Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2.2 Diesel Luxury 5dr Car Review - April 2013

The Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2.2 Diesel Luxury 5dr carries over the excellent driving position, which is found in the saloon variants of the XF. This allows for comfortable driving over long distances and on motorways, and this is where the Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2.2 Diesel Luxury is in its element, as the ride can be a little jarring at low speed, which is a shame as the crisp steering and excellent balance mean it is otherwise a rewarding car to drive on more twisty roads. The lower end of the XF Sportbrake range has models fitted with a 2.2-litre diesel engine, but while the entry-level models get a 161bhp engine the unit in the Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2.2 Diesel Luxury produces 197bhp, generating 332 lb-ft of torque at 2000rpm, and propelling the car from 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds and to a top speed of 134mph.

The XF Sportbrake shares the majority of its styling, and its front end in particular, with the saloon model. But rather than appearing like an afterthought the addition of the estate body-style sits comfortably and naturally with the existing features. From the imposing Jaguar grille backward, the lines of the car flow smoothly and effectively, giving the impression that this is how it was intended to be from the start. The Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2.2 Diesel Luxury features power steering, central locking, dynamic stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric windows, cruise control, parking sensor, leather seats, alarm & immobiliser, CD player with bluetooth and MP3 connectivity, satellite navigation as standard.

The Jaguar XF Sportbrake has driver, passenger, and front side airbags among its safety features. It is a practical addition to the range, and has a maximum capacity of 1675 litres with the rear seats folded down, but although the plunging rear roofline adds to the good looks of the car it does impinge slightly on the load space. The Jaguar XF saloon fared well in the 2012 JD Power Customer Satisfaction survey, so the model has a decent pedigree in the reliability stakes, and also comes as standard with an unlimited mileage manufacturers warranty for 3-years.

With a price tag of £36,445, the Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2.2 Diesel Luxury 5dr is in the same ballpark as the £36,375 BMW 520D M Sport Touring, and boasts an identical fuel economy figure and similar performance. The XF Sportbrake 2.2 Diesel has a combined fuel economy figure of 55.4mpg, and falls into Road Tax Band E courtesy of its 139g/km CO emissions figure.

The BMW may be a more engaging car for the enthusiastic driver, and has a more practical boot, where the Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2.2 Diesel Luxury 5dr compares well is in the styling stakes, and with its extensive standard equipment list and reputation for customer satisfaction, the big cat should perform strongly on the resale market. The Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2.2 Diesel Luxury 5dr may be the less obvious choice than its established German rival, but it will stand out from the crowd more, and for roughly the same outlay, although the BMW does have a slightly higher-quality feel to its finish.