Jaguar XF Sportbrake Review 2026
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Jaguar XF Sportbrake Verdict
Attractive and comfortable family estate, thanks to standard fit self-levelling suspension. Available with all-wheel drive. Flat load floor with up to 1700 litres of boot space.
Noisy engines. Sluggish four-wheel drive performance. German rivals provide better in-car entertainment.
Find out more about the Jaguar XF Sportbrake
Insurance Groups are between 28–43
On average it achieves 84% of the official MPG figure
The XF Sportbrake is a large and elegant estate, with great practicality and a rewarding drive. However, while undeniably attractive and luxurious, the family friendly Jaguar falls a little short against its German rivals when it comes to diesel refinement and in-car tech.
Like the BMW 5 Series Touring, Audi A6 Avant and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate, the Jaguar XF Sportbrake is an executive mix of style, luxury and space. At the business end of things, the Jaguar matches most of its rivals on storage, with 565 litres of boot space when the rear seats are in place. It also provides a completely flat floor and 1700 litres when you flatten the rear bench, while accessing the wide boot is easy with a powered tailgate fitted as standard.
As well as a big boot, the swoopy-styled XF estate gets an opulent interior, with enough space to transport a family of four in limo-like comfort. Indeed, even entry-level models are kitted out in leather and soft-touch materials, along with smart features such as ambient interior lighting and in-car WiFi. Touchscreen infotainment has also been upgraded, although its useability remains a long way short of the tech found in the latest Audis and BMWs.
Like the saloon, the XF Sportbrake is extremely good to drive, with smooth and responsive steering that allows the driver to reach its performance limits with confidence. The self-levelling rear Integral-Link air suspension should ensure effortless towing for those more interested in the practicality of the XF, with it capable of shifting up to 2000kg - more than enough to cope with a standard caravan or horsebox.
Most buyers will choose diesel and the line-up includes three 2.0-litre engines, plus a performance focussed 3.0-litre V6. We'd recommend the 180PS diesel - returning an advertised 60.1 - 61.4mpg. Almost all powertrains are linked to rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed auto as standard, although four-wheel drive can be specified. Petrol buyers might feel a little short-changed, however, with just one option - a 250PS 2.0-litre engine.
Jaguar makes no bones about the fact that the XF Sportbrake's designed for those who want a large family car with dynamic handling and a comfortable ride quality. This means, for the most part, it feels very close to the standard XF saloon on the road, with positive steering and excellent composure at motorway speeds. However, a few areas blot the Sportbrake's report card. The diesels are gruff at start-up and noisy at low speeds, while the engine stop/start system is crude in its operation.
The XF Sportbrake doesn’t get anything dramatically bad, but equally it doesn’t excel in any particular area either. It is comfortable, efficient and luxurious. And for many family car buyers that will be more than enough for it to be a likeable alternative to the current crop of Germany executive estates.
Reviews for Jaguar XF Sportbrake's top 3 rivals
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Jaguar XF Sportbrake handling and engines
- Engines range from 2.0i 250 Automatic to 3.0d 300 Automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 23–54 mpg
The XF Sportbrake's engine line-up is adequate enough to cover most needs, but rather limited when it comes to choice. For example, there's just one petrol in the range, while the other options are four and six-cylinder diesels. There are no hybrid or electric powertrains. And almost all engines are linked to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with the exception being the entry-level diesel which gets a six-speed manual.
On the road, the XF Sportbrake is more than match for its German rivals with rewarding handling that is aided by well-balanced steering and high levels of grip. Available with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, the XF Sportbrake is effortless to drive on twisty country roads, while its motorway manners are among the best in the business with its supple suspension ironing out the worst Britain's roads can pitch its way.
Unfortunately things are not so effortless at lower speeds or in town: the diesels can get quite noisy in the low rev range and the engine stop/start system feels like an afterthought, owing to the fact that it kick starts the engine with a crude jolt. The thick corner pillars at the front also provide considerable blackspots at junctions, which means it’s easy to miss a passing car or cyclist.
