2016 Jaguar XF spotted testing in India for the first time - Spied

Based on the aluminium-intensive iQ platform.

The all-new 2016 Jaguar XF sedan has started testing in India, ahead of a launch expected to take place next year. This spyshot was snapped by Autocar India reader, Mr. Anoop Kurian, in Bangalore. Revealed at the New York Auto Show on April 1, the new XF is announced to go on sale in the U.K. come Autumn 2015 (September 2015).

This is not the first time JLR is testing a new vehicle ahead of its worldwide market launch. The Land Rover Discovery Sport was seen testing in India even before its press reveal, hinting that the engineering center of Tata Elxsi was playing a pivotal role in the development/testing of the vehicle or vehicle components. The new XF could be here for the same reason.

Now in its second generation, the new XF has dropped 190 kg thanks to the aluminium-intensive iQ platform (over 75 percent of the new XF's construction is made from aluminium) which also underpins the Jaguar XE. Despite being 7 mm shorter in overall length, the 2016 XF's wheelbase has increased by 51 mm over its predecessor.

Power for the 5 Series competitor comes from JLR's new Ingenium engine family which comprises of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine in 163 PS and 180 PS power states. Higher up the ladder, 3.0-liter V6 petrol and diesel engines will be offered, as will a range-topping 5.0-liter supercharged V8 for the BMW M5 rivaling model.

Also read: Jaguar F-Pace will not steal market share from Range Rover

Like the current gen XF which is assembled in Pune, Jaguar could opt for CKD assembly of the 2016 XF when it introduces the car next year.

Rivals: BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E Class, Audi A6
Expected Price: INR 48-60 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: 2016 in India

[Spyshot from Autocar India]