2018 Jaguar XF Sportbrake Car Review

There are all sorts of Jaguars to lust after. The XF Sportbrake is particularly desirable if you want performance and a way to get the family where they need to be. Simply put, it’s a station wagon, or in other words a low slung crossover. Tom Voelk finds it’s a good option for people who love driving, need practicality and crave individuality.
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About Tom:
Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award. He also married way out of his league. Now, stop reading this promotional copy bragging about Tom's photography and editing skills and watch a couple episodes. It's much more interesting.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Dear Rich People, Please buy lots of these new premium wagons and start a trend. If that happens, there may be a trickle down effect of mass - market wagons for the rest of us.

[@Sanpedranoazul]

Yes please LOL

[@TheHelghast1138]

♥️

[@ParagMathurmd]

I think your patience is now rewarded. 2020, and these are now in the $40k range with low mileage and a warranty.

[@Siper2]

I will always choose a wagon over an SUV, so long as I've got the choice. This is a nice one!

[@67tomcat]

Beautiful car- wagons are great! Wish more were available here in the US.

[@jamesodell9382]

Good review. I have a second-hand 2006 X-Type wagon. Very similar in terms of MPG, AWD bias, plenty of room and I can throw...er, lightly place my kayak up top without issue. Reliability-wise, Jaguar has improved so much from my first one which was an '85 XJ6. Wait about 8-10 years and this car will be a great find in the used car market, like my 2006!

[@engelcrona]

I saw one of these on May 10, 2020 and was blown away by how elegant yet sporty it looked.

[@ISO-guys]

Good review thankyou. The most common term in the UK for these body types is “Estate”

[@AndrewKNI]

Hello from the UK. Great review Tom. Gorgeous car.

[@leesmith9299]

have you ever heard them referred to as "shooting-brakes"? I haven't. They're estates as far as I was aware.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Tom, it's not that people who love wagons don't buy cars. It's that they're married to people seduced by the "command" driving position of SUV's that gives them a fighting chance to see what's going on ahead and around them in Seattle traffic. We gave up a much loved Saab wagon for a CUV in 2012 and my better half wouldn't go back to a wagon when time came to replace it this year. Our Kia Sorento is a great vehicle but I continue to lust after the few wagons available out there.

[@jody024]

So... basically people who are scared to drive.

[@stephenhendricks103]

jody024: I wouldn't say that. My spouse isn't "scared to drive"; she simply wants a fighting chance when she's surrounded on all sides in traffic by vehicles that are six feet tall and more. Ironically, I suspect that many of the drivers of those vehicles purchased them for the same reason.

[@sydjaguar]

I love wagons.

[@marcell5055]

sydjaguar me too. Accord was the best.

[@csquire3]

Just discovered this as I attempt to watch the whole of KZbin while on CV-19 lockdown. Good review and Tom is old-school cool. Col from the UK.

[@toh3211]

I wish we had more fastback or wagon choices. Bring the Audi A6 allroad here to the states!!

[@FacundoLandoni]

Great car and review Tom!! Greetings from Argentina!!

[@mandeepahluwalia2377]

Tom, excellent review as usual!

[@davidstoler7567]

Let's see: Station Wagon; iPhone 6; Oasis soundtrack. This is why we love Tom.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

6S you mean. Just got a new battery in it for free. Trying to nurse it along for another year, the kitchen remodel is getting out of hand.

[@adbt20]

Nice wagon, but $80k price tag might be a little too ambitious?

[@esteban75lover23]

its similar to the e400 with the same equiptment.

[@adbt20]

consolence s I'd argue they're both too expensive, in this age of SUVs

[@esteban75lover23]

adbt20 an F pace S or a GLE 43 are both less expensive than their wagon stablemates so I agree

[@salilgupte4507]

It's an MSRP....I bet there will be some generous discounts to get it to something that competes with Volvo wagon. They will have a tough time competing with the E 400, though.

[@esteban75lover23]

Salil Gupte I went to my local dealer last Friday and they had one in the showroom identical to the one reviewed here, and they discounted it to 70k even. Jaguar dealerships are usually kind and take enough off to not loose you while you are there at the dealer. Good luck getting a lot taken off of an equivalent F Pace S. The jag dealers will be much more flexible for sure with this sexy wagon.

