SPY PICS: Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake

Mercedes-Benz and Audi already offer wagon versions of their stove-hot E63 AMG and RS 6 respectively, and now it’s Jaguar’s turn to get in on the rapid-estate action.

Captured here by the Automedia lenses is a virtually undisguised prototype of an XFR-S wagon (Sportbrake in Jaguar-speak), which packs the same hardware as the 300km/h-plus sedan that launches here later this year, priced at $222,545.

With a towering 404kW and 680Nm at its disposal, the XFR-S sedan knocks over the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 4.6 seconds, and it’s reasonable to assume the wagon will be within a tenth or two of this time.

As per its notchback sibling, the XFR-S Sportbrake gains an uprated electronic active differential and stability control, as well as fat Pirelli rubber wrapped around 20-inch Varuna forged alloy wheels.

As evident from the accompanying images, the Sportbrake flagship also sports an aggressive bodykit comprising a bespoke front apron with three large air intakes and vertical brake cooling ducts at the outer extremities.

The derriere is distinguished by a bumper diffuser that incorporates cut-outs for the quartet of exhaust outlets, while the flanks gain side-sill extensions.

The XFR-S’s hunkered-down stance is clearly evident, with the lipped wheel-arches offering just enough clearance for the low-profile Pirellis.

Expect the Sportbrake to be offered with the same colour palette as the XFR-S sedan, which comes in a choice of French Racing Blue, Ultimate Black, Stratus Grey, Polaris White and Italian Racing Red.

Inside, the XFR-S is trimmed in Warm Charcoal leather upholstery with embossed logos on the seats and a selection of three colours (red, blue or ivory) for the micro-piping and stitching.

The garden-variety XF Sportbrake was only recently green-lighted for our market, with the first cars expected here in early 2014.

Jaguar says only a limited number of Sportbrakes will be sold in Australia, but underlines their importance to the brand here from an image point of view.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site…