Jaguar is aching to unveil the wagon version of their XF saloon. Called the Sportback, it will be something of a competitor to the much newer BMW 5 Series, specifically those wearing the Touring body style.
The UK automaker has chosen the venue for this debut to be at the Wimbledon tennis tournament in June where, as the event’s official partner vehicle, is due to be revealed by Britain’s own world number one ball whacker, Andy Murray.
The media campaign associated with this relatively trivial exercise has also procured the help of Tim Henman, retired tennis champion. In the video, he’s tasked with driving an XF Sportbrake prototype - clad in special tennis-themed camouflage - to the championship in London for the unveil.
But first, there’s a little road trip to deal with first, involving a remote tennis court in Bunabhaineadar Tennis Court on the Scottish island of North Harris and a tweet sent to Murray suggesting it be featured on the ATP World Tour.
There are a number of shared attributes that the XF has that may make a would-be 5 Series Touring owner take pause and linger upon the Jag alternative instead. Like the Bimmer, Jaguar prides itself on its engaging vehicle dynamics. It’s also a commodious and comfortable premium estate.
Looks wise, wholly subjective as the topic is, the XF Sportbrake’s silhouette and classically handsome features does lend itself a more convincing argument for being the easiest on the eye. Even with the unusual camo pattern, the car’s lines and proportions look to be very encouraging from an aesthetic point of view.
Shortly following next month’s unveil, the XF Sportbrake should join the XF saloon in Jaguar dealers starting in Europe with the rest of the world closely behind. There shouldn’t be any difference in variants or drivetrain offerings.
Right now, the line-up is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (petrol and diesel) while higher output requirements are catered to by a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol or a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel.
We wonder if Jaguar already has a range-topping XFR waiting in the wings, just waiting to be let out the gate once it can be offered in both saloon and estate variations upon the ‘regular’ XF Sportbrake’s premiere.
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