What’s new: Jaguar ventured into the executive estate market late last year, and we’ve now been able to try the entry 163hp 2.2d XF?Sportbrake, here in Business SE?spec that adds satnav to the kit list.
Excellent: The P11D undercuts the nearest BMW, Mercedes and Audi rivals, and the Jaguar’s residual value and whole-life cost places it between the BMW 5-series Touring and Audi A6 Avant.
Good: The XF Sportbrake still handles tidily, although it’s not as nimble as a 5-series and feels a little heavier than the saloon. The interior is also well designed and tailored, while on the outside it’s a classy-looking vehicle.
Average: The German rivals all tote more power than the XF’s 163hp from the 2.2 diesel, but the performance is nothing to complain about.
Poor: There’s very little to criticise, although if load-lugging is crucial then the E-class estate is 145 litres bigger than the XF’s 550 litres, and the BMW and Audi are both slightly larger.
Verdict: A desirable all-rounder that competes on every level with the premium German competition.
