Jaguar Planning New XF Sportbrake For 2017

We were taken on an emotional roller coster when Jaguar said that it would no longer build wagon variants of its models. Models like the XFR-S Sportbrake were among our favorites, so we didn't take this news well. Then it came out that Jaguar design chief Ian Callum was simply misquoted and that the brand would indeed be building more wagon models. We haven't seen any official announcements from the brand, but in an interview with Automotive News Europe, a Jaguar representative said to expect an XF wagon for 2017.

The details are minimal, but Jaguar Land Rover sales director Andy Goss said at a press conference that the next generation XF Sportbrake will offer AWD in its diesel variants. The previous generation model only offered AWD with the gasoline engine. Diesel models were only available with RWD. AWD will help the XF compete with the BMW 5-series Touring and Audi A6 Avant in Alpine countries in Europe. Clearly, all-weather performance is important for the brand moving forward. "We will continue to grow our reputation as all-weather experts with all-wheel drive available on every vehicle and a toolbox of traction technology to give our drivers confidence whatever the conditions," Goss said.

We doubt that Jaguar will ever reach the brand recognition that Audi has with its Quattro system, but it is good to see the British marque is committing to improving its AWD offerings. In Europe, 50 percent of all large premium vehicle sales were wagons compared to 46 percent for sedans and hatchbacks, and 6 percent for coupes and convertibles. These numbers suggest that reentering the wagon segment is a very smart move for Jaguar. Volvo has recently unveiled the V90 and the V90 Cross Country and Mercedes plans to sell more E-Class wagons than sedans. We are happy to see Jaguar continue with the wagon, and are genuinely excited for the new XFR-S Sportbrake.