Jaguar confirmed the XF Sportbrake version at the recent Paris Motor show and now the second generation station wagon was caught testing at the gruelling Nurburgring. Expect the car to be unveiled at next year's Geneva Motor show.
The test mule features the brand’s signature J-Blade LED daytime running lights, alloys borrowed from the sedan and a heavily camouflaged rear end. The red brake callipers and dual exhaust, with an additional hidden badge on the grille is an indicative of the performance intention of the estate.
The Sportbrake will carry the same underpinning as the sedan but expect a different rear suspension setting in order to manage the extra weight at the rear. The manufacturer will try and focus on making the car as appealing and stylish as the sedan. Drivetrain for the standard Sportbrake is unclear, but expect the 2.0-litre four cylinder diesel engine to be carried over from the sedan. The XF S Sportbrake might have a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 under the hood with 375bhp. A 3.0-litre turbo diesel or Jaguar’s all-new Ingenium turbo petrol engine might be offered with the station wagon. Sending power to the rear wheels, the engines may be mated either to a six-speed or eight-speed automatic transmission. And a probable SVR version isn’t out of the question yet.
When arriving next year, the XF Sportbrake will make its debut on American soil as well. The British Sportbrake will compete with the Mercedes E-Class Estate, the Audi A6 Avant and the upcoming BMW 5 Series Touring.