There’s no denying the forthcoming Jaguar XF sedan — based on the C-XF concept car — is critical to the company’s financial revival. Not only will it replace the S-Type, it may also become the company’s volume seller, according a top executive.
“We think XF will be the volume seller going forward rather than the X-Type,” David Blackhall, Jaguar Australia’s managing director, told Drive.
He said “a lot of variations on this [XF] theme” — other than a four-door sedan — may be offered. He said the XF is targeted at the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5-Series . If so, a wagon version sounds possible. It’s also conceivable that Jaguar might decide to offer an XF coupe to rival BMW ’s 6-Series. Of course, Blackhall was tightlipped about any specifics.
“We see this car multiplying itself in a way that the previous S-Type was unable to.”
There has long been speculation that Jaguar might scrap the X-Type after production ends on the existing mode. Blackhall’s comments seem to reinforce this idea.
While multiple variants of the popular XF is a good thing, one comment made by Blackhall is sure to irk some purists. He said hybrids and even a four-cylinder model could be offered. The smallest engine to power the S-Type is a 2.7-liter V6 diesel.
Blackhall also said he’s skeptical of whether Jaguar could sell an SUV. “I don’t think there’s space there for us,” he said.
