NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: New Jaguar XF revealed

Early this morning Jaguar’s all-new BMW 5 Series rival took to the skies in a bizarre high-wire act.

The stunt, which took place in London across the River Thames, was the very first glimpse of the all-new XF sedan ahead of its unveiling at the New York motor show next week.

Based on a stretched version of the all-new XE’s chassis, the second-generation XF is up to 80kg lighter than its closest competitor, thanks to widespread use of aluminium in its construction.

Using double-wishbone suspension front and rear, like the new XE, the XF remains rear-wheel drive, possibly, with the option of all-wheel drive in the future.

Under the bonnet, initially the XF will have the same engine options available in the new XE range with the 3.0-litre 269kW/700Nm supercharged V6 petrol the most powerful engine option available.

There will also be the option of the more efficient 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine with either 122kW/380Nm or 134kW/430Nm. Later on two V8 options may also be offered.

Thanks to its lightweight, and class-leading aerodynamics, the most efficient diesel is said to average 4.0L/100km and emit 104g/km of CO2.

Inside, the familiar rotary gear selector and revolving vents carry over but there’s now a new integrated 10.2-inch infotainment system. A larger, premium 12.3-inch version will also be offered.

The new infotainment system, first seen on the XE, works with Jaguar’s latest InControl infotainment and connectivity that work with either an iPhone or Android smartphone and includes an app that can pre-heat or cool the interior, unlock the doors or even locate your car when you can’t remember where you’ve parked it.

An XF Sportbrake is also expected to arrive some time in 2017, as well as the rival for BMW’s M5 -- the XFR.

Jaguar will reveal more information on April 1. Initially Jaguar Australia said the new XF was due to go on sale here in November, but now says it won't arrive until the first quarter of next year.