For years, China has eagerly scooped up long-wheelbase (LWB) variants of popular luxury sedans, 
including models from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi. Now, it looks as though Jaguar will join the fray with an extended version of its second-generation XF. It’s called the XFL, and per tradition, it adds extra metal and offers more space around the rear seat to accommodate well-to-do business types in their daily to-and-fro.
The XF was first introduced in 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Just last year, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) dropped cover on the second generation at the New York Auto Show, quickly following it up with a few revisions early into 2016. Unlike the standard XF, the XFL was created specifically for the Chinese auto market, which today continues to experience rapid growth (albeit at a slightly slower pace than in previous years).
The XFL will be the third vehicle in less than two years from a joint venture between the U.K.-based (and Indian-owned) JLR, and the Chinese state-owned Chery Automobile Co., which together form the Chery Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Company Ltd. The XFL is also the first vehicle to be produced at the JV’s production facility in Changshu, China.
“Jaguar Land Rover is a world-leader in the production of aluminum vehicles and is one of the largest producers of aluminum bodies globally,” says Murray Dietsch, President of Chery Jaguar Land Rover, in a press release. “The arrival of the all-new Jaguar XF L brings the best of this experience and technology to Changshu. It is an important milestone for the team at Chery Jaguar Land Rover.”
Official details on the new model are sparse, but a full reveal is expected at the Beijing Auto Show in just a few weeks time. For now, read on for my speculative review.
Continue reading to learn more about the Jaguar XFL.
Exterior
Note: Standard Jaguar XF pictured here.
We have yet to see any official pics of the XFL beyond a single teaser image of a taillight, but recent spy shots have revealed bodylines identical to the non-LWB XF. Of course, the XFL also includes substantially enhanced dimensions, but the limo’s overall look and aesthetic seems to closely mimic that of the standard-issue XF.
That means you get curvaceous, LED-equipped headlights that hover above enlarged intakes in the front fascia. There’s a long hoodline with muscular creases that lead the eye towards a laidback windshield and gently curving roofline. In back, the taillights are narrow, and the trunk terminates with a slight upward turn that pushes the whole thing forward. The standard XF also gets fantastic, coupe-like proportions and a slightly raked stance when viewed in profile, and it’ll be interesting to see how this translates on the XFL.
Of note is the XF’s lightweight aluminum body, a characteristic that’s also promised in the XFL. While lower emissions, increased fuel economy, and improved handling all make sense for the standard, sporty sedan, it’s not the sort of thing I’m used to seeing on a LWB luxury cruiser. Still, a lower curb weight is almost never a bad thing, and it should help the XFL stand out amongst the competition.
Interior
Like the exterior, the interior will most likely go unchanged compared to the standard XF. Up front will be a three-spoke, multifunction steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen, and rotary control for the infotainment system.
Up front will be a three-spoke, multifunction steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen, and rotary control for the infotainment system.
That said, given the model’s focus on passenger comfort, any updates exclusive to the XFL will manifest in the rear seat. That means there will be features like massage, heating, ventilation, and reclining as standard. The middle passenger space will fold down with a central armrest laden with controls for the rear-facing, seat-mounted infotainment screens and multi-zone climate control, plus the possibility for chilled beverage holders. Foldout desks will provide an on-the-go workspace.
As for the extra room – I’m guessing between 5 and 6 inches of additional legroom in the rear.
Drivetrain
Note: Standard Jaguar XF pictured here.
The XFL’s drivetrain lineup should be a direct carryover from the standard Chinese-spec XF. Starting things off will be a 2.0-liter four-cylinder offering 237 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. Higher trim levels come with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder offering 335 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. Both powerplants are mated to an eight-speed automatic and send output to the rear axle.
With JLR’s heavy focus on lightweight, aluminum-intensive construction, it’ll be interesting to see how the XFL stacks up against rivals when it comes to fuel consumption and straight-line acceleration.
Prices
There is currently no official pricing information for the Jaguar XFL, but based on the competition, I’d wager a figure between 450,000 and 650,000 Yuan ($69,629 and $100,576 at current exchange rates, 04/11/2016). There should be a multiplicity of trim levels and options to choose from to either raise or lower the final price.
Sales are slated to begin in China in the second half of the year.
Competition
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Long
Essentially unmodified from the regular E-Class, the E-Class Long adds around 5.5 inches of legroom in back, all while keeping the usual ritzy Mercedes touches, such as LED headlights and copious high-end cabin materials. Engine options include the choice between a 204-horsepower four-cylinder, 245-horsepower six-cylinder, and a 333-horsepower six-cylinder.
Read the full review here.
BMW 5 Series Li
Packed to the gills with technology, the BMW 5 Series Li increases space for rear passengers by around 4.5 inches. There are four trim levels available, including the 520Li, 525Li, 530Li, and 535Li. The first two employ a 2.0-liter four-cylinder for motivation, while the latter two get a 3.0-liter six-cylinder.
Read the full review here.
Audi A6 L
Unveiled in 2012, the A6L was also specifically tailored to the Chinese market. Matrix LED headlights are up front, while sumptuous leather covers the interior. Power comes from a 1.8-liter TFSI engine, which produces 188 horsepower. A seven-speed automatic transmission routes it to the front axle.
Read the full review here.
Conclusion
Note: Standard Jaguar XF pictured here.
Jaguar seems to be following the same formula as the Germans when it comes to offering a Chinese-market LWB-variant of the XF. And while the economic wizards are predicting a lower growth rate as we get deeper into 2016, that isn’t putting a damper on the automakers’ enthusiasm when it comes to investing in this potentially lucrative market.
Whether or not JLR will decide to bring the XFL stateside remains to be seen, but odds are low considering the marque’s current lineup and the fact the XFL will be built in China. Still, it’ll be interesting to see what new goodies will be revealed when the XFL officially drops cover at the Beijing Auto Show, because who knows, maybe some of that good stuff will show up here, too.
LOVE IT
Should look great Lots of interior room and high-end features Lightweight architectureLEAVE IT
Probably nothing unique to the LWB No shortage of competition Probably won’t be offered in the U.S.Press Release
Jaguar Land Rover today confirmed plans to introduce the first Jaguar vehicle to its joint venture plant in China. Developed exclusively for Chinese customers, the all-new Jaguar XF Long wheelbase (XFL) is the third vehicle to be built by the company’s joint venture, with Chery Automobile Company Ltd, in less than two years.
From the all-aluminium Jaguar XJ, F-TYPE, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport to the new aluminium intensive modular architecture that supports the Jaguar XE, XF and F-PACE, advanced lightweight technology has been a crucial element of Jaguar Land Rover strategy’s throughout its history. It continues to lead the industry in the development of advanced aluminium architectures today to reduce weight in order to improve fuel efficiency, emissions and handling of its vehicles.
Murray Dietsch, President of Chery Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Jaguar Land Rover is a world-leader in the production of aluminium vehicles and is one of the largest producers of aluminium bodies globally.”
“The arrival of the all-new Jaguar XFL brings the best of this experience and technology to Changshu. It is an important milestone for the team at Chery Jaguar Land Rover.”
The Jaguar XFL will be built in China’s first purpose-built aluminium body shop based at the state-of-the-art Chery Jaguar Land Rover manufacturing facility in Changshu. The body shop is almost 50,000m² body shop and contains a fully flexible production line including more than 300 robots.
Inaugural sales of the China-made Jaguar XFL will begin in the second half of the year and further details will be released at the Beijing Motor Show at the end of the month.