Last year, the XF saloon won the middle weight class. This year, we’re testing the Sportbrake estate model with four-wheel drive, which pushes the kerbweight high enough to move up a weight division.
Although it hasn’t won its class this year, the Sportbrake continues Jaguar‘s record of performing very strongly in our tests.
With 237bhp and 369lb ft of torque, the 2.0-litre engine has no trouble towing a caravan weighing 85% of its kerbweight. The 30-60mph time of 10.6 seconds shows how eagerly the car builds speed, even while towing.
Speed is matched to stability. There was very little movement when slowing from motorway speeds, and our drivers only noticed some small shimmy from the caravan once travelling at speeds which would be illegal on the motorway.
The Jaguar handled the lane-change test with great composure. On the third and quickest run the caravan was sliding dramatically, but the back of the XF stayed on course and the car dragged the caravan straight again.
Inside, the Jaguar doesn’t feel quite as plush as rivals from Audi or BMW. However, there’s plenty of space for adults to sit comfortably, even in the back.
There’s lots of luggage room, too – enough for our practicality judges to find room for almost a full load of holiday bags and camping gear.
Every XF Sportbrake has a comprehensive list of safety kit fitted as standard, and the saloon earned the full five stars when crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2015.