There's several out there already from the likes of Audi, Ferrari , etc. But now it looks like Jaguar is jumping into the game.

JAGUAR XFR-S SPORTBRAKE CONFIRMED

Everyone loves a fast estate, don't they? Chris Harris loves them, Shed loves them and, with their return to touring cars, motorsport fans love them too. Now there's another joining the ranks of rapid wagons with the XFR-S Sportbrake.

Having speculated on the prospect of a 550hp XF Sportbrake last year, it's very pleasing to see the project become official. And moreover, it could well be a more desirable car than the superb saloon, even allowing for the PH predilection for lairy load-luggers.

The blue used in the shots here is Ultra Blue, a slightly more subtle shade than the exceptionally bold French Racing Blue launched with the saloon. It's still distinctive but slightly less in-yer-face than before. In fact the whole aesthetic is a little more discreet and desirable with just one (smallish) spoiler option as well. The shape arguably lends itself better to the 'S' addenda too. You will have of course already noted the 20-inch Varuna wheels, deeper front bumper and carbon rear diffuser.

The Sportbrake's powertrain is unsurprisingly identical to the four-door with 550hp and 502lb ft going to the rear wheels through an eight-speed Quickshift auto and active electronic diff. It's fractionally slower to 62 (4.8 against 4.6) and a tad thirstier (22.2 plays 24.4) but hits the same 186mph top speed.

The extra mass that blunts those figures is managed in the Sportbrake by a few alterations to the rear suspension. Both spring rate and dampers have been revised which, say Jaguar, 'increase the feeling of connectivity with the road surface, allowing for confidence-inspiring handling and a supple, controlled ride'. Let's see how that transpires on the road given the furore around the saloon's ride...

As part of the 2015 MY Jaguar XF range, the R-S Sportbrake will debut at Geneva and be available to order on April 1. Despite that launch date, the price is very serious indeed: Ł82,495. That's nearly Ł6K more than the Audi RS6 (Ł76,985) and an even bigger jump over the Mercedes E63 wagon (Ł75,885). The E63 S is more at Ł85,880 but it is more powerful (585hp and 589lb ft); it's also a bigger estate (1,950 litres seats down against the Jag's 1,675) if that's important. Is it important?




Full article and pics - HERE

 

There's only 1 shooting brake design I have really liked outside of the audi line:

 

^I hated those. Looks like a roller skate.