[@orestes720]

“Lair” is certainly the appropriate word for the gathering place of those who love this car’s exquisitely feline qualities.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Tom, Do not apologize (even ironically) for liking wagons, they really are the best all round choice.

[@py1211]

In my opinion the wagon is the most beautiful version of passenger car.

[@artureff3046]

Right Lane Hog agree, AMG E63s 4matic...

[@rightlanehog3151]

I prefer manual ;)

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I wasn't apologizing, just stating a fact.

[@rightlanehog3151]

In that case, I apologize.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Tom makes the best reviews for everyday people like me. Great voice too! Two thumbs up sir.

[@pdlynch4330]

Beautiful, stylish, classy...love wagons! But alas, we drive an Odyssey and a CRV which we love...but the wagon... Love Tom and his delightful reviews, watch many reviews but keep Tom's for last...we would adopt Tom in Canada if we could...

[@timmietz]

Just bought a new 2020 at $25K OFF the sticker. Very happy with it.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It can be done. It's why I'm starting a price quote service. There are deals, you just have to look for them.

[@terrificspokesman7416]

Here in the UK Estate cars or wagons are really popular. This car is also really popular. I heard that in the USA nobody buys wagons anymore

[@josefgordon7712]

Holy smokes that is amazing looking! Wouldn't mind the XFR&S with the Supercharged V8!!!

[@esteban75lover23]

Excellent review, excellent car.

[@yippie6862]

You cannot have your Jaguar wagon and eat it too. Which is fine by me. Gotta love the wagons! I'd consider one.

[@pierrealexguev]

Watching this while in quarantine, tough that de cargo loading was pretty funny.

[@JDelta87]

Another well crafted review. Also, well done history lesson at the end.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Thanks. Class dismissed!

[@chrisrice3551]

Great review the thumbnail brought me here..I'm not a family man so no need for this atm but excellent review..price is way to much but nice ride if you can get one.

[@s3hooligan]

I love my Audi A6 Avant but this may be a good option when the time comes to replace.

[@deet4895]

It's the Volvo V90 R-Design T6 Awd for me.

[@TheHelghast1138]

Damn. I freggin love this ride.

[@ericmotion4488]

Nice Jaguar!! But I remember when "car enthusiasts" were raving over the Dodge Magnum in 2005. All of them would focus on was how fast and beefy it was, but all I saw was a station wagon. Sidebar...I'm 100% sure if Dodge had premiered the sixth generation Dodge Charger before unveiling that same Magnum, it would not have sold.

[@JulezWinnfield]

Apparently the two main requirements for a successful career in automotive journalism are..1) the belief that the station wagon revolution will soon be upon us and they will take their rightful place among crossover SUV's, and 2) the belief that every vehicle should be equipped only with a manual transmission, since we're all being somehow deprived of the "exhilaration" of shifting our own gears while driving.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'm a bit of an outlier at the secret lair. While I think people overlook wagons (because they have the ability handle like sport sedans), I fully understand that the wagon will probably not be the go-to vehicle for sometime (if ever). And I think there are certain cars that demand a manual box (the Miata for instance) but I'm quite secure in my manliness to state I'd buy a Cayman or 911 with the PDK. It's a personal preference.

[@silentrefusal9911]

You never disappoint Tom, never. Reviews are always top notch. Now waiting for your take on Subaru Ascent. Any time soon?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Haven't seen one in the press fleet but my neighbor just drove his home. I'll go knock on his door and see how he's liking it...

[@silentrefusal9911]

Driven Car Reviews that would actually be awesome. Asking about and checking a non review car.

[@gmusik777]

Great review! While I would rather have an Audi RS6 Avant, I am happy with my more affordable XF Sportbrake. Thanks for the great review!

[@adbt20]

Tom Voelk, I would LOVE to see you review the new G-wagen!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Working on it...

[@ChrisBrown-um1vu]

Jag mad from 🇬🇧 the sportbrake is a good looking car from all angle’s. Get it in the right colour and it looks amazing

[@orestes720]

I’m sure you’ll look perfectly dapper in a smoking jacket, Tom!

