2016 Jaguar XF review

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Jaguar XF 2016 spied

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All-new Jaguar XF saloon will arrive in 2016 and our spy photos reveal new chassis and turbocharged engines

The Jaguar XF is the heart of the company's range of cars, and despite Jaguar's ambitious plans for an SUV and small saloon, the XF is also due for a complete overhaul in the next three years.

Our spy photographers have captured new prototypes of the Jaguar XF 2016 in the clearest detail yet, and these latest images reveal how the new BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class rival is taking shape.

The next-generation Jaguar XF will sit on the same all-aluminium iQ[al] modular platform as both the C-X17 concept and the ‘XS’ compact saloon – but with a stretched wheelbase and wider track than on the current model, and that also means it should be a lot lighter than before as well.

The black test mule in our pictures features a recessed grille and wider front apron that has been bolted on to accommodate the wider wheel arches. The door handles are all recessed into the body work another telltale sign that these are old panels draped over brand new chassis architecture.

At the back a pair of twin exhausts which exit much closer to the middle of the bumper are clearly visible – along with the gaps where the original pipes go. That proves the next XF is likely to use the same expanded range of four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engines being built at Jaguar's new factory in Solihull.

Higher up the range a supercharged V6 and petrol and diesel hybrids will both be offered, while the flagship versions are still likely to use V8 power. For the first time in the UK the XF will be offered with the option of two or four-wheel drive – reflecting a rise in all-wheel drive across the segement.

Speaking to Auto Express at the Frankfurt Motor Show, former Jaguar boss Adrian Hallmark told us: “The XF is the core of the Jaguar volume, it's our volume product and we want to take that to another level.” He also said that bringing in new bodystyles like Sportbrake earlier in the life cycle was key to making more profit.

As we already know the small saloon will make its debut in 2015 – with a coupe and estate also in the works – but the new Jaguar XF is likely to arrive a year later. If it follows the pattern of the current car than expect to see a concept at the Detroit show in January, with the production model appearing at Paris in September.

 

1 Nov, 2013 1:26pmPaul Bond