2021 Jaguar XF updated with MHEV diesel, new interiors and refreshed styling

Close on the heels on the Jaguar F-Pace SUV,  Jaguar has now given its Jaguar XF sedan some similar updates. This is the mid-cycle refresh for the second-gen XF and adds new MHEV engines, subtle exterior tweaks and a revised interior. The Jaguar XF Sportback estate gets the same changes too.

The biggest mechanical change is the addition of a new MHEV diesel powertrain. This uses the 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine in conjunction with a 48V belt integrated starter generator. Power output has increased by 24PS to 204PS with 430 Nm. The electric motor can harvest energy lost when slowing and braking, store it in a battery in the rear and redeploy for assistance during acceleration or to power the start/stop system. This version allows the RWD XF sedan to do 0 to 100 kmph in 7.6s and the XF Sportbrake estate does this in 8.0s. A a 13 per cent improvement in emissions and 14 per cent in efficiency is being claimed for the RWD sedan.

The petrol engines remain unchanged with two options. There is a 250PS or a 300PS version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 365Nm and 400Nm respectively. The less powerful petrol can do 0 to 100 kmph in at least 6.9s while the 300PS version(AWD only) drops this to 6.1s.

The 11.4-inch curved-glass screen that houses the new Pivi Pro infotainment is the big interior highlight, even though the dash is fully new. There a continuous air-vent design and the chamfered dash face similar to what has been seen on newer Land Rovers. The centre console is also new with new rotary climate controls and the riding gear selector replaced by a new stubby cricket-ball inspired one. The area is also trimmed in new leather and aluminium inserts. The driver gets the enhanced 12.3-inch instrument cluster now as well as a new steering wheel. Other changes are new door pads with new casings, easier to hold grab handles and better storage. The seats are wider and more supportive too. New tech includes active road noise cancellation, a PM2.5 air filter, 360-degree and Clearsight rear camera.

Jaguar claims the Pivi Pro infotainment is far more intuitive with most common functions completed in two taps or less. The unit features dual-SIM connectivity, SOTA updates and a dedicated power source for quick boot-up.

Rounding off this flurry of changes is the XF's new styling. There is a wider front grille with a new mesh design. New bumpers with larger and lower air intakes, slimmer LED headlamps with the twin J motifs and the Jaguar 'Leaper' emblem in the side vents. At the rear there's a wider bumper with a body-coloured upper section. There is a black exterior highlight package as well as the R-Dynamic styling enhancements on offer.

Bookings for the Jaguar XF and XF Sportbrake have opened internationally with an India launch expected next year.