Next-generation Jaguar XF to debut in 2015

Jaguar has confirmed that the new XF sedan will make its global debut at the New York motor show in April 2015. The British carmaker mounted a fresh offensive on the German troika with the launch of the all-new XE sedan, and now looks to step it up by bringing in the new XF to take on the likes of the BMW 5-series, the Audi A6 and the Merc E-class.

Now that Jaguar is planning to give its entire line-up a similar look as showcased by the new XE, it is no surprise that a lot of design elements on the new XF look similar to the XE sedan. It is also being suggested that the new XF will have sharper bodylines, and the face will have the XE-like grille, albeit a little bigger.

On the inside too, the new XF will draw heavily from the smaller XE sedan. The most prominent of all new additions will be Jaguar’s new infotainment system, which includes the InControl Apps system that is described by its makers as “one of the most advanced voice recognition packages in the world”.

The new Jaguar XF will also be based on the aluminium iQ[Al] platform as the XE. This platform was first shown by Jaguar in the C-X17 concept in 2013. It is not only flexible and scalable, but also lighter as compared to the chassis in the current XF. This new iQ[Al] platform will help the new XF shed around 50-100kg. Additional drop in weight will come because the new XF will be powered by JLR’s Ingenium range of engines, which are up to 80kg lighter than the equivalent Ford engines in the current car. This cumulative weight-reduction can in turn be utilised to achieve better fuel efficiency or better drivability.

As for the Indian markets, considering that the new XE sedan is not expected anytime before 2016, the new XF will only be launched later. JLR’s Ingenium engines though, will debut soon on the Land Rover Discovery Sport. They will make it to the XE later and will eventually power the XF.