Jaguar XF Sportbrake (2017-2024) Review

Written by Andrew Brady
Quick overview
Pros
- Attractive design
- Great to drive
- Oodles of equipment
Cons
- No hybrid option
- Higher running costs than its rivals
- Pre-facelift interior isn't as classy
Verdict: Is the Jaguar XF Sportbrake a good car?
"The Jaguar XF Sportbrake is perfect for those who want sporty characteristics and space."
Sportbrake is an odd title for a car. It's supposed to sound more dynamic than just a plain old estate, but that's precisely what it is. An elongated version of the Jaguar XF saloon, with a roomier cabin and boot.
Well, perhaps plain is the wrong word. This is a very handsome car indeed, with neatly balanced proportions that a lumbering SUV could only dream of, and the stylish exterior design is definitely a big part of its appeal.
The other major attraction is the Jaguar XF Sportbrake's brilliant driving experience. It's a big family-friendly car that stops, steers and turns like a much smaller one, with fantastic steering, loads of grip, and yet an impressively supple ride, too.
Our only gripe is with its refinement, as road and engine noise are both louder than its German-built peers.
Despite the swoopy looks, it gets close to the competition for luggage space, with a well-shaped 565-litre boot that is deep enough to swallow all but the widest cargo, and has plenty of clever touches for load-lugging. It feels even more spacious than the saloon in the back, too, with loads of knee room and a much taller roof line.
It can't carry quite as much stuff as the F-Pace SUV, but with the option of four-wheel drive and a range of punchy diesel engines to choose from, it's a viable alternative for buyers keen to avoid a high-riding SUV.
The best engine remains the 2.0-litre diesel with 204PS. It comes paired up with a smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard, but doesn't deliver the strongest straight-line performance. You can add all-wheel drive should you need it, and it'll cost less to run than the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrols - the 3.0-litre V6 diesel was dropped following the facelift.
Unfortunately, it competes with some incredibly talented luxury estates, including Audi's A6 Avant, the BMW 5 Series Touring, and Mercedes E-Class Estate, along with classy alternatives such as the Volvo V90.
Most of the cars we've just mentioned feature impeccably built interiors that are draped in expensive-feeling materials, and a wider choice of engines that will suit company car drivers. If the lowest possible tailpipe emissions are a top priority, then the Jaguar XF Sportbrake probably isn't the car for you.
For potential owners to fall in love with the Jaguar XF Sportbrake, they need to accept that its exceptional handling, spacious interior and classy exterior design paper over some fairly major drawbacks.
Looking for a used car for sale? We've got 100s of Jaguar Approved Used Cars for Sale for you to choose from, including a wide range of Jaguar XF Sportbrake models.
Is the Jaguar XF Sportbrake right for you?
What’s the best Jaguar XF Sportbrake model/engine to choose?
What other cars are similar to the Jaguar XF Sportbrake?
Comfort and design: Jaguar XF Sportbrake interior
"The interior layout of the Jaguar XF Sportbrake understandably matches the saloon exactly, and has simplicity on its side. Where its rivals go for flashy materials and bathe the cabin in neon mood lighting, the Jaguar is more reserved."
The facelifted Jaguar XF Sportbrake benefits from the latest 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment system, which is a significant improvement on the outdated previous version. It sits comfortably on the dashboard and doesn't dominate your view, while it sensibly keeps physical buttons for the climate control and audio volume too. A high window line that comes up to your shoulder gives it a sporty vibe, but can leave you feeling hemmed in.
All fairly straightforward then, but with a few oddities. The window controls on the driver's side are mounted lower down than in other premium cars, and it can be awkward trying to lower the rear window, for example.
The Jaguar XF Sportbrake driving position is spot-on. The pedals line up perfectly with the seat base, and you can manually adjust the base or change the angle of the backrest with electrical assistance to find a comfortable sitting posture.
There are plenty of creature comforts, too. Toasty heaters will keep your bum warm on cold days, and if you want them, climate seats to soothe you in warmer weather are offered as an option. Higher spec models also get 'Windsor' leather seats, which offer additional electric adjustment and nicer leather.
Quality and finish
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, nav and stereo in the Jaguar XF Sportbrake
Space and practicality: Jaguar XF Sportbrake boot space
Handling and ride quality: What is the Jaguar XF Sportbrake like to drive?
"Jaguar is a brand with a distinctly sporty heritage, but the way its cars can flow down a twisty country road shows that this reputation is richly deserved. For a practical family model, the Jaguar XF Sportbrake is stunning to drive."
Unlike the four-door, it comes with self-levelling air suspension at the rear axle. This is there to improve ride comfort, but also compensate for heavy loads unbalancing the car when towing, or carrying a packed boot. It helps the Jaguar XF Sportbrake stay flat and stable, even if you're carting an old fridge off to the local recycling centre.
Happily, this setup does nothing to spoil the sweet handling balance of the saloon. The steering is dripping in natural feedback, giving you total confidence to place the car, and also about how much grip the tyres have. Turn the wheel and its quick and accurate tuning lends a fluidity to the Jaguar XF Sportbrake's movements that belies its size.
Rear-drive models give you the wonderful sensation of gently 'pushing' you out of tighter turns, making the Jaguar XF Sportbrake feel much more nimble and responsive to your inputs than its rivals, which are more neutral in corners.
Adding four-wheel drive ensures extra traction in slippery conditions, for example, on muddy winter roads, but both versions generate bags of grip in the dry, with excellent body control and a composed ride over bumps.
None of this impressive poise comes at the expense of passenger comfort. It soaks up most imperfections, and isolates those on board when it does encounter motorway expansion joints or potholes. The Jaguar XF Sportbrake 300 Sport model has a slightly firmer setup that feels a little stiffer around town, but is just as well-judged as the standard car.
What engines and gearboxes are available in the Jaguar XF Sportbrake?
Refinement and noise levels
Safety equipment: How safe is the Jaguar XF Sportbrake?
MPG and fuel costs: What does a Jaguar XF Sportbrake cost to run?
"Even in facelifted form the Jaguar XF Sportbrake only offers mild-hybrid rather than a full-hybrid option, which means that the core four-cylinder diesels are the most efficient models."
The most popular D200 Jaguar XF Sportbrake has an official WLTP fuel consumption figure of 51.5mpg, which is respectable, although not the best in the class. You should expect to reach over 40 mpg most of the time unless you really exercise your right foot.
Choose the AWD version with that engine and this drops to 47.7mpg, while the P250 petrol only offers 32.4mpg officially - expect to be getting sub-30mpg most of the time. Inevitably, the most powerful XF 300 Sport has the worst consumption of 29.9mpg; only those with healthy bank accounts or a company fuel card should apply.
Jaguar XF Sportbrake reliability and warranty
Jaguar XF Sportbrake insurance groups and costs
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Jaguar XF Sportbrake?
Jaguar XF Sportbrake price
"There are many used examples on the secondhand market"
Early 2.2d examples with mega mileage start from around £3,500. Tidy, low-mile 2013-2019 cars cost £9,500 upwards, while newer 2024 examples start from £31.000.
Trim levels and standard equipment
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
Which is better, the Jaguar XF or XE?
What is a Jaguar XF Sportbrake?
Is the Jaguar XF Sportbrake rear wheel drive?
Jaguar XF cars for sale on heycar
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