LONDON: Jaguar has unveiled an all-new version of the Jaguar XF in London – a model that was voted Car of the Decade by readers of Auto Express in 2010. The new second generation Jaguar XF, with clear echoes of the XE in the design, will go on sale in UK showrooms towards the end of this year, featuring the lightweight tech and new engines debuting in the XE.
Jaguar’s design chief Ian Callum gave Auto Express a guided tour of the new XF, telling us what the brand’s trying to achieve with the new model: “We’ve listened to what existing customers have asked for, so the car is more mature, sophisticated and with more room,” he said.
The sportier S models, like the car in our pictures, get deep air intakes below the bumper, while all models feature a distinctive Jaguar bonnet bulge. The strong, long window line has a new kick-back graphic around the rear three-quarter window, while a bold shoulder line gives the car what Callum calls “visual length”, peaking over the rear wheelarch and fading away towards the back.
2015 Jaguar XF: interior
The inside takes themes from the XE, XJ and current XF, so the famous revolving air vents that tumble into position as you press the starter button are still present. However, they’re now on the outer edges of the dashboard rather than in the middle, for packaging reasons – no doubt due to the 10.2-inch touchscreen now available. The familiar, rising rotary gear selector is also present and correct.
Jaguar’s ‘Reva hoop’ design runs from the doors around the dash, meeting at the centre with a neat Jaguar badge. The overall theme is one of cosseting comfort that’s both simple and elegant.Plus, there’s a step up in technology with InControl Touch Pro, taking Jaguar’s connectivity to the next level thanks to the bigger screen and quad core processors that’ll cut response times and allow snazzier graphics.
Jaguar XF 2015: engines and driving dynamics
Dynamics are improved thanks to a body that’s 28 per cent stiffer and 11 per cent lighter, while at the front there’s double wishbone suspension similar to that of the F-Type. Integral link was chosen for the rear set-up for the best blend of comfort and handling, while Jaguar’s Configurable Dynamics with continuously variable damping will be an option to tweak the dampers, steering and eight-speed auto box.
Electric power-steering also features, and as with all new Jags the XF will be available with four-wheel drive. Engine choices include members of the new Ingenium engine family that debuts in the XE, with 161bhp and 178bhp 2.0-litre diesels. The former will be sold with Jaguar’s new ‘E’ badge as it’ll emit only 104g/km of CO2 and claim 70mpg-plus.
There’ll also be a revised version of the 296bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbodiesel with a whopping 700Nm of torque, while the 375bhp 3.0-litre V6 petrol from the F-Type will also feature.