All of the diesels will tow up to 2000kg and the entry-level 2.0-litre four-cylinder 163PS diesel is the most-efficient, with an official 62.8mpg. However, we'd recommend opting up to the more-powerful 180PS version of the 2.0 engine. Advertised fuel economy for this unit peaks at 61.4mpg and buyers can choose between rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
The 2.0-litre unit can also be specified with 240PS, but this engine is limited to four-wheel drive and lacks the pace you would expect, with sluggish acceleration. Economy is also poorer, with an advertised 48.7mpg, which means it will only appeal to those who have to tackle wintery roads and/or want a tow car that won't get bogged down on wet grass or light mud. The range-topping 3.0-litre V6 is the most-potent of all of the diesels with 300PS and 700Nm of torque from just 2000rpm.
Petrol options are limited to the 2.0-litre engine with 250PS. Returning a claimed 41.5mpg, the petrol isn’t the most efficient, but it drives well and packs a notable punch when it comes to acceleration. The fire-breathing a 380PS 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol won’t be making it in to UK models, however, with this being restricted to cars sold in the USA and China.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0d 163 | 54 mpg | 9.3 s | 118 g/km |
| 2.0d 163 Automatic | 52 mpg | 9.4 s | 119 g/km |
| 2.0d 180 Automatic | 51–52 mpg | 8.5–8.8 s | 120–146 g/km |
| 2.0d 180 Automatic 4WD | 50 mpg | 8.9 s | 132–147 g/km |
| 2.0d 240 Automatic 4WD | 46 mpg | 6.7 s | 144–157 g/km |
| 2.0i 250 Automatic | 38 mpg | 7.1 s | 154–171 g/km |
| 2.0i 300 Automatic 4WD | 36–37 mpg | 6.0 s | 175–182 g/km |
| 3.0d 300 Automatic | 46–48 mpg | 6.6 s | 144–165 g/km |
| D200 | - | 7.8 s | 138–146 g/km |
| D200 4WD | - | 8.0 s | 151–157 g/km |
| P250 | - | 7.1 s | 189–199 g/km |
| P300 4WD | - | 6.2 s | 204–213 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Jaguar XF Sportbrake
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
84%
Real MPG
23–54 mpg
MPGs submitted
20
Jaguar XF Sportbrake interior
- Boot space is 716–1695 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4955–4964 mm |
| Width | 2091 mm |
| Height | 1494–1496 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2960 mm |
Luxurious, spacious and supremely comfortable, the XF Sportbrake is an undeniably special place to while away the miles. All cars are decked out with plush leather seats, while the quality of the switchgear and plastics is extremely high. Neat features like configurable mood lighting and air vents that open as you start the ignition only add to the exclusivity.
Technically speaking, the XF Sportbrake is a five seater; however the raised transmission tunnel severely reduces legroom for those sitting in the middle rear seat, which means this is effectively a four seater. That said, four large adults will find very little to complain about; head and legroom is plentiful and the seats are supportive and comfortable.
The 40:20:40 split fold rear seats provide plenty of flexibility when it comes to carrying people and bulky items. Folding the rear seats is easy with a plastic switch and the rear bench falls to provide a neat, flat floor. Some people might find the seats to be rather heavy - which means they require a fair amount of force to be pushed back - but there is no getting away from the fact that this is an extremely practical car.
With the seats lowered the XF Sportbrake will provide a van-rivalling 1700-litres. Accessing the large load space is easy, with the powered tailgate and wide boot opening making it easy to fit bulky items in without catching the top of the bumper or sides of the bodywork.
All versions are well-equipped as standard and Jaguar's Touch Pro infotainment system has been improved greatly over the old and slow touchscreens that adorned the previous-generation XF. That said, the system still lacks the effortless nature of BMW's iDrive and Audi's MMI, with both featuring better operating systems and higher quality graphics.
Portfolio trim provides the best balance when it comes to kit, mainly because it includes a parking camera that will prove invaluable when it comes to guiding the XF Sportbrake into a tight space. The thick corner pillars and large headrests restrict visibility somewhat and the camera provides a welcome level of reassurance that you're not going to clip anything as you reverse. The trim also includes a smart leather instrument panel finish and Windsor leather seats that - as the name implies - wouldn't feel amiss in a Royal household.
