So you will probably have seen the
world record announced this week
using a Jaguar XF Sportbrake; not the most PHey news you'll ever have read but a pleasant reminder that, if you want a really quick XF wagon - albeit not on ice - then what you need
is an R-S
Of all the cars not to have a 'V6' numberplate...
550hp Jaguar estate
? It was introduced right at the end of the original XF's life cycle, following the XFR-S saloon that had debuted not long before. Given most people probably think of the Lynx Eventer when you mention 'fast Jaguar estate' - or is that just us? - the Sportbrake's arrival was a welcome surprise. A loud, loutish, very naughty surprise.
PH first drove one on the Nurburgring, where it proved extremely competent and very good fun. As you might expect, really, given how well received the XFR-S saloon was. What with estates automatically and always being cooler than their saloon counterparts, plus the rarity of this particular V8 load lugger, there's an awful lot to be tempted by.
Furthermore, it seems you may wait in vain for a super Sportbrake successor, what with SUVs currently being the focus of Jaguar's attention. And sort of everybody's. Cars like the E-Pace and I-Pace must take priority - because they are what people want to buy - and on the V8 hitlist there's already the Project 8 and what appears to be an F-Pace SVR waiting patiently in line.
Moving people outta the way right up to 186mph
What we're saying is you need to buy this one, basically. Sure, white perhaps isn't the ideal colour choice (at least it's not blue), but then there's not all that much choice when it comes to XFR-S Sportbrakes. And yes, the interior won't look all that fresh because, to be frank, it wasn't really at the time. Still a very cool prospect though.
Well it is, but there are alternatives if you must have 550hp or more in your family bus. There's the RS6, of course, launched the year before the Jaguar arrived. Its residuals have proved more resilient than the Jaguar's, the very cheapest on PH a few thousand more than the XF at £48,500. It is also white, so perhaps we're the ones in the wrong here. The E63 is the other obvious possibility, with values seemingly plummeting in the face of a new version. This 2015 wagon has just 13,000 miles on it and is for sale at £43,950.What can the Jaguar counter with? Rarity is one thing, dynamic prowess another and, though subjective, probably a fair chunk of style too. While it may continue to depreciate, it looks like a damn fine way to ferry the family around. And melt some tyres.
JAGUAR XFR-S SPORTBRAKE
Engine: 5,000cc, supercharged V8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 550@6,400rpm
Torque (lb ft): 502@2,500-5,500rpm
MPG: 22.2
CO2: 297g/km
First registered: 2014
Recorded mileage: 27,000
Price new: £82,495
Yours for: £43,950
See the original advert here.