All-New 2016 Jaguar XF Revealed: German Rivals Take Note

Step aside German saloons, the all-new 2016 Jaguar XF has been unveiled prior to its debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show in April. Boasting a new platform and engine options, the second-generation British sedan looks set to take on competition from the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6.

Beneath the metal of the all-new Jaguar XF is a new aluminium-intensive architecture, which is shared with the upcoming XE. The new platform is 190kg lighter than the previous model and sees an increase in torsional stiffness by 28 percent. This is possible as the 75 percent of the architecture is made out of aluminium.

In terms of dimensions, the new car measures 4,954mm (7mm shorter) in length and 1,465mm (3mm lower) in height but its 2,960mm wheelbase is 51mm longer. That is more than the wheelbase on the E-Class (2,874mm) and Audi A6 (2,912mm) but is shy of the BMW 5 Series (2,968mm). However, Jaguar claims to have class-leading rear seat space with more legroom, kneeroom and headroom.

Vehicle dynamics duties fall on the double wishbone and Integral Link suspension and a near-50:50 weight distribution. Additionally, Jaguar’s Configurable Dynamics enables the driver to adjust the car’s dampers, steering, engine and transmission for the required driving condition. Select markets will receive a torque-on-demand all-wheel drive system, controlled by Intelligent Driveline Dynamics, first seen on the F-Type AWD.

Powertrain options include the company’s new range of Ingenium diesel engines. In this case, it is a 2.0-litre unit available in two states of tune: 163PS/380Nm and 180PS/430Nm. Both engines are paired to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

Petrol engines are available as well, all paired to the eight-speed automatic. Engine choices include a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine, good for 240PS and 340Nm torque. A 3.0-litre supercharged V6 is offered as well in 340PS/450Nm and 380PS/450Nm power ratings.

On the outside, the restyled exterior sees a larger front grille, larger front intakes, and slender LED headlights. The strong XE influence can be found at the rear where the new LED taillights (with F-Type-style LED pattern), linked by a chrome strip are found. The dual exhaust pipes also feature a gloss black surround on the rear bumper and a small lip spoiler completes the XE-inspired looks.

The interior is reworked and features a configurable 12.3-inch TFT display that replaces the traditional gauges. Handing the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system is a 10.2-inch touchscreen and 17-speaker Meridian audio system.

Jaguar as yet to announced pricing for the all-new Jaguar XF but it has revealed that sales in the UK will start in Autumn 2015 and production will be at Jaguar Land Rover's Castle Bromwich plant.