Shorter overall but with a longer wheelbase, it uses an aluminium-rich architecture to reduce weight by up to 190kg compared to its predecessor and 80kg less than rival vehicles. It’s also more aerodynamic and more spacious than the previous model.

In the UK, the bulk of fleet orders are likely to be split across the familiar Prestige, R-Sport and Portfolio trim levels, equipped with two versions of the new 2.0-litre Ingenium four-cylinder diesel engine developed in-house at Jaguar Land Rover. 

With 161bhp and the six-speed manual gearbox, the XF becomes the most efficient non-hybrid in the executive segment, offering fuel economy of 71.7mpg with CO2 emissions of 104g/km, while the eight-speed automatic returns 68.9mpg and emits 109g/km. The 178bhp version, priced from £32,800, emits 114g/km and returns 68.9mpg with either transmission.

At the top of the launch model range, the XF S is available with a choice of two V6 engines both equipped with automatic gearboxes and priced at £49,950. Fuel economy averages 51.4mpg for the diesel and 34.0mpg for the petrol, equating to CO2 emissions of 144g/km and 198g/km respectively. Four-wheel drive, offered in selected markets from launch, will also be available in the UK in the near future.

Also new to the XF is a raft of Jaguar Land Rover’s latest technology. The infotainment system can be upgraded to a more advanced version of the InTouch setup used in the XE, compete with iOS and Android integration, which also includes a customisable 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster, with full-screen navigation.

All-Surface Progress Control, which aids traction on low-grip surfaces, is shared with the XE, while the XF’s new dual forward-facing cameras allow for safety technology including automatic emergency braking, an intelligent speed limiter which can read road signs and convenience functions such as high beam assist, automatic cruise control and a semi-automated parking assistant.