Skip to main content

For 2016, Jag’s XF sheds its Ford lineage and gets a lot more aggressive

Jaguar XFR-S
Image used with permission by copyright holder
The next generation of Jaguar’s mid-size executive sedan, the XF, is edging closer and closer to its New York Auto Show reveal. In the mean time a few more spy shots have surfaced of the four-door throwing on its finest camo skin and taking to the snow for some testing.

Thanks to the keen-eyed crew at Carscoops, we have a peek of Jag’s answer to the 5 Series as it gets put through the paces in Sweden. This generation car retains the familiar, if not slightly larger, silhouette, but subtle changes in the windscreen angle are noticeable. Its also worth noting that this generation XF abandons the Ford-originated platform the car carried shared with the (shudder) 2005 Thunderbird and opts for Jag’s new modular aluminum platform which premiered on the XE at this year’s Detroit Auto Show.

Jaguar XE Paris 9
The new XF will share its platform with the new 2016 XE, pictured here Image used with permission by copyright holder

A couple shots also capture some of the interior changes that sadly mark the end of the cool roll-up air vents in lieu of more traditional fixed horizontal ones. From what we know, the XF will still offer an engine lineup comprised of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a six-cylinder, and a V8, though a supercharged “R” version (or SVR) of the eight-cylinder is sure to follow soon.

While we can’t see it due to the effective masking of the camo, the Jaguar XF is said to be much more aggressively detailed when it comes to the bodywork. Still, we’ve got a couple more auto shows to keep us busy until the official reveal in New York on April 1st.

Alexander Kalogianni
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Alex K is an automotive writer based in New York. When not at his keyboard or behind the wheel of a car, Alex spends a lot of…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more