Jaguar XF Sportbrake review

The Jaguar XF Sportbrake – on paper at least – stands a very good chance of being all the car you’ll ever need.

Yes, we know there’s no such thing as the ultimate all-round car because people have varying needs and wants. But the Sportbrake is essentially a Jaguar XF with an even bigger boot, so in theory it should give you the same luxurious interior and class-leading handling as the saloon, with extra space in the back for your dog to enjoy the experience as well.

Like the XF saloon, the Sportbrake – which, when translated out of Jaguar-speak, simply means ‘estate car’ – has been treated to a mid-life refresh. That update introduced a heavily revised interior (developed in conjunction with the F-Pace SUV), a more sophisticated 11.4in touchscreen infotainment system, a mild-hybrid diesel engine and a rationalisation of the trim line-up.

That last change was more significant than it might sound because it has had the effect of dropping the base car’s list price well below that of some important rivals: the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Touring, Mercedes E-Class Estate and Volvo V90. A bold move by Jaguar, then. 

Are the new features and general quality enough to keep the car relevant against such strong competition, though? Over the next few pages of this Jaguar XF Sportbrake review, we’ll tell you everything you need to know, from what it’s like to drive and how practical it is, to how much it will cost you to buy and run.

If you do decide to buy one – or indeed a vehicle of any make or model – remember to take a look at our free New Car Buying service here. It’s a hassle-free way to save a fortune on a range of great cars, including the XF Sportbrake.