It is time to let the moths out of the wallet for South African Jaguar fans with the confirmation the new XF will be on these shores early next year, the new car gaining in both looks and technology.

Engine options will be a new 2,0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium turbo-charged diesel engine and the latest 2,0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium petrol, providing enhanced efficiency with strong performance.

The exterior features a new front bumper with larger and lower air intakesalong with a wider front grille featuring a mesh design detail inspired by Jaguar’s heritage logo. The side fender vents now feature the iconic Leaper emblem.

New super slim all-LED quad headlights with ‘Double J’ Daytime Running Light (DRL) signatures are available with optional Pixel LED technology. With Adaptive Driving Beam capability, which evaluates the road ahead and automatically adapts the high beam light to mask oncoming traffic or traffic signs, the system can create varying light beam patterns by selecting different LED segments to optimise visibility without distracting other drivers.  

Premium LED technology is fitted as standard across the range and is available with Auto High Beam Assist on SE and HSE models. The technology uses the forward-facing camera to automatically switch between high and low beam, ensuring that oncoming drivers are not dazzled. Animated Directional Indicators are also available as an option upgrade.   

Design enhancements at the rear include a wider bumper and body-coloured rear upper valance, which visually lower the car. Darkened rear light surrounds now also feature on the XF.

In R-Dynamic specification, the new XF features a series of distinct design elements for a more performance-focused look, while all models are available with the additional Black Exterior Pack, which delivers an even more dynamic appearance with bespoke elements finished in Gloss Black.

The XF has an all-new interior the cockpit design is bolder, more dynamic and the new sporty centre console sweeps up to the dashboard incorporating an optional wireless device charger with phone signal booster.  

There is a centrally-mounted 11,4-inch curved-glass HD touchscreen in a magnesium alloy casing, which controls the new Pivi Pro infotainment system.

The new Drive Selector features an upper section finished with ‘cricket-ball’ stitching, the lower part being made of precision-engineered metal for enhanced tactility.

New door casings, featuring a new 360-degree grab handle, provide easier access and increased storage for drinks bottles and other items. 

New seats feature wider cushioning, new massage functions and enhanced coverage of the heated and cooling areas. An embossed Jaguar Leaper features on all standard headrests, while a set of ‘Est.1935 Jaguar Coventry’ upholstery tags highlight the brand’s heritage.

The new diesel engine offering 147 kW and 430 Nm ups power by 15 kW and is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox driving the rear wheels.

Petrol customers can choose between 18 3kW or 221 kW versions of the 2,0-litre four-cylinder producing 365 Nm and 400 Nm respectively. The 183 kW petrol engine delivers 0-100km/h in 6,9 seconds, while the 221 kW XF, available exclusively with all-wheel drive, achieves 0-100 km/h in 6,1 seconds. Both of these also work through the eight-speed automatic transmisssion.

The new XF features Jaguar’s next-generation Electronic Vehicle Architecture, dubbed EVA 2.0, which supports a range of new technologies to ensure the future-ready vehicle is always connected and always up to date. 

The latest Pivi Pro infotainment technology is accessed through the all-new 11,4-inch curved glass HD touchscreen. Key benefits include enhanced clarity, the screen being three times brighter and 48% larger than the previous screen, and the simplified menu structures allow drivers to access or view up to 90% of common tasks from the homescreen in two taps or less. 

To help drivers access vital information quickly, new XF features a new 12,3-inch HD Interactive Driver Display with enhanced graphics and a configurable layout which can show full screen navigation mapping with turn-by-turn instructions, digital dials, media, contact list or infotainment details.

The infotainment system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard and allows customers to connect two phones simultaneously via Bluetooth. Wireless device charging with phone signal booster allows occupants to fast charge their smartphone. The system also provides clearer calls through the help of an external aerial.

Pivi Pro connectivity is provided by the latest embedded dual-sim technology with two LTE modems enabling the system to carry out multiple functions at the same time, such as streaming media and downloading SOTA updates, without compromising performance.

In addition, Jaguar’s ClearSight Interior Rear View Mirror gives the driver an unobstructed view of the road behind. Using a wide angle rear-facing camera, the system feeds images to a high-definition screen within the frameless rear view mirror; unhindered by tall rear passengers, poor light or rain on the rear screen.

For enhanced convenience, the second-generation wearable Activity Key can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle without the need for the conventional key fob to be present in the vehicle. The rechargeable device incorporates a watch and has a battery life of up to seven days between charges.

The new XF also benefits from Clear Exit Monitor, which alerts both front and rear occupants to the presence of an approaching car or cyclist when exiting the vehicle. Adaptive Cruise Control automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front.

Jaguar’s latest 3D Surround Camera technology delivers advanced 3D functionality using the latest camera technology to deliver more detail and a choice of real-time viewing optional when manoeuvring the vehicle. 

The aluminium-intensive architecture features recycled aluminium from closed-loop manufacturing for greater sustainability and is an important contribution towards Jaguar’s journey to Destination Zero, a world of zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion.   

Customers can choose from S, R-Dynamic SE and R-Dynamic HSE specification packs. Also optional on all models is the Black Exterior Pack.