India-bound 2016 Jaguar XF to spawn a long wheebase variant - Report

11/12/2014 - 13:20 | Jaguar XF, Jaguar | Nithyanandh K

China to be the primary market.

With China as the most promising market for Jaguar, the news of a long wheelbase variant of the next gen Jaguar XF doesn't come as a surprise. The world's largest automobile market prefers extra legroom at the rear, and Jaguar is looking to provide that with the next XF.

Jaguar XF special edition side at the 2014 Paris Motor Show — The new XF would be lighter than the current gen model pictured here.

According to Car Magazine, the 2016 Jaguar XF L has been confirmed by more than one broad member of the company. The longer version would be made available specifically in the Chinese market but the manufacturer would be able to react quickly if it senses demand elsewhere.

The XF L will lock horns with the Audi A6 L which is immensely popular in China with monthly sales averaging about 13,000 units. The publication also reveals that the stretched British luxury sedan is being benchmarked against the A6 L.

Jaguar XF special edition interior at the 2014 Paris Motor Show — The interior design would be modernized with new infotainment and connectivity. [Note: Image of the current car is used for representation purpose only.]

Codenamed X260, the next gen Jaguar XF sedan is likely to make its global premiere at the New York Auto Show 2015. The car is based on the lightweight iQ modular aluminium architecture which debuted on the XE. The new XF would be available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. The interior will get improved connectivity and a new multimedia infotainment system.

Also read: Jaguar XF 2.2 Executive Edition launched in India

The long wheelbase variant of the next gen XF is expected to world premiere at one of the major Chinese auto shows next year.

Competitors: Audi A6, BMW 5 series, Mercedes Benz E Class
Expected Price: INR 50 lakhs onward, ex-Showroom
Launch date: Late-2015 in Europe

[Source: Car Magazine]