[@jamesfreedman1680]

In my opinion, Jag needs to revise the price, they are charging way more than its worth. Jag got this priced incorrectly, it is priced at least $15,000 more than it should be. JLR should see an increased sale if they consider revisiting their price tag

[@Raven1180]

Excellent review as always Sir price err not so much.

[@DjdMenis]

Love the fun fact Tom.

[@Mendo1512]

Hey Tom, what ever happened to your old theme intro music. I went as far back to 2013 to listen. The intro music is a favorite. Will you ever bring it back? Btw your top notch in car reviews

[@ytechnology]

Yes, old intro music meant cue the fun! I found Tom's review on the Acura TSX Sport Wagon, which my wife and I drive. kzbin.info/www/bejne/faWzpqtta8h_q8k

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yeah, I really liked that theme but couldn't afford the APM music library fees. That said, I kind of like rotating the music to fit the car and having a very brief opening graphic. That way I get right to the review. Some videos make such a big deal about the open. I just want to get to the meat.

[@islandtoisland]

What's with the concealed air vents?

[@jaym5913]

I wish it came with a sunroof. Nice car though, And nice review too.

[@sean13899]

We call them “estate” cars here in the UK and Ireland

[@gjmob]

I have always wanted a Jagwaaaaaaaaar.

[@robyoungquist5803]

Tom ... I’m going to be relocating to Seattle soon. The neighborhood you drove through looks like the type I would like to live in. What’s that neighborhood called/zip code so I can house hunt? Btw, I like wagons but drive a BMW 530e. 😕

[@vossler360]

Tom filmed in the Windermere neighborhood of Seattle, which is 98105. Just don't expect to find any bargains.

[@robyoungquist5803]

Eric Shea ... Thanks. Judging by the looks of the neighborhood, I didn’t think it would be inexpensive 😉.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Eric is correct. Windermere is not cheap. A quick Zillow check finds houses in the 3-11 million dollar range. Nice people, I've chatted with a number of them over the years.

[@robyoungquist5803]

Driven Car Reviews ... thx. Then it won’t be much of a shock coming up from Southern California. 😉

[@DrivenCarReviews]

The grey winters will be though...

[@inomad]

I like it a lot. I just wish it was offered with RWD.

[@ktpinnacle]

Nice review on an unusual car, Tom. Can you explain to me why premium car manufacturers can't seem to produce an electronic interface - something that they push as a feature - that isn't sluggish or buggy?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

These days I think most manufacturers do fine when it comes to interfaces there there are a few that I'm not crazy about. I compare the action of the screens with a year old iPad which is very snappy. And I think interfaces are a personal preference. I'm lukewarm on Nissan, BMW and Mercedes, others love them.

[@ktpinnacle]

Do you find the current RR and Jag interfaces to be adequate regarding responsiveness? I know many bemoan the fact that they haven't integrated Apple Carplay.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

JLR is adding Android and CarPlay, they said as much at the I-Pace launch. Personally, I think the response is fine most of the time. At times they might be sluggish but for the most part these systems are much improved and fairly responsive. You have to remember they have to use processors that will withstand the wild temperature variations and vibration found in a car. If you've ever left an iPad or iPhone in the sun, you'll know what I mean.

[@ktpinnacle]

True. And hadn't heard about them adding CarPlay. Good news. Thx, T.

[@bextar6365]

You fail to mention the Subaru Outback wagon, yes it in smaller and cheaper. Isn't it is the #1 selling wagon in the USA...………..

[@jojo0827]

Yes but Subaru categorizes it as a crossover.

[@bextar6365]

jojo0827...….My be so but they lie it's a wagon , I own one....

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Subaru insists it's a crossover so there's that. But I don't think the Outback and XF are competitors. You can buy two of the Subies for the cost of one of the Jags.

[@normt5463]

@@bextar6365 it is a crossover that looks like a wagon. Which back up by paltry SUV-like handling.

[@aerec9421]

Nice review! It’s a shame that Jag gives such a boring interior and engine exhaust to such a sexy looking car, which they used to be really good at.

[@jody024]

It is a good looking body. Seen a few on the streets and it does turn necks.

[@esteban75lover23]

for sure

[@esteban75lover23]

simonisable haha, we don’t want any extreme neck turning do we?

