Yahoo Autos 2018 Jaguar XF Sportbrake: Cat with a Backpack
Overall Rating:
Jaguar has elbowed its way into the booming SUV clash in recent years by introducing three all-new utility vehicles in a short span of time. So it was a bit of a surprise when the Brits looked to an old-school formula to add another practical rig to the lineup: the station wagon. Jaguar shot the XF Sportbrake wagon out of the gate by offering only one enticing variant with a standard supercharged V-6 and all-wheel drive. But Americans vastly prefer SUVs to low-slung wagons, and this niche is already occupied by characterful, quick, and adept players. The sexy Jag, for all its sporting image and solid performance numbers, doesn’t separate itself from the pack of competitors.
What’s New for 2018?
Although it may have been overlooked by all but the most ardent auto enthusiasts, Jaguar did in fact craft the previous-generation XF sedan into an estate-Euro-speak for wagon. That one was not sold in the United States. The extra space comes in the shape of a stretched, swooping roofline and large hatchback cargo area, making the XF Sportbrake an intriguing alternative in a tiny but highly competitive segment.
Trims and Options We’d Choose
The XF Sportbrake starts at $71,445 and is offered in only one model: S, which denotes mid-level performance in Jaguar’s naming hierarchy. There is a limited-run First Edition model offered for an additional $1650, but it is essentially a trim package. The S, with its standard 380-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and all-wheel drive, comes with a long list of standard features, including:
• Fixed panoramic sunroof
• Power tailgate with foot-swipe activation
• S-trim body kit
• Rear self-leveling air suspension
• Front and rear parking sensors
Our test vehicle was well equipped with nearly every option package, but few were actually necessary, and the base price is already on the high side. The list of nice-but-not-essential extras include a $2860 Luxury Interior Upgrade package, a $3265 Technology package, and a $360 package that paints exterior trim pieces gloss black. However, the $3495 Driver Assistance package, which brings adaptive cruise control, active parking assist, and a 360-degree surround-view camera, makes more sense to us. A Comfort and Convenience package ($1805) brings cooled front seats and heated rear seats for the temperature-challenged. Selecting these options brings our chosen vehicle to $76,745.
Base Price Comparison
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