Gear -- 5 days ago
Words: Violet
It all started with the Audi RS6 Avant and then the Mercedes E63 AMG, now Jaguar have got in on the act too. The fast estates are becoming an attractive alternative to the family wagon, combining practicality with hair raising thrills. They help you cope with the stresses of family life; one moment you can be dropping the kids of at school and the next you’re zooming down a country road, (below 60mph of course)….
Jaguar is the latest manufacturer to join the fast estate club with the XFR-S Sportbrake and to be honest, it’s taken them long enough! Whilst it may have taken some time to match their rivals in this category, our first impressions would suggest that it’s been worth the wait. The engine, which is the same 542bhp 5.0-litre that you get in the XFR-S saloon will do 0-62 in just 4.8 seconds – pretty impressive by anyone’s standards.
The first reports are that the XFR-S Sportbrake is a powerful machine and one that is sensitive on the accelerator pedal, providing plenty of engine-roar and fun. To cope with the power increase they have increased the stiffness of the body by 30%. Other features include an 8-speed gear box and corner recognition.
Looks-wise, it doesn’t disappoint with 20-inch alloys, deep front bumpers and side and central air intakes all adding to its sporty image. This power and looks, combined with the fact that it still has 550 litres of boot space is a power combination in itself.
Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake, Price £82,495 jaguar.com