Specification:
Prestige comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, bi-functional xenon headlights with LED 'J' blade daytime running lights and power wash, perforated grained leather seats (8-way adjustable), heated front seats, rear armrest with cupholders, soft grain leather sport steering wheel, carpet mats, ambient interior lighting, InControl Apps - remote premium, protect, WiFi, rear parking aid, Jaguar 80W sound system, integrated roof rails, integrated roof spoiler, rear self levelling air suspension, automatic loadspace cover, 40:20:40 split fold rear seats, powered tailgate and a stainless steel loadspace scuff plate.
Portfolio adds 18-inch alloy wheels, perforated Windsor leather seats (10-way adjustable), Windsor leather instrument panel finisher, premium carpet mats, gloss figured ebony veneer, split fold rear seats (40:20:40), Meridian 380W Sound System with 11 speakers, heated front windscreen with timer, Jaguar Smart Key system with keyless entry, power folding exterior door mirrors, front parking aid and a reverse park camera.
Sport has 18-inch alloy wheels, R-Sport bodykit including sports front bumper, side sills and boot mounted spoiler, sports suspension, perforated grained leather sports seats (8-way adjustable), metal treadplates and multi-function steering wheel with R-Sport branding, gloss black side window surrounds, Dark Morse Code aluminium instrument panel finisher, bright sport pedals, ebony headlining, front parking aid, gloss black roof rails and a powered tailgate.
S comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, S bodykit including sports front bumper, gloss black side sills, rear valance and boot mounted spoiler, red brake calipers, perforated grained leather sports seats (10-way adjustable with 4-way electric lumbar adjust), grey figured ebony veneer, Dark Hex Aluminium instrument panel finisher, metal treadplates and multi-function steering wheel with S branding, split fold rear seats (40:20:40), Meridian 380W Sound System with 11 speakers, Jaguar Smart Key system with keyless entry, power folding exterior door mirrors, adaptive dynamics, reverse park camera, gloss black roof rails and a powered tailgate.
Jaguar XF Sportbrake models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4955–4964 mm |
| Width | 2091 mm |
| Height | 1494–1496 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2960 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1595–1880 kg |
| Boot Space | 716–1695 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / Unlimited miles |
| Servicing | 7500–21000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £42,605–£59,925 |
| Insurance Groups | 28–43 |
| Road Tax Bands | C–K |
| Official MPG | 36.2–54.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
Currently on sale
On sale until December 2020
Model History
- June 2017: Jaguar XF Sportbrake revealed
- January 2019: Black Edition announced
- October 2020: Jaguar XF Sportbrake updated for 2021
- April 2022: Jaguar XF Sportbrake updated with 300 Sport trim, Amazon Alexa and what3words integration
June 2017
Jaguar XF Sportbrake revealed
The interior provides spacious accommodation flooded with natural light from the full-length 1.6sq m panoramic roof. Rear occupants benefit from enhanced knee room and improved headroom, while the practical loadspace can accommodate 565 litres of luggage.
The suspension set-up has been specially calibrated to reflect the demands placed on premium lifestyle estate models. The stiff and lightweight set-up gives the spacious estate Jaguar’s signature dynamics: a sports car-inspired character with agile handling and dynamic responses. Self-levelling air sprung rear suspension is fitted as standard to ensure the XF Sportbrake maintains its composure, even when fully loaded.
Jaguar’s optional Configurable Dynamics system enables drivers to fine-tune settings for the steering, transmission and throttle. With Adaptive Dynamics dampers fitted, customers can also tune the suspension settings for the ultimate personalisation of the driving experience.
Advanced software functions developed by Jaguar Land Rover, such as All Surface Progress Control (ASPC), Adaptive Surface Response (ASR) and Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) put the Sportbrake’s traction in low-grip situations and cornering ability on the same level as the saloon.
