2017 Jaguar XFL

For years, China has eagerly scooped up long-wheelbase (LWB) variants of popular luxury sedans, including models from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi. Now, Jaguar will join the fray with an extended version of its second-generation XF. It’s called the XFL, and per tradition, it adds extra metal and offers more space around the luxurious rear seat to accommodate well-to-do business types in their daily to-and-fro.

The XF was first introduced in 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Just last year, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) dropped cover on the second generation at the New York Auto Show, quickly following it up with a few revisions early into 2016. Unlike the standard XF, the XFL was created specifically for the Chinese auto market.

The XFL will be the third vehicle in less than two years from a joint venture between the U.K.-based (and Indian-owned) JLR, and the Chinese state-owned Chery Chery Automobile Co., which together form the Chery Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Company Ltd. While designed and engineered in the U.K., the XFL is the first vehicle to be produced at the JV’s production facility in Changshu, China, making it the first Chinese-produced Jag.

“Jaguar Land Rover is a world-leader in the production of aluminum vehicles and is one of the largest producers of aluminum bodies globally,” says Murray Dietsch, President of Chery Jaguar Land Rover, in a press release. “The arrival of the all-new Jaguar XF Jaguar XF L brings the best of this experience and technology to Changshu. It is an important milestone for the team at Chery Jaguar Land Rover.”Exterior

 Jaguar XFL
With the XFL’s debut in China, our suspicions that Jag would carry over the regular XF’s aesthetic have been confirmed. Even without the spy shots and teaser image that preceded the reveal, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the look is more or less the same as before – the XF is already a good-looking car, and there’s really no point in deviating too far from the original for the XFL.

In back, the taillights are narrow, and the trunk terminates with a slight upward turn that pushes the whole thing forward.

That means you get curvaceous, LED-equipped headlights that hover above enlarged intakes in the front fascia. There’s a long hoodline with muscular creases that lead the eye towards a laidback windshield and gently curving roofline. In back, the taillights are narrow, and the trunk terminates with a slight upward turn that pushes the whole thing forward.

The standard XF also gets fantastic, coupe-like proportions and a slightly raked stance when viewed in profile. However, when applied to the extended XFL, some of the design’s “coupe-ness” seems lost, and the whole car takes on a more sedan-like appearance. And that’s perfectly acceptable for a model like the XFL, which obviously prioritizes comfort over sportiness.

Additional changes include more chrome, including new strips for the door handles, sill finishers and exhaust tips, all of which up the car’s inherent classiness.

Interior

Like the exterior, the interior looks mostly unchanged compared to the standard XF. Up front is a three-spoke, multifunction steering wheel, InControl Touch Pro infotainment system with a “tablet-style” 10.2-inch touchscreen, and rotary control knob housed in the central tunnel. The chauffer will also get to enjoy a laser heads-up display and reconfigurable 12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster with a full-screen 3D map behind the steering wheel.

It’s the rear bench where all the magic happens, starting with an extra 157 mm (6.18 inches) of legroom and 116 mm (4.57 inches) of knee room as provided by the extended wheelbase

However, it’s the rear bench where all the magic happens, starting with an extra 157 mm (6.18 inches) of legroom and 116 mm (4.57 inches) of knee room as provided by the extended wheelbase. Anyone with a need for an on-the-go workspace will enjoy the XFL’s folding rear table and Wi-Fi hotspot with connectivity for up to eight devices. Entertainment comes courtesy of twin 8-inch screens mounted to the seat backs, wireless headphone connectivity, HDMI/MHL ports in the rear console, and a surround-sound, 825-watt Meridian stereo with 17 speakers (including a subwoofer).

On the comfort side of things, the XFL offers electric side window blinds, cabin air ionization technology (a Jaguar first), four-zone climate control, and seats covered in perforated Windsor leather upholstery. Rear passengers also get heating, cooling, and massage seat functions, plus four-way adjustable lumbar support. Above is a twin aperture panoramic roof.

