NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Jaguar reveals more XF secrets

After revealing its second-generation XF during an audacious stunt over the river Thames in the UK last week, Jaguar has revealed more details about its all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series rival ahead of tomorrow's New York motor show.

Set to arrive in Australia in the first quarter of 2016 priced from around $75,000, the new XF shows off a smooth evolution of the current car's design that is more aerodynamic – down to 0.26 from 0.29Cd – and offers a class-leading infotainment system.

Other new bits include active damping suspension, a lighter kerb weight thanks to its "aluminium intensive architecture", reducing weight by up to 190kg, the cleanest diesel engine in its class, more interior space, more luxury features and it'll be more enjoyable to drive too, says Jag.

But not everything's new.

Current owners who liked the spinning vents and pop-up gear dial will be pleased to know that these will be staying, but they'll be joined by plush new cabin materials and a brand-new digitised infotainment system and instrument panel, both of which are fully customisable.

The level of smartphone integration has also been increased and the car's technological capabilities are much improved. Jaguar's head of connected technologies and apps, Peter Virk, said the InControl Touch system is a powerful new tool for customers.

"You can now use your phone to find where you parked your car, you can turn on the heater remotely, and it will tell you if the car has been tampered with."

Advanced voice control is fitted, which allows drivers to send emails, dial numbers, play Spotify songs or even send out a tweet. The navigation has been improved and the screen allows for pinch, zoom and swipe inputs.

It's powered by a new quad-core Intel processor with GFX chipset for fast, smooth running. "We're talking about incredible response times and speed built for the future," says Virk.

There's even a special navigation system that displays on the instrument panel, not unlike the Audi TT's virtual cockpit, and it's matched with a full colour laser head-up display.

Throw in quad-zone climate-control with quad heated seats and an 825-Watt 17-speaker Meridian digital surround system and most luxuries are taken care of.

A forward-facing stereo camera brings radar-based intelligent cruise control to the XF, along with autonomous emergency braking (AEB). It also enables traffic sign recognition and an intelligent speed-limiter.

Other advanced safety features like lane departure warning and lane keep assist are offered, as is an automatic parking assistant and 360-degree view thanks to five cameras mounted around the vehicle.

It's expected that Australian buyers will have access to all of the new tech toys, says Tim Krieger, Jaguar Land Rover Australia's general manager, communications and public relations.

"Certain things will be options, but all the features will be available in the Australia," he said.

"In terms of the line-up and trim levels, that's being developed at the moment. By the time the of the global drive event in August we'll have more details."

Despite the car offering more interior space, particularly for rear-seat passengers, who get 15mm more legroom, 24mm more kneeroom and 27mm more headroom, the new Jaguar XF is actually 7mm shorter than before.

That's because the front overhang has been shaved by 66mm, but the wheelbase – the distance between the front and rear axles – is now 51mm longer at 2960mm. The latter is what creates more interior space.

The interior design has also been kept simple, which also helps create a perception of spaciousness, says Jaguar director of design, Ian Callum.

Measuring 4954mm bumper to bumper, the new Jaguar will be offered with a range of Ingenium engines, all of which will be offered at launch in Australia, says Krieger.

That means a trio of 2.0-litre four-cylinder units – two turbo-diesels and a turbo-petrol – along with a thumping 3.0-litre supercharged petrol V6 worth 280kW/450Nm in its highest state of tune. There's also a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 that generates 221kW.

The most efficient engine available is the 120kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel unit, which has claimed fuel consumption of just 3.9L/100km while emitting CO2 at a rate of 104g/km, the lowest (for a non-hybrid) in its segment.

Although all engines will eventually be offered in Australia, the new Ingenium turbo-petrol 2.0-litre could be some ways off even for launch markets like Europe. Colin Kirkpatrick, Jaguar XF's chief program engineer, wouldn't say when it'll be ready.

In the seven years it's been on sale, since 2007, around 250,000 Jaguar XFs have been sold globally. Jaguar expects the new model will bring more buyers to the brand, with an initial sales spike when it hits dealerships.