Customers looking for the ultimate confidence can choose an AWD drivetrain and Jaguar’s IDD system, which eliminates the understeer and electronic interventions that typically characterise dynamic driving in all-wheel-drive models. As a result, the AWD XF Sportbrake retains Jaguar’s trademark rear-wheel-drive feel and agile steering responses.
The XF Sportbrake continues Jaguar’s leadership in aluminium-intensive body construction to deliver a lightweight design that is both stiffer and lighter than its predecessor. Featuring an innovative new single-piece polymer tailgate, the Sportbrake delivers a near perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution providing the foundations for its exceptional handling and outstanding efficiency.
Measuring 4,955mm, the new Sportbrake is 6mm shorter than the previous model, but its wheelbase has been lengthened by 51mm to 2,960mm. This optimises rear legroom and load space and contributes to the vehicle’s exceptionally refined ride quality. Aerodynamics are also superior with a slippery drag coefficient of just 0.29 contributing to emissions as low as 118g/km.
Jaguar Land Rover’s range of advanced four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines provides customary Jaguar performance, efficiency and towing capacity.
The range starts with a rear-wheel-drive 163PS Ingenium diesel with variable geometry turbocharging that drives like a true Jaguar and provides exceptional efficiency. The advanced powerplant delivers emissions of just 118g/km with fuel efficiency of 62.8mpg (4.5 l/100km) on the Combined cycle.
At the other end of the performance spectrum, customers can choose the 300PS Turbocharged V6 diesel engine. Paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, this combination provides sports car performance with the sprint from 0-100km/h completed in 6.6 seconds (0-60mph in 6.1 seconds)
The new XF Sportbrake range comprises XF Sportbrake Prestige, XF Sportbrake Portfolio, XF Sportbrake R-Sport and XF Sportbrake S.
The powertrain range will include:
Diesel
- 163PS 2.0-litre diesel manual and automatic; RWD
- 180PS 2.0-litre diesel automatic; RWD and AWD
- 240PS 2.0-litre diesel automatic; AWD
- 300PS 3.0-litre V6 diesel automatic; RWD
Petrol
- 250PS 2.0-litre petrol automatic; RWD
January 2019
Black Edition announced
Black Editions are available across five Jaguar models: XE, XF, XF Sportbrake, E-Pace, F-Type and F-Pace. All Black Edition cars come fitted as standard with black alloy wheels, Black Pack, Privacy Glass and metallic paint – in a choice of colours – as standard.
October 2020
Jaguar XF Sportbrake updated for 2021
Updates include the addition of a mild-hybrid 2.0-litre diesel engine, as well as the latest Pivi Pro infotainment system. Jaguar's ClearSight digital rear-view mirror is also available. Orders now open with prices from £35,990.
April 2022
Jaguar XF Sportbrake updated with 300 Sport trim, Amazon Alexa and what3words integration
Offered exclusively with the Ingenium four-cylinder petrol engine and all-wheel drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics, the Jaguar XF 300 Sport models are distinguished by their Black Pack, Gloss Black contrast roof and privacy glass.
Customers can also specify a fixed panoramic roof on the XF Sportbrake 300 Sport.
The XF 300 Sport Sportbrake model features 20-inch wheels: ‘Style 5107’. The distinctive five split-spoke design is available in two finishes: Gloss Silver with Gloss Black inserts is offered as standard, while the optional Satin Black with Gloss Black inserts delivers even more visual appeal.
It can be specified in the full range of solid and metallic colours, including a choice of two premium metallic paints – Carpathian Grey and Silicon Silver. Highlights of the interior include Satin Charcoal Ash veneers, metal gearshift paddles and bright metal pedals.
The Jaguar XF 300 Sport Sportbrake features double wishbone front- and Integral Link rear suspension systems, enhanced by Adaptive Dynamics: it continuously adjusts damping forces to deliver an optimum balance of comfort and agility. Configurable Dynamics enables customers to tailor steering, suspension and powertrain settings to their individual taste.
The four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine generates 300PS and 400Nm of torque. Together with all-wheel drive with Intelligent driveline Dynamics, the XF 300 Sport Sportbrake can accelerate to 62mph in 6.2 seconds. Top speed is 155mph.
