On 1 April an all-new Jaguar XF is set to be shown to the public for the first time, and it ushers in fantastic news for company car drivers.
During the unveiling at the New York Motor Show, the British firm will show off a car that uses an all-new aluminium-rich (and so lighter) construction and a set of efficient new engines. This is great news for a car that has often struggled to match the running costs offered by rivals such as the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The headline act for fleet drivers will be a version which emits 104g/km of CO2, qualifying it for 18 percent Benefit in Kind (BIK) tax for 2015/16. Considering the current XF starts at around £33,000, you’ll pay less than £100 per month on the 20 percent pay scale. Of course, it’s unlikely anyone on 20 percent will realistically run an XF, though. For more information on calculating company car tax, click here.
New engine line-up
The engine in question is a 2-litre diesel which produces 161bhp and 380Nm of torque, and that low carbon dioxide output is possible only with a six-speed manual gearbox. There’s a 178bhp/430Nm version of the same engine (called ‘Ingenium’ if you listen to Jag’s marketing talk) and the option of what promises to be a smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox.
In fact, all of the other engines in the range come with the auto ‘box as standard. There’s a 3-litre V6 diesel which develops 296bhp and 700Nm of torque, while those looking for ultimate performance will have to make do with a 3-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine borrowed from the F-Type sports car. This won’t be ideal for fleets though, since CO2 emissions are likely to be quite high.
We predict the new car will drive pretty well too. Its far lower weight (up to 190kg less than previously) and 28 percent stiffer body will help in this respect, and so will its rear-wheel drive configuration. You’ll be able to tweak the car’s characteristics using the Jaguar Configurable Dynamics switch, which alters the steering, suspension, throttle response and automatic gearbox change ferocity.
Packed with technology
There’s a sophisticated traction control system too, and the tech doesn’t stop there.
In the cabin you’ll find a 10.2-inch touchscreen to control a seriously powerful infotainment system. In fact, the car is wired to provide unheard-of data transfer speeds, which leaves the door open for far more technology during the car’s life cycle. There’s a further 12.3-inch screen on the dash to display driving information such as speedo and trip computer read-outs.
And rounding off the package you’ll find the ubiquitous LED lighting we’re seeing on most premium new cars now and of course a host of safety and assistance features to keep you secure and comfortable.
Expect more details on this important new car to emerge on 1 April upon the car’s official launch. Parkers will be among the first to drive this all-new car, so keep an eye out for the full 2015 Jaguar XF review coming soon.
Click here for the current Jaguar XF review.
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