New Jaguar XF ready for launch

The second-generation XF, which is set to hit Indian showrooms in the coming weeks, will replace the ageing model that is currently on sale. Jaguar had showcased the new model at the 2016 Auto Expo earlier this year.

Here’s what you need to know about upcoming XF:

It will debut Jaguar’s brand new diesel engine

The second-generation XF will be brought in to India in three trim levels – Pure, Prestige and Portfolio. All three trims will be powered by JLR’s brand-new 180hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium diesel unit. The Prestige and Portfolio trims will also offer the option of a 240hp 2.0-litre petrol engine. Jaguar claims the XF with the diesel engine can go from 0-100kph in 8.1 seconds, while the one powered by the petrol unit can do the same in seven seconds. An eight-speed automatic gearbox will be standard.

It offers more space

In order to help it compete with rivals that offer more space, Jaguar has made the new XF’s wheelbase around 51mm longer. This has resulted with 15mm more legroom, 24mm more kneeroom and 27mm more headroom which could benefit the rear-seat passengers. In fact, Jaguar claims that the car offers 3mm more legroom over that offered by its rival BMW 5-series.

It's 195kg lighter

The XF’s chassis sees the extensive use of aluminium for weight reduction and improved driving dynamics. It features 70 percent of aluminium in its construction, which the company claims makes it 190kg lighter than its predecessor, and it is nearly 30 percent stiffer. The carmaker also claims that the new XF will get a 50/50 weight distribution because of the use of steel in the rear section.

It’s packed with features

Jaguar will provide the new XF with a host features. The Pure trim gets an eight-inch touchscreen, 17-inch alloys, bi-functional xenon headlamps and the front seats can be adjusted electronically. In addition to the Pure trim features, Jaguar will provide perforated leather seats and a memory function for the driver seat and the steering wheel in the Prestige trim. The Portfolio trim gets a larger 10.2-inch touchscreen with InControl Touch Pro, 18-inch wheels and 14-way adjustable electric front seats among other features.

It’s up against stiff competition

The second-generation XF will go up against Volvo’s upcoming S90, as well as its German rivals – the Mercedes E-class and BMW 5-series, which are likely to be due sometime next year. Another rival is the Audi A6, which isn’t expected to come here before 2018.