Exclusive images show bold new look for Jaguar XF, promising less weight and improved agility
Jaguar’s assault on the German establishment is about to step up a gear with the new XF, due on sale in 2015. With the F-Type tempting away Porsche customers in their droves, the XE about to do battle with the BMW 3 Series, an Audi Q5 SUV rival in the pipeline and even an updated XJ
arriving in the coming months, the brand already has plenty on its
plate – yet it’s still found time to develop an all-new XF executive
car.
We’ve seen spy shots of it testing in recent weeks, and a source has confirmed it will debut sooner than we think – in spring 2015, with a launch in late summer next year.
Our exclusive images show how the BMW 5 Series rival will sharpen up its image by taking cues from the XE, with a squarer, more upright grille and an aggressive front bumper. But beyond the new styling, Jag plans to make it the lightest, best-handling, most efficient and technologically advanced car in its class.
The newcomer will sit on a stretched version of the XE’s
iQ[Al] chassis, constructed from more than 75 per cent aluminium. As a
result, it will be stiffer and more agile, but also significantly
lighter than the current four-cylinder diesel XF, which weighs in at
1,735kg. Shedding around 100kg would see the car comfortably undercut
the 1,695kg BMW 520d and 1,660kg Audi A6 Ultra, although
four-wheel-drive versions – due a few months later than the rear-drive
models – will weigh a little more.
Knock-on effects of the XF’s weight loss will be much sharper handling – and this will be further boosted by the lightweight aluminium rear suspension (reducing unsprung mass) and double-wishbone front suspension derived from the F-Type. The electronic steering will also be quickened up for swifter reactions.
Despite driving like a much smaller car, and weighing significantly less, the new XF is expected to be bigger than the model it replaces, creating more breathing space between itself and the XE. More rear legroom and even more boot capacity than the current 540 litres will make it the most spacious choice in its class.
With Jaguar’s £500m investment in its new Wolverhampton engine plant,
it’s no surprise the XF will make use of the new Ingenium engine
family. Details of a new 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder are yet to be
revealed, but a new 2.0-litre turbodiesel will make up the bulk of new
XF sales. This will deliver 161bhp or 178bhp in the XE, with the most
efficient model promising 75mpg-plus economy and CO2 emissions of
99g/km. So this engine should make the XF the cleanest car in its class –
toppling the A6 Ultra and Lexus GS 300h.
Private buyers looking for a little more oomph will be offered the latest 3.0-litre V6 diesel, plus the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 from the F-Type in various states of tune, with a near-600bhp V8-powered XF SVR earmarked for later in the car’s lifecycle.
Tech fans won’t be disappointed, either, with the current model’s ageing interface replaced by Jaguar’s new InControl infotainment and connectivity system, first seen on the XE and based around an eight-inch central screen.
Highlights include a crisp, colour head-up display, seamless integration for Apple and Android smartphones and an app that will let you pre-heat or cool the interior, unlock the doors and locate the car in a crowded car park.
The XF will initially be available only as a saloon, with an estate following later – that’s because the current XF Sportbrake will continue for a while as it’s only been on sale for two years.
A huge variety of trims will be available, although a range-topping ‘S’ spec will be reserved for the fastest V6 model, while the rest of the line-up will be offered in Prestige trim for those after luxury, and R-Sport for buyers who prefer to be noticed, with big wheels and more dramatic bodywork.
We’ve seen spy shots of it testing in recent weeks, and a source has confirmed it will debut sooner than we think – in spring 2015, with a launch in late summer next year.
Our exclusive images show how the BMW 5 Series rival will sharpen up its image by taking cues from the XE, with a squarer, more upright grille and an aggressive front bumper. But beyond the new styling, Jag plans to make it the lightest, best-handling, most efficient and technologically advanced car in its class.
Knock-on effects of the XF’s weight loss will be much sharper handling – and this will be further boosted by the lightweight aluminium rear suspension (reducing unsprung mass) and double-wishbone front suspension derived from the F-Type. The electronic steering will also be quickened up for swifter reactions.
Despite driving like a much smaller car, and weighing significantly less, the new XF is expected to be bigger than the model it replaces, creating more breathing space between itself and the XE. More rear legroom and even more boot capacity than the current 540 litres will make it the most spacious choice in its class.
Private buyers looking for a little more oomph will be offered the latest 3.0-litre V6 diesel, plus the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 from the F-Type in various states of tune, with a near-600bhp V8-powered XF SVR earmarked for later in the car’s lifecycle.
Tech fans won’t be disappointed, either, with the current model’s ageing interface replaced by Jaguar’s new InControl infotainment and connectivity system, first seen on the XE and based around an eight-inch central screen.
Highlights include a crisp, colour head-up display, seamless integration for Apple and Android smartphones and an app that will let you pre-heat or cool the interior, unlock the doors and locate the car in a crowded car park.
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A huge variety of trims will be available, although a range-topping ‘S’ spec will be reserved for the fastest V6 model, while the rest of the line-up will be offered in Prestige trim for those after luxury, and R-Sport for buyers who prefer to be noticed, with big wheels and more dramatic bodywork.
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