A camouflaged test mule of the all-new Jaguar XF has been spotted testing in Bangalore by our reader Anoop Kurian
The second-generation XF was recently unveiled at the 2015 New York auto show and is built on the all-new iQ[AI] aluminium platform. This new platform uses 75 percent aluminium and has helped knock off close to 190kg off the total weight, compared to the old car. The company claims the structure is also about 30 percent stiffer than the previous car's and it gets an ideal 50-50 front-rear weight distribution.
The new car is lower slung, has a longer bonnet and gets a bigger power bulge compared to its predecessor. The elongated profile works wonders for the stance as do the big wheels and details like the large grille. It gets bigger air dams under the headlamps that further accentuate the sharp and aggressive look of the car.
Inside the cabin, it gets clean lines and a contemporary look, the centre console looks wider and the detailing is crisp all over. The steering wheel looks similar to the larger XJ's, there is a new 10.2-inch dual-view touchscreen and JLR’s latest multimedia system known as InControl Touch Pro. Features like the pop-up gear knob and the AC vents rolling up when you start the car are retained. An optional heads-up display based on laser technology shows vehicle speed, cruise control notifications and traffic sign recognition data.
These are still early days to guess the powertrains that will be used on the new XF but we expect the company’s new 2.0-litre Ingenium petrol and diesel engines along with the regular 3.0-litre V6 diesel and 3.0-litre V6 petrol mills.
We had earlier reported that the XE sedan is likely to be launched here in top-spec trim only. According to reports, the carmaker may use the same strategy for the new XF as well. The new XF will compete with the BMW 5-series, Mercedes E-class, Audi A6 and the Volvo S80 in India.
Selvin Jose