Jaguar unveils XF Chequered Flag special editions as part of latest model year updates
Jaguar has jumped on the special edition bandwagon and have unveiled the Chequered Flag edition, based on their XF executive sedan.
First introduced on the F-Type, the Chequered Flag editions celebrate the 70th anniversary of the British brand building sports cars. While the changes affect neither the driving experience nor performance, Chequered Flag models are furnished with a series of cosmetic updates to separate them from the rest of the XF family.
Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design, said: “The XF Sedan combines the elegance and exceptional performance which underline all Jaguars. The XF features a beautiful silhouette giving it a dynamic appearance perfectly suited to the Chequered Flag badge.”
A selection of exterior enhancements distinguish the Chequered Flag model from the rest of the range including unique badging on the side vents. Further design cues for a purposeful finish include a sport front bumper, Black Pack, body-coloured side sills, boot spoiler and 18-inch Chalice alloy wheels in Gloss Black Finish. The new special edition is available in a choice of three exterior colours - Yulong White, Santorini Black and Eiger Grey.
Inside, the XF Chequered Flag model features handpicked elements including unique interior badging on the treadplates, Dark Hex aluminium instrument panel finisher, R-Sport full leather interior, and a choice of Jet/Jet or Jet/Red colour combinations with contrast stitching.
A selection of the most popular optional features fitted to the XF are also standard on the special edition. Navigation Pro with InControl Connect Pro includes Live Traffic which helps drivers avoid traffic jams for a more seamless journey, while it also allows users to share ETAs and routes from a computer or mobile app. Further features include the 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display and keyless entry.
The Chequered Flag edition will be available with a choice of three powertrains: the 184kw and 221kw turbocharged 2.0-litre Ingenium petrol engines, and the 132kw 2.0-litre Ingenium turbodiesel, with all being rear-wheel driven.
Expect both the sporty F-Type and XF Chequered Flag editions to reach South African shores before the middle of the year, with pricing announced closer to the time.
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FAQ
Q: What does the Jaguar XF Chequered Flag cost in South Africa?
The Jaguar XF Chequered Flag starts from around R899,900 in South Africa, which puts it squarely in premium executive sedan territory alongside the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class.
Q: Is the Jaguar XF Chequered Flag worth buying?
The XF Chequered Flag is worth considering if you want a distinctive executive sedan with unique styling touches, but you're essentially paying extra for cosmetic upgrades rather than performance improvements.
Q: What's different about the XF Chequered Flag compared to regular XF models?
The Chequered Flag gets unique exterior badging, Black Pack styling, body-coloured side sills, boot spoiler, 18-inch Gloss Black Chalice wheels, special interior badging, Dark Hex aluminium trim, and comes standard with Navigation Pro and keyless entry.
Q: What engines are available in the Jaguar XF Chequered Flag?
The XF Chequered Flag is available with Jaguar's range of Ingenium engines, including the 184kW 2.0-litre turbo petrol and the efficient 132kW 2.0-litre turbo diesel, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Q: How reliable is the Jaguar XF Chequered Flag?
The XF Chequered Flag shares the same mechanical components as the regular XF, which has shown improved reliability in recent years, though it still lags behind German rivals like the BMW 5 Series for long-term dependability.
Should You Buy It?
The Jaguar XF Chequered Flag is a solid choice if you want something different from the usual German executive sedan suspects, but at R899,900 you're paying a premium for style over substance. The best executive sedan under R900,000 in South Africa is still the BMW 520d at R889,900, which offers better resale value, superior build quality, and lower running costs. However, if you're after distinctive British elegance and don't mind slightly higher maintenance costs, the XF Chequered Flag delivers plenty of character. Just remember you're buying the special edition mainly for the looks, not the performance, so make sure those unique styling touches are worth the extra cash over a standard XF.
