SCOOP! Jaguar readying long wheelbase XF

Jaguar recently unveiled the second-generation XF sedan at the New York auto show 2015. The new XF is lighter and stiffer, as well as more technologically advanced than its predecessor. The next-gen XF is expected to be available globally in both sedan and wagon body styles like the current car. In addition to that, our sources confirm that the new XF will spawn a third body style, which is the long-wheelbase XF-L. The Jaguar XF’s rivals include the BMW 5-series, Audi A6 and the Mercedes E-class, all of which are sold as long-wheelbase versions in some international markets like China.

 

Globally, the new Jaguar XF is powered by JLR’s new 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel and petrol engines as well as a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel and a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine. The Ingenium diesel engines will be available in two states of tune – 161bhp and 178bhp – while the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 will generate 296bhp. Jaguar has released no details about the Ingenium petrol engines but the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol is expected to generate 375bhp. The new XF, in its standard wheelbase form, is smaller overall than the car it replaces but gets a larger wheelbase which, the carmaker claims, lets the XF offer the best-in-class knee room at the back.

 

With the long-wheelbase Jaguar XF, JLR wants to target the chauffeur-driven. Long wheelbase versions of many cars are popular in markets such as China and Jaguar is expected to launch the XF-L in China first. The carmaker is also expected to manufacture a right-hand-drive version of XF-L and it's likely to come to India soon after.

 

Mercedes-Benz is also expected to launch the long-wheelbase E-class in India soon. Read more on that here.