BMW has M-Sport, Volkswagen->ke94 has R-Line and Audi->ke14 has the S-line. All of these are names for visual upgrades that make cars look faster, but don’t actually do much to increase the speed or performance of a car. Well now Jaguar->ke39 is joining the party with its new R-Sport models.

Just like the other mentioned trim levels, the R-Sport cars from Jaguar will wear some of the more aggressive body parts found on their R and R-S cars, but without all the pesky cost and hassle of extra horsepower and bigger engines.

The first car to wear the new badge is the XF. Jaguar will be releasing R-Sport versions of both the XF Sedan and the XF Sportbrake. If you were hoping that the R-Sport would at least feature the supercharged V-6 or even the base V-8, you are sadly mistaken. The R-Sport Sportbrake comes powered by a 2.2-liter diesel.

Still, if you are in the market for a practical family hauler, but you want to at least pretend you could afford a 550 horsepower monster there are worse choices available.

Click past the jump to read more about Jaguar XF R-Sport.

2014 Jaguar XF R-Sport

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Jaguar XF R-Sport
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 160 @ 3500
  • Torque: 295 @ 2000
  • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The exterior is the main reason to pick up an R-Sport over the other Jaguars in the lineup. It makes use of many sporty styling upgrades that are modeled after bits from the actual Jaguar XF R. The front end features larger intakes and subtle lip spoiler. Integrated fog lamps and chrome details add a touch of class to the new aggression. The side sills and rear bumper are also “R” trim pieces that make the Jaguar look faster than it really is.

The biggest downfall to the styling package is the 17-inch alloys. While they are practical and improve ride quality, they belie the overall sporting presentation.

Interior

The interior gets the same sort of visual treatment as the outside of the new Jag does. A new black on black interior color scheme features Suedecloth seats with contrast stitching in Dove, Tan or Red. The interior trim is available in three colors as well; Dark Oak, Piano Black and Carbon Fiber.

Drivetrain

The eventual plan is to offer the R-Sport option on multiple models with varied engine choices, but the rollout begins with Jaguar’s 2.2-liter, diesel engine. With 160 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, the engine should have more than enough thrust for the average buyer.

Shifting duties are handled by Jaguars ZF-designed eight-speed automatic transmission. The XF R-Sport also comes with a Stop-Start system to cut fuel consumption.

Engine

2.2-liter in-line 4cyl diesel

Capacity (cc)

2179

Peak Power (HP@rpm)

160 @ 3500

Peak Torque (lbs-ft@rpm)

295 @ 2000-5500

Transmission

Eight-speed automatic

Intelligent Stop/Start

Yes

0-60mph (secs)

9.8

Top Speed (mph/km/h)

130/209


Prices

Pricing for the new Jaguar XF R-Sport has not been announced.

Competitors

BMW 5 Series M-Sport

The Germans are the obvious competitor to the Jaguar. The 5 Series is BMW’s answer to the mid-size luxury sports sedan market, and like the new R-Sport is available with an M-Sport package that offers mostly visual enhancements designed to make it look faster than it really is. Where BMW excels is their ability to offer upgraded performance parts with these option packages. From enhanced wheels to better brakes and uprated suspension components, the BMW favors performance over visual substance.

It is very likely the Jaguar will best the BMW in the pricing department. A base 528i rings in at $50,425; over 8k more than the Audi. The BMW has horsepower on its side with a base four-cylinder that promises 240 ponies. If you are willing to pay for it, the BMW also has a much more powerful high-end engine option, a 4.4-liter, turbocharged V-8 that produces 445 horsepower.

If you want that level of power in the Jaguar, you won’t need an R-Sport visual upgrade, as you will already be in the XFR.

Audi A6 S-Line

The Audi A6 is the business suit of the German sedans. Its simple and clean design is the least offensive of the German trio. For a little extra cash you can spec the S-Line visual package that ups the aggressiveness of the A6. Not by much, mind you, but enough to make a difference.

U.S. engine options for the A6 include the Volkswagen Group’s venerable 2.0-liter turbo with 220 horsepower or a supercharged, 3.0-liter V-6. Despite being supercharged, Audi still calls it a 3.0T. This motor dumps 310 horsepower to the wheels and is only available with quattro AWD. The 2.0T is sold in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations. A V-6 TDI is also available, and brings with it a near 40 mpg EPA rating.

It is hard to talk pricing without a U.S. release, but the Audi has always been on the bargain of the scale with its $42k base MSRP. Some of the option packs can get out of hand, but the highest trim level still only starts at $57k.

Conclusion

I may not be a huge fan of cars that adds visual flair without the extra grunt, but that doesn't mean the Jaguar XF R-Sport is a bad car. It is a smart business decision, and many buyers are only looking for a better looking car, not necessarily a faster one. As it stands, the current R-Sport with its diesel engine is not bound for U.S. showrooms, but once Jaguar expands the option across the lineup, expect to see R-Sport badges in your local dealer's showroom.