[@СергейПогосов-г4я]

Хороший аппарат ! Универсалы все хорошие - это настоящие машины, по настоящему практичные, удобные и красивые ! Но, такие нужны, как минимум, гибриды !

[@brandonpollard8928]

Loved your review as always. I'm not impressed with this car for some reason... I think the rear could have been more Sporty I do know that it's a "Luxury" but Luxury and Sporty go hand and hand most of the time now a days. Yup a active spoiler(hidden) would have sold this for me...on a wagon yes make it work I don't make cars you do lol

[@orestes720]

Yep, I’m confused all right! How did we go from “shooting brake” to “sportbrake”? Are Brembos considered “sport brakes” (ha ha)?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Ah, good one!

[@Brian-Burke]

Generally speaking, when a car allows you to defeat the engine stop/start, do you have to disable it every time you start the car? I could see getting tired of that.

[@jimhopper2246]

Brian Burke im tired of the idea. I see expensive starter replacements in the future...

[@jamespatrick6939]

Jim is right, while new starter motors are made to withstand the constant start stop, the guy who services my cadillac told me that under tough weather the coils age quite fast, and will need replacement in the next year, I got my car last year, and while the motor enters under guaranty, if it didn't I would have to pay 1200 bucks..., so yep, prepare for motors to become the next plugs in terms of replacements

[@Brian-Burke]

I agree. I won't buy a car that has one if I have to defeat it every time I start the car. I have a Honda Accord V6 and Honda shuts down three cylinders in the name of better MPGs, and I have no way to change that. I paid for six cylinders.

[@jamespatrick6939]

Brian, plus don't forget the fact that while only 3 cylinders are running, your are slowly wearing out only half of the engine, so you'll have a big engine that ages as quickly as a small one, with the extra that servicing the engine will be for a V6, not a 3 cylinder, even though your car might run in those 3 most of the time...

[@bjcliving386]

it is very annoying yes, however, if you have an odb2 plug, there are ways to turn it off completely :)

[@fleuger99]

Great review and lovely vehicle. I'm looking at picking up a CPO one and there are many priced in the low $50's with under 15K miles. Finally an American that can pronounce Jaguar correctly ;)

[@Random415510]

Wagon lovers are intelligent people & intelligent people don't buy cars new.

[@Neptune8]

I love wagons

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Bravo, Tom! Great looking cat. I say, do you know where they're built, old chap??

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I believe the ones in the US are built in Birmingham, England. They might be assembled in China for their market as well.

[@BenzinioB]

I'll take wagon over SUV any time! It is better in any possible indicator

[@philproffitt8363]

The Start button pulse is at 72 bpm...the resting heart-rate of a real jaguar.

[@normt5463]

Funny ending!

[@keithjackson4985]

I like the evil twin. But Mr Voelk. Have him smoking cigars and getting the cars sideways on racetracks! Evil!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

He's all hat and little cowboy that evil twin.

[@ClassicBMWFanInQuebec]

I earned a fun fact!

[@berniesutton7277]

MiniCactuar so did I 🙂

[@marcell5055]

I love it!

[@binio28]

why did you explain Shootingbrake instead Sportbrake? First one is Mercedes 'station wagon' ;-)

[@orestes720]

$80 grand for a station wagon, er, sportbrake! I think the Buick Regal TourX (a.k.a. Opel Insignia Country Tourer) is more affordable.

[@weedmastersr]

Haha, yeah, about $40-45 grand more affordable.

[@Log1cTech]

nice car

[@mulz8120]

wagons all the way

[@HackerFish21]

Do I live in a cave or was there no marketing for this sexy machine? This is the first time I've heard of the brittish wagon and I must say...daaammmmnnnnn

[@leesmith9299]

I've never heard anyone call them shooting-brakes here in the UK. We call them estates. God knows why.

[@kylegoodman5196]

I honestly think the Benz and the Volvo look better, and the Benz is definitely better at being a "luxury car". This is probably better at both of them at being a sports car though.

[@gene978]

Buick Regal Tour for less then half the price, if you love wagons and can’t afford the badge. ;)

[@SSS-mp8th]

If Buick offered a GS version I'd agree.

