Jaguar XF Sportbrake spied on video at a misty Nurburgring

Jaguar is taking advantage of the last bit of decent weather at the Nürburgring for continuing development of the XF Sportbrake. The upcoming longroof model looks fantastic circling the track on a misty day in this new spy video. While crossovers are all the rage these days, this premium wagon is probably the better choice for a day of circling the 'Ring.

The Sportbrake retains the latest sedan's handsome design, but the taller roof means there's more room for carrying cargo in the back. For buyers who don't want an F-Pace, the XF wagon is the best way to merge performance and practicality in the Jaguar lineup.

Given their close relationship, the Sportbrake and sedan likely share the same powertrain options. Buyers will have a choice of multiple tunes of Jag's 2.0-liter four-cylinder and 3.0-liter V6 that's available with as much as 380 horsepower (283 kilowatts) in the four-door. As a family-oriented model, expect the all-wheel drive option to be a popular choice on the wagon.

Jaguar already confirms that the XF Sportbrake goes on sale next year, but the company isn't yet saying exactly when. It's possible the wagon could debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and then arrive in dealers in the second half of 2017. There's no word yet about availability in the United States, but the market's rabid demand for crossovers might keep the wagon off those shores in favor of shipping more F-Paces there.

The XF Sportbrake will also be the only wagon in Jaguar's lineup for the foreseeable future. Both design boss Ian Callum and sales director Andy Goss confirm there's no XE Sportbrake under development.