How the world changes. Had you suggested a decade back that Jaguar should design a large station wagon and power it with a diesel engine people would have laughed uproariously. Yet the latest Jaguar XF Sportbrake will soon be a major new entrant in the premium estate wagon segment in Australia.
The XF Sportbrake by Jaguar keeps the curves of the large XF saloon but gradually shapes a graceful roofline to the rear without too much loss of the practicality buyers demand from a wagon.
Jaguar tells us rear occupants have good knee-room and headroom, of the sort you would expect from ladies and gentlemen of leisure when grand touring. Natural light from a full-length panoramic roof is a major feature of the upmarket wagon.
The long streamlined Jag wagon’s body has a drag coefficient of just 0.29. Yet the load space has a useful minimum volume of 565 litres.
Self-levelling air-sprung rear suspension makes sure the XF Sportbrake maintains its composure, even when fully loaded. Optional Configurable Dynamics system lets drivers fine-tune settings for the steering, transmission and throttle. Taken one step further, with Adaptive Dynamics dampers providing even more driver tuning.
Jaguar has been extremely adept in the use of aluminium-intensive components for many years. But wait there’s more, or rather less weight. An innovative single-piece polymer tailgate takes lightness one step further. It plays its part in giving the Sportbrake a near perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution.
Jaguar’s innovative Ingenium powertrains are used, with four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines
A full suite of driver assistance and safety systems is provided, including one to advise a driver they may be less attentive than the should be, either through drowsiness or because they’re typing texts. To achieve this, Jaguar’s Driver Condition Monitor examines a range of inputs to detect signs of drowsiness and warn drivers when they need to take a break.
Jaguar’s latest XF Sportbrake won’t reach us in Australia until the start of November. We will drive one – perhaps more than one if we are greedy! – as soon as possible and get back to you with our opinions.
The complete Jaguar XF Sportbrake range will be:
R-Sport 20d: $90,400
R-Sport 25t: $91,400
S 30d: $123,450
S First Edition 30d: $137,300
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Jaguar dealer for drive-away prices.
