Used Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2012-2015 review

It’s easy to forget how the original Jaguar XF executive saloon wooed us all when it was launched in 2008. Not only was its styling striking, it also rode and handled better than any Jag for a long time.

It took quite a few years before the estate version, the Sportbrake, was launched in 2012, but it was worth the wait. Be in no doubt that it puts sporty styling above outright luggage capacity; however, it still offers all the driving dynamics of its saloon sibling, as well as increased practicality, despite the inevitable weight gain.

All of the four-cylinder and V6 diesel engines migrated from the saloon, mated to the same fluid eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The original 2.2-litre smaller unit, in its 161bhp guise with claimed fuel economy of 55.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 135g/km, was the most popular option with customers.

The wow factor continues on the inside of the XF, where everything is backlit in cool blue, and starting the engine causes the air vents to power open and the gear selector to rise out of the centre console.

There's plenty of space in the front, and the enlarged rear is a much nicer place to spend time in than the saloon’s. Storage-wise, the boot is big enough for suitcases or golf bags, with a 550-litre capacity with the rear seats up, and those rear seats fold down for even more space.

There were five trim levels originally: SE, Luxury, Portfolio, Premium Luxury and Sport, with a range-topping S trim added later on. However, not all were sold in conjunction with every drivetrain option. Entry-level kit on SE includes stop-start, alloys, dual-zone climate control, electric seat adjustment, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth connectivity and a rear parking aid.

Whichever XF you buy, you’ll be getting a comfortable, reasonably refined and extremely stylish family estate, with good performance and economy.

Its forte is its steering and handling, which are both the equal of its rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz – it’s a great car to drive. It scores top marks for safety, too. Find a good used one and you’ll be getting a well mannered and very desirable car.

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Around £12,000 will buy you one of the first 2012-2013 XF Sportbrakes, but it might have a higher-than-average mileage. Spend between £13,000 and £15,000 for a car with an average mileage and a full service history, bought from an independent dealer. Up the ante to £15,000-£17,000 and you’ll land a good 2014 car, while £18,000 and above will net you a 2014-2015 car from a franchised dealer.

Both versions of the 2.2-litre diesel engine, in either 161bhp or 180bhp, manage the same claimed economy figure of 55.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 135g/km. This is pretty good going for such a heavy estate car but, in reality, you might find that figure being nearer 32-35mpg – still a respectable figure for something so large. The 3.0-litre V6 engine is inevitably not so efficient, although many will accept that for the increased oomph it offers.

Service intervals are up to every two years or 21,000 miles, and fixed-price servicing plans are available that cover the XF for up to five years or 75,000 miles.

The XF Sportbrake had a 2.2-litre diesel in two power outputs, both of which produced identical claimed economy figures. The engine was an old one, though, and could be a bit noisier than a unit in a top-flight executive saloon or estate. The entry-level model needs to be worked hard to make swift progress and, even then, it's a bit on the slow side. The more powerful 180bhp diesel is gutsy enough, although equivalent engines in the BMW 520d and Mercedes-Benz E200d are even stronger.

If you can find one for reasonable money, the V6 diesel offers seriously strong performance, even from low revs. The automatic gearbox is impressive enough, apart from its annoying habit of pausing when accelerating briskly from a standstill.

The trim levels offered are SE, Luxury, Portfolio, Premium Luxury, Sport and S. However, we’ve always opted for the entry-level SE in the case of the earlier cars. It isn’t stingy on kit; heated leather seats, cruise control, keyless start, automatic headlights and wipers, LED daytime running lights and rear parking sensors are all standard.

Further up the range, Sport and Premium Luxury cars are fully loaded and both have the same goodies, but the Sport trim adds front parking sensors and more aggressive styling, including black detailing, bigger alloy wheels and a unique bodykit.

Later models featured range-topping S trim, available exclusively with the six-cylinder engine, so it cost quite a bit to buy and isn’t really worth seeking out unless you’re after the most potent motor.

Our favourite Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2.2d 183 Sport

The BMW 5 Series Touring is the doyen of large estates. It’s comfortable and spacious, has sharp handling and offers outstanding refinement. It’s an unbeatable combination. The only thing we’d add is that it rides and handles better with the optional adaptive dampers, so if you can find a car with one of those already specified, you’d be doing very well indeed.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate beats the 5 Series Touring and the XF Sportbrake for outright space. It’s got a huge boot and, on top of that, the ride is composed and the interior is great, especially the swoopy dashboard. Countered against that, it’s not as much fun to drive as the BMW or the Jaguar.

Find a used Jaguar XF Sportbrake in the What Car? Classifieds here

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