The Jaguar XF was first introduced in 2007 as a replacement for the Jaguar S-Type and has been a fairly successful model, with 202,678 models sold between 2009 and 2016. In 2015, the XF went through a generational shift that didn’t change its overall design too drastically but did bring about the use of aluminum, allowing Jag to shed more than 400 pounds compared to the first-gen model. The second-gen model is offered with a wide variation of engines that include diesel and gasoline models, depending on the market. The 2.0-liter diesel engine gave buyers the option of a six-speed manual transmission, but going with the larger diesel or any of the gasoline drinkers sticks you with an automatic. An AWD system is available with some drivetrain configurations, and power output ranged anywhere between 161 and 375 ponies.

It’s only been two years since the second-gen XF rolled into showrooms, and for 2017, the U.S. model was updated to include a diesel engine for the first time. No other notable changes came with the 2017 model year, but 2018 might be a different story if these spy shots are any indication. The prototype you see here is wearing extensive camo for some reason and, while it’s hard to spot any real changes, there are a few. It’s way too early for Jag to be testing a third-gen model, so it looks like we may see a serious design update in the near future. For now, let’s take a better look at these spy shots and talk a little more about it.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Jaguar XF.

2018 Jaguar XF

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Jaguar XF
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

As I mentioned previously, we’re looking a whole lot of camo here. First, I’ll point out the little things. It looks like the air dam up front is shorter than before, with the edges taking a more vertical stance in comparison to the current model. The fake air inlets in the corners of the fascia may be partially covered with camo, which would explain why they are much smaller, but perhaps Jag decided to tone them down a bit. The black mesh and plate that blocks the inlets off are certainly much more shallow than on the current model. Upon closer inspection, there is a mind indent just above the vent as we see it here that could mean the top edge of the vent still sits about level with the lower edge of the radiator grille. The grille itself appears to be the same size.

Looking at the headlights, it’s hard to spot much, but it appears as if they will get a restyle as well. First, the upper edge doesn’t dip as far downward near the inside point, while the lower edge definitely curves upward, coming to a point much closer to the hood. As far as the side profile goes, there isn’t much to point out, but the side skirts don’t look nearly as aggressive on this prototype. The rear door’s rearmost edge also takes on a different shape that’s similar to that found on the 2017 LWB XF.

Around back, it’s the same story as far as camo goes, but all that camo could point to some pretty significant change. More than likely, this means new taillights. It appears as if the inner edge of the trunk-mounted lights is more rounded than before and may not be quite as long as those of the current model. From the right angle, it looks like the rear lights may take a different look where they wrap around onto the rear quarters as well, but the camo is so heavy that it’s hard to say for sure. Chances are, they’ll follow the same styling as the headlights and will likely feature stronger curves and will probably point upward instead of downward.

Again, this thing is heavily covered in camo, so nothing is really definite at this point, but it certainly looks like Jaguar has something up its sleeve for us in the near future. This could possibly be a higher-performance model or perhaps some other variation of the XF. Or, it could just be an extensive facelift – that’s certainly not something we’re used to seeing as of lately.

Interior

Note: current XF interior shown here.

Whatever is going on inside this prototype is about as mysterious as the fact that we’re looking at an XF prototype this early on. In one view of the exterior, we can see the hump above the instrument cluster, and it looks the same as what we see in the current model. The interior of the current model is well appointed with low-seating seats for a sporty feeling, a center console that links up to the center stack, an eight-inch infotainment display that sits fairly low in the center stack, and an eight-speaker audio system. I suspect we’ll see the same options that are available on the current model, including the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system with a 10.2-inch display. A digital instrument cluster and dual-zone climate control system should be standard equipment.

As far as changes to the interior, I honestly wouldn’t expect much. Jaguar may update the instrument cluster and infotainment systems with new software. And, the seats could potentially see a new design, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. Jaguar just put significant time into making the second-gen model, so with as extensive as the exterior updates appear to be, spending more than a few bucks to change the interior doesn’t seem like a wise idea for the company. Not that it’s necessarily a bad thing anyway, if you’ve ever sat in the second-gen XF, you know it’s a really nice place to spend some time if you have to be on the road.

Drivetrain

The motivation behind the XF probably won’t change with this facelift either. On the diesel side, you’ll be able to opt for a 161-horsepower 2.0-liter diesel, or the same engine tuned to deliver 178 ponies. The 161-horsepower engine is only available with RWD, and both 2.0-liter diesels can be equipped with either six-speed manual or an automatic, but if you want AWD with the 2.0-liter diesel, you need to go with the 178-pony plant and the automatic transmission. If you want more oil-burning power, you can shoot up to the 3.0-liter diesel. It has 296 ponies on tap but is only available with an automatic transmission and can only be had with rear-wheel drive.

