The Jaguar Sportbrake S enters the luxury wagon market with a starting MSRP of $70,450. However, opting for desirable enhancements such as the technology package ($3,000), driver assistance package ($3,500), and premium interior upgrade ($2,800) quickly elevates the price. My test model, equipped with these features, totaled $84,245, positioning it closely to competitors like the Mercedes E-Class wagon, which we recently tested at $89,860. While Mercedes-Benz currently holds a strong position in luxury interiors, arguably unmatched outside of brands like Rolls-Royce or Bentley, the Jaguar Wagon carves its own niche through a different approach.
Among the current offerings from Mercedes, BMW, Buick, Volkswagen, Subaru, Audi, and Volvo, the Jaguar wagon arguably delivers the most engaging driving experience. This stems from its potent and responsive engine, making it a true “sleeper car” in the wagon segment. Its unassuming exterior belies the thrilling performance capabilities hidden beneath.
Parked amongst other vehicles, the Jaguar Sportbrake S adopts an understated presence. The silver paint of my test car blended seamlessly into a typical parking lot scene dominated by gray, black, white, and beige vehicles. While undeniably handsome, the design intentionally avoids the sharp angles and overtly aggressive styling often associated with “sporty” cars. This heroic understatement makes it easily overlooked, even to the point where I briefly struggled to locate it upon returning – a characteristic that would likely extend to law enforcement as well.
This subtle exterior masks a supercharged engine eager to unleash its power. Imagine smoothly transitioning from a high-speed highway drive to a serene stop, waiting for pedestrians at a crosswalk. Unbeknownst to onlookers, you’ve just experienced the exhilarating performance of a machine capable of effortlessly overtaking lesser vehicles. There’s a unique satisfaction in possessing such hidden capability, a thrilling secret known only to the driver.
Unlike wagons prioritizing utility, such as the Volvo and Buick models I recently drove, the Jaguar wagon appears engineered with a different philosophy. Its primary focus seems to be the driving dynamics and engine performance, with utility taking a secondary role. It’s akin to an F-Type sports car cleverly disguised within the practical body of a wagon. The design intention appears to be the deliberate creation of a sleeper.
Therefore, while the Sportbrake may not represent the absolute pinnacle of blending practicality and performance, it comes remarkably close. It’s a compelling option for those seeking a luxury wagon that prioritizes driving pleasure alongside everyday usability.
