlamps with bi-function HID xenon technology and LED daytime-running lights arranged in a distinctive Jaguar ’J-Blade’ pattern. For the rear, Jaguar is offering gloss black finishers on the rear pillars and rear lamps with LED technology for brake, light, and indicator functions.
The new XF Sportbrake will be offered with two optional exterior design packages, just like the sedan. The first one – The Aero Pack (standard on the ’S’ model) – adds a deeper front bumper, side sills, and rear valance plus a rear spoiler enhancement (a tailgate spoiler is standard on all models). The second package is the Black Pack and replaces the exterior bright finish with gloss black.
Interior
The interior of the new XF Sportbrake is also similar to the XF sedan, but it adds more storage capacity. The dashboard features a centrally-mounted touch-screen that offers full control of the navigation system and a range of other functions. The front seats are more sculpted, while the rear seats are completely new and offer seating capacity for three. Rear passengers also enjoy an additional 48mm of headroom.
“Jaguar is rightly praised for its design-led products but in creating the XF Sportbrake we were careful to ensure that this was balanced with the engineering integrity required to create an estate car that is as usable as it is enjoyable.”
Engine
The new XF Sportbrake will be offered with a range of four-cylinder 2.2-liter and V6 3.0-liter diesel engines combined with an eight-speed gearbox and Jaguar’s Intelligent Stop-Start system. The entry level models will be powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that has been specially designed for reduced emissions and improved fuel consumption.
Top versions will be offered with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine offered in two stages of tune, with the most powerful one delivering a total of 275 HP (for the S version). The V6 engine will be paired to an eight-speed gearbox in all models and offers driver control via steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Prices
Prices for the new XF Sportbrake will be announced closer to its market launch.
Competition
When the new XF Sportbrake goes on sale, it will target models such as the Audi A6 Avant and the BMW 5-Series Touring, which have had the wagon market on a tight hold thus far. The A6 Avant will be offered with a choice of six engines featuring direct fuel injection: one four-cylinder unit and five V6 units with power ranging from 177 to 303 HP. The 5-Series Touring will be offered with will be offered with a choice of two straight-six petrol engines as well as a four-cylinder and a six-cylinder diesel with power ranging from 184 HP to 306 HP. Its true the two German wagon models have the advantage of offering more engine options, but if the British version will follow the steps of its sedan brother will put them in lot of trouble.
gallery: 2013 Jaguar XF Sportbrake
