Jaguar reveals XF Sportbrake 14 | 06 | 2017
SCOTS TENNIS ACE Andy Murray has lifted the wraps from Jaguar’s new XF Sportbrake. Order books for the car, designed by fellow Scot Ian Callum, are open at Scottish dealers now, with prices starting at £34,910. (Related: Jaguar serves up a Scottish ace)
Set to take on the likes of the Mercedes E-Class Estate and BMW 5 Series Touring, the XF Sportbrake focuses on luggage space.
With the rear seats in place the new XF Sportbrake can stow 565-litre off luggage, 25 litres up on the saloon. Fold the 40:20:40 seats down, and the difference is massive, rising to 1700-litres, which is significantly higher than the four-door’s 885 litres.
How does it compare with the BMW and the Merc? The Jaguar competes directly with the Beemer, only falling 5-litres behind when the rear seats are in place. However, the E-Class swallows significantly more luggage, boasting 1820-litres total capacity.
One of the attractive features of the XF Sportbrake is the optional panoramic roof, which is offered with a gesture-controlled blind. The tailgate also comes with a foot-operated function.
Not surprisingly, the Sportbrake’s cabin has mostly been carried over from the saloon, with an identical dashboard and the same fixtures.
Jaguar has been quick to highlight the current XF Sportbrake enjoys more rear passenger space compared with the previous generation, with more leg and headroom. Headline options include digital dials and a 10-inch infotainment system.
as is the case with the saloon, the XF Sportbrake will be available in four trim levels, Prestige, R-Sport, Portfolio and S. However, Jaguar has curtailed the engine options. Buyers get the choice of four diesels, and just one petrol.
There’s a choice of 2.0-litre units with 161bhp, 178bhp or 237bhp, plus a 296bhp 3.0-litre V6. While the smaller unit is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, the larger two are mated to an eight-speed auto.
And while the 237bhp gets four-wheel drive as standard, it’s only available as an option on the 161bhp version.
The sole petrol is the 247bhp 2.0-litre.
Murray, in his role as Jaguar ambassador, unveiled the XF Sportbrake before placing his Wimbledon trophy inside and sending it on a UK-wide tour to inspire the next generation of players.
“Winning my first major title ten years ago was an amazing moment for me, the world No1 said. “It was the culmination of everything I'd worked for my whole life. I feel very lucky to have got to where I am today and hope that anyone passionate about tennis gets the opportunity to play and improve.
"Letting go of the trophy will be difficult, but there's no better vehicle than the Jaguar XF Sportbrake to take it on this UK tour. I'm pleased that people are going to be able to get up close to the trophy when it visits schools and tennis clubs, and hopefully it might encourage people to pick up a racket this summer.”
And Dumfries-born Ian Callum, Jaguar’s director of design, believes the new XF Sportbrake is ideal for the modern-day family.
"The iconic Jaguar posters of the 1950s promised customers grace, pace and space,” Callum said. “ The XF Sportbrake re-imagines this offer for 21st-century active families, with stunning looks, sports car performance and a load space fit for active lifestyles.
“As with the XF saloon, every line on the Sportbrake serves a clear purpose, creating a fast, sweeping silhouette. This gives the car a sense of speed and a very dynamic appearance. As a result, I think it looks just as sporty as the saloon, if not more so.”
Related: Jaguar unleashes 591bhp XE SV
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Jim McGill