On the gasoline front, there’s a 2.0-liter gasoline unit with 237 horsepower on tap. This engine mates to the automatic transmission only and is only offered in a rear-wheel-drive configuration. There are two variations of the 3.0-liter gasoline engine, both of which are only offered with the automatic transmission but can be had in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The lesser of the two delivers 335 horsepower while it’s bigger brother is tuned to deliver 375 horsepower. Both 3.0-liters are supercharged, and the one with more grunt can propel the XF to 60 mph in around five seconds.

Then again, Jaguar could do some soul searching and tuning. If so, we may see some minor bumps in power from the gasoline units, but I wouldn’t expect much for the diesel power plants. Here in the U.S., that diesel is practically brand new, so Jag isn’t going to take the time to update it at all. And, keep in mind that the aforementioned engines are global offerings, so we won’t get them all here in the U.S. At the current time, we’re stuck with choosing between an 180-horsepower diesel with an automatic or the 340-horsepower V-6 with an automatic. Both engine setups can be equipped with AWD if you so desire.

Prices

To be frank, this prototype is likely in the very early stages of testing, so we may not see it in official production form until mid-2018 or early 2019 when the current generation is four years old. A lot can happen between now and then, so it’s hard to estimate pricing. As of the time of this writing, you can get an XF here in the states for as little as $48,250 in two-wheel drive and a diesel. Jump into an AWD diesel will set you back an extra $3,000. If you want V-6 power, you’ll be asked to write a check for $51,290, but if you want AWD, you’ll have to ask the bank for $54,290. I wouldn’t be surprised to see prices climb by $1,000 or even more by the time this prototype drops camo, but we’ll just have to wait and see.

Competition

Audi A6

When it comes to luxury sedans, you can always expect Audi to show up somewhere in the conversation. When it comes to competing with the XF, you’ll have to look at the A6, and with it, you’ll find a design that’s fairly similar to what you get with the XF. Up front, there’s just the right mix of aggression and style, and the headlights even take a somewhat similar shape. Its side profile is fairly mild as is the rear end. I think the Jag wins when it comes to style out back, but you know what they say about opinions.

Inside, you’ll find comfortable seats, ample passenger room, and a very German dash setup with the floating infotainment display. Engine options include a 2.0-liter with 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet, a 2.0-liter gasoline unit with 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet, or a diesel with 240 horsepower and 428 pound-feet. All three engines mate to an eight-speed automatic, so don’t expect to row your own in this baby. Pricing starts out at $47,600 for the entry-level Premium trim, $51,600 for the Premium Plus, $61,600 for the Prestige, and $67,600 for the Competition.

Learn more about the Audi A6 here.

BMW 5 Series

BMW is another prime competitor in the luxury sedan segment, and the 5 Series is the weapon of choice when it comes to fighting off the Jaguar XF. It’s got a more toned down front and rear end in comparison to the XF, by the distinct lines that make up the side profile add just the right amount of character to the exterior. Inside, you’ll find seats that are nice and comfortable, plenty of passenger room, and an updated infotainment system that operates similarly to your smartphone.

Drivetrain offerings are ample, including a 2.0-liter with 248 horsepower, a 3.0-liter inline-six with 335 horsepower, or a 4.4-liter V-8 with 456 horsepower. 2.0-liter models can hit 60 mph in six seconds flat with rear-wheel drive or 5.8 seconds with AWD. Those equipped with the 3.0-liter make the same sprint in 4.9 seconds or 4.7 with AWD. Finally, the 4.4-liter V-8 that’s available in the M550i will get you to 60 in 3.9 seconds and can only be had with AWD. Opting for the 530i will set you back $51,200 or $53,500 with AWD. The 530e I Performance (hybrid) will set you back $51,400 or $53,700 with AWD, while the 540i comes in at $56,450 or $58,750. If you want that M550i, you’ve got expensive taste, and you’ll pay dearly. It starts out at $72,100, but at least you get a German-built V-8, right?

Find out more about the BMW 5 Series here.

Conclusion

I can’t stress enough that this is a weird time to be seeing an XF with so many changes in camo. It’s hard to say what Jag is up to, but it could just be on top of its game as far as preparation to keep the second-gen alive well into the next decade. What’s really interesting here is that the front fascia and exterior lights all seem different, which comes as a big surprise considering this model is just two years old at the time of this writing. Not that keeping a model fresh is a bad thing, it’s just a little out of place for a revised XF to be in the works so early. What do you think is going on here? Is Jag prepping a higher-performance version, or is it just keeping itself ahead of the competition? Take a look at the spy shots for yourself and let me know what you think in the comments section below.