2023 Model Year XF powertrains
The XF Sportbrake model range also offers the four-cylinder Ingenium diesel mild hybrid (MHEV) engine, with a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. This 204PS unit develops 430Nm of torque, with refinement and responsiveness enhanced by the MHEV system. The Belt integrated Starter Generator (BiSG) recuperates energy usually lost during braking or deceleration by storing it in a compact 48-volt lithium-ion battery: this energy is redeployed to assist the engine when accelerating away. It also makes the stop-start function quieter and faster than conventional systems.
Customers can also choose the 250PS four-cylinder Ingenium petrol. Offered exclusively with rear-wheel drive, this refined engine develops maximum torque of 365Nm from 1,300-4,500rpm, delivering excellent driveability and strong performance. With this powertrain the XF Sportbrake accelerates to 62mph in 6.9 seconds.
Ask Alexa
All Jaguar XF Sportbrake models now come with Amazon Alexa. Seamlessly integrated, it brings the familiar Alexa experience into the vehicles and provides natural voice interaction with the Pivi Pro infotainment system’s features including navigation, music, podcasts and audiobooks, calls and compatible smart devices.
Requests such as ‘Alexa, navigate me home’, ‘Alexa, play my chill-out playlist’ and ‘Alexa show me nearby coffee shops’ can all be made by voice. You can also check news, weather, and manage your schedule or shopping list – just by asking. Alexa lives in the cloud and is always getting smarter, with new features and updates continually being added and delivered automatically.
The Alexa voice experience is intuitive to use, making it easy for customers to operate keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Alexa even makes it possible to control compatible smart home features such as heating and lighting from the comfort of
XE or XF’s luxurious interiors. Just ask: ‘Alexa, set the living room temperature to 20 degrees’, for example.
Existing owners of XE and XF models with Pivi Pro are among more than 55,000 Jaguar customers to have been offered Alexa in a software-over-the-air update5.
Customers in the UK will also be able to control and check on their car from anywhere using the Jaguar Remote Skill on any Alexa-enabled device4. ‘Alexa, ask Jaguar if my doors are locked’ or ‘Alexa, Ask Jaguar if my windows are open’ are just some of the features customers can use.
Now integrated into Pivi Pro is what3words navigation (market-dependant). Offering an alternative to setting destinations using post codes, what3words allows you to do this with greater precision via a unique combination of three words representing a three-metre square location: just type the words – clean.corporate.card for example – into Pivi’s navigation search box.
If you want to know the what3words reference for a given location, a long press on the map shown in the touchscreen will give you this information. Like Alexa, this feature has already been delivered to existing owners of XE and XF models with Pivi Pro via a software-over-the-air update. what3words is available globally except in China, Japan and South Korea.
Wireless Apple CarPlay® is standard. Wireless Android Auto™ is also standard. In addition, Pivi Pro can connect two phones simultaneously, and an optional wireless device charging pad in the centre console features a signal booster to improve network reception and Wi-Fi.
What to watch out for
Report that hesitation from ZF 8-speed automatic transmissions of Jaguar XEs and XFs can be cured by an adjustment or reprogramming of the accelerator pedal potentiometer. That's where the problem lies.)
14-10-2018:Complaint of "clunky" 8-speed automatic transmission in new Jaguar XE 2.0 Ingenium petrol model. (Owner already has previous model XF 3.0D Sportbrake 8-speed auto with which he is very happy.) Jaguar dealer remapped the engine and owner was told he needs to drive 500 miles for the transmission to "learn" his driving style. (Other reports of same thing with recent XEs. See for XE:
21-01-2019:Two reports received in close proximity of Jaguar XF Sportbrakes settling unevenly on their air suspension. On one the offside rear suspension collapses after the car has been parked overnight.
27-02-2019:Report ever since delivery 4 or 5 safety warning lights scrolling actoss the dash of a December 2017 jaguar XF Sportbrake. The car has been back to the dealer for 1 day, then 1 week, looked at during its first service and most recently in for almost 3 weeks where it was driven around for 500 miles against owner's wishes and still handed back faulty. It is booked back in next week again.