[@swanblake]

gene978 but GM shiney black craptastic plastic interior ruins it. Also fwd or a fwd bias and system, not RWD like the Jag

[@bestpilot98]

the new JagWag's interior is nothing to write home about; especially for $80K! Tom's highly optioned example's interior looks cheap when compared to Merc's new e-class wagon's base model. Jaguar should have given their new wagon a sumptuous interior...something along the lines of the XJ's interior. all in all, this vehicle does not look special from any angle...inside, or out. the argument about interior material quality, in this case, between the jag and the buick, is irrelevant.

[@martinkleinman2522]

I think the Buick's stop/start feature cannot be turned off. Tom, is that true?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It can effectively be turned off by setting the AC to "max" or putting it into manual mode.

[@gaurd3]

Station wagon with tude

[@TheHelghast1138]

I don't get the hate, I really love wagons!!

[@novemberSUN1]

It's sound weird when people say "Jag-WIRE" and not Jag U ar

[@ericfrancis7816]

Longroofs FTW!

[@headcas620]

That mpg is funny. My v8 gets that much. This needs a v8.

[@TheSharmanova]

I adore estates. And maybe that's the first step: We all stop calling them 'station wagons' and use their proper name, estates. Or Sportbrakes, for extra marks.

[@blitzbbffl]

Do both you and your evil twin wear matching smoking jackets while discussing the virtues of estates?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

ET is not allowed in after he set fire to the drapes.

[@Sanpedranoazul]

I`m a wagon guy!!!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Smart guy Mario!

[@CalvinHikes]

Automotive journalists love different things because they get bored a lot quicker than your regular consumer. I've owned one car for the last decade. Automotive journalists Drive 20 cars a week. Things that are weird and different journalists love. Journalist love Mazda's and station wagons. And journalists don't have to deal with cars that break down very much. Because they're constantly driving brand new vehicles.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Well, I drive a Mazda that's 27 years old (and it has never broke down because I take care of it). My Volvo is 10 so maybe I'm not the typical reviewer.. BTW, I only drive 1-3 cars a week.

[@flyinghedgehog3833]

jaaguarrrrrrrrr

[@derekc7111]

This guy owns 5 station wagons? 😂😂😂

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I have owned five wagons over the years, currently just one.

[@TheKacper2001]

I completely don’t understand what is so magical about wagons, They are just more practical than sedans and we’ve got more ugly or at least less stylish. But this jaguar in wagon version looks just ugly.

[@minniesaab7255]

❤

[@mikealanzo]

-Station wagon, shooting break or shooting the shit.... pick your description...... right..... go along folks, get them children out of here... and you, yeah you, get some clothes on......

[@davidjym]

SUVs are still more appealing especially in snowy places with their higher ground clearance.

[@mess0965]

Subaru with 8.5 inches of ground clearance.

[@davidjym]

If you are talking about the Outback or Crosstrek, they're half way between a station wagon and SUV.

[@RumblestripDotNet]

My Merc E350 wagon had no issues in Michigan winters with snow depth.

[@swanblake]

Just way overpriced. I mean no Apple Carplay. I would buy a RWD station wagon if one could be around $40k. Not $80k plus. Maybe the Kia Stinger is close enough to what I need

[@secretsquirrel4137]

Love how he's correcting the English on how to speak English hahahaha - you guys will eventually learn to speak and spell properly.

[@mess0965]

Wings are on planes (aeroplanes) not vehicles.

[@FoodyTunes]

Savaaaage

[@RNoldFCK]

Outside looks so 2009

[@rosaliebent4833]

aluminium was the original name for the element but that was too complex for americans to pronounce so they literally changed the spelling and pronunciation. A bit pathetic really. and the rest of the world calls it aluminium

[@pjay1281]

What the fuck are you doing JAGUAR? This is a $65,000 car ☹

[@telliesmith9825]

80 gs!

[@parallaxview6770]

Its not a Jagwah ffs its a fcukin Jag You Are

[@philm4682]

Its British so say it write jag u ar and being British it’s an estate not a wagon

[@clarencetaylor7455]

Interior is too boring

[@bosse641]

Cool, but why must all cars these days have such a sloping roof line at the back? The rear window is so small. No visibility. A sporty design goes before everything these days. Even security. Very short-sighted imo. Juvenile.

[@vitaliygoldin5423]

I'd rather my car look better though. There is plenty of room as is.