Drivetrain

 Jaguar XFL
As expected, the XFL’s drivetrain lineup is unaltered from the standard Chinese-spec XF. Starting things off is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder offered in two states of tune – 197 horsepower for base models, and 237 horsepower for higher specs. Range toppers get a supercharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder offering 335 horsepower. Each powerplant is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF and sends output exclusively to the rear axle.

The most important update here is obviously the lengthened wheelbase, which gains an extra 140 mm (5.51 inches) for 3,100 mm (122 inches) total.

With JLR’s heavy focus on lightweight, aluminum-intensive construction, it’ll be interesting to see how the XFL stacks up against other LWB rivals when it comes to performance and economy. Of course, specs like lower emissions, decreased fuel consumption, and improved handling all make sense for the standard, sporty sedan, but it’s not the sort of thing I’m used to seeing on a LWB luxury cruiser. Still, a lower curb weight is almost never a bad thing, and it should help the XFL stand out amongst the competition.

CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION

The most important update here is obviously the lengthened wheelbase, which gains an extra 140 mm (5.51 inches) for 3,100 mm (122 inches) total.

Handling is improved thanks to something called All Surface Progress Control, which comes into play in situations where traction can be an issue. Jaguar also calls it a “low speed cruise control,” which basically translates as advanced traction control that can maintain a pre-set speed over low-grip surfaces.

Safety And Convenience

 Jaguar XFL
The XFL gets Jaguar’s latest safety features, starting with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go traffic assist, lane-keep assist, rear traffic monitor, and parking assist. The LED headlights are also adaptive.

Making its debut on the XFL is a new tech called Clear Exit Detection, which can identify traffic approaching from the rear and warn passengers attempting to step out of the vehicle.

Prices

The XFL will be offered in five different trim levels – the XFL Pure, the XFL Prestige, the XFL Prestige Lux, the XFL Prestige Lux +, and the XFL Portfolio.

There is currently no official pricing information, but based on the competition, I’d wager a figure between 450,000 and 650,000 Yuan ($69,629 and $100,576 at current exchange rates, 04/11/2016) depending on the given trim level and options.

Sales are slated to begin exclusively in China in the second half of 2016.

Competition

MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS LONG

 Mercedes E-Class
Essentially unmodified from the regular E-Class, the E-Class Long adds around 5.5 inches of legroom in back, all while keeping the usual ritzy Mercedes Mercedes touches, such as LED headlights and copious high-end cabin materials. Engine options include the choice between a 204-horsepower four-cylinder, 245-horsepower six-cylinder, and a 333-horsepower six-cylinder.

Read the full review here.

BMW 5 SERIES LI

 BMW 5 Series
Packed to the gills with technology, the BMW 5 Series Li increases space for rear passengers by around 4.5 inches. There are four trim levels available, including the 520Li, 525Li, 530Li, and 535Li. The first two employ a 2.0-liter four-cylinder for motivation, while the latter two get a 3.0-liter six-cylinder.

Read the full review here.

AUDI A6 L

 Audi A8 L W12
Unveiled in 2012, the A6L was also specifically tailored to the Chinese market. Matrix LED headlights are up front, while sumptuous leather covers the interior. Power comes from a 1.8-liter TFSI engine, which produces 188 horsepower. A seven-speed automatic transmission routes it to the front axle.

Read the full review here.

Conclusion

 Jaguar XFL
Jaguar seems to be following the same formula as the Germans when it comes to offering a Chinese-market LWB-variant of the XF. And while the economic wizards are predicting a lower growth rate as we get deeper into 2016, that isn’t putting a damper on the automakers’ enthusiasm when it comes to investing in this potentially lucrative market.

Whether or not JLR will decide to bring the XFL stateside remains to be seen, but odds are low considering the marque’s current lineup and the fact the XFL will be built in China. Still, U.S. consumers should be interested in the new features revealed with the XFL’s debut, such as cabin air ionization and Clear Exit Detection, because it’s more than likely some of that good stuff will show up here, too.