Following an early leak last week, Jaguar now confirms the debut of the XFR-S Sportbrake; a hotted-up version of the Sportbrake estate, or an estate version of the XFR-S saloon. Seeing as this car is a mix of two already known models, there is nothing really new about it. But that doesn’t mean it’s not exciting.

I mean anything with 550 horsepower and 1675 litres of rear load space is exciting in our book. Sure, the sedan body style looks cooler, but the estate just makes more sense. When you buy a four-door saloon like the XF, you definitely need space. So why not get the estate, and enjoy more of it?

Everything about the Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake is familiar. Under the bonnet there is a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 with 550PS of power and 680Nm of torque, which catapults you, your family, your belongings and your dog from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, and on to a top speed of 186mph (300km/h). That makes the XFR-S faster than its German rivals, limited by law to 155 mph.

Other bits and bobs borrowed for the saloon version include the eight-speed transmission with ‘Quickshift’ functionality enables optimal acceleration throughout the speed and rev ranges; the active electronic differential and Dynamic Stability Control systems; and the 20-inch ‘Varuna’ forged alloy wheels. The suspension, however, is retuned to suit the estate car’s intended role.

One interesting thing about the Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake is the blend of XFR-S’ aerodynamic body kit with the Sportbrake’s wagon shape. It results in a handsome car that is definitely more attractive than anything Mercedes and Audi have to offer in this class.

Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake presents a hugely appealing prospect. But there are two problems with this car as far as we can work out. First, it’s not very economical, averaging only 22.2 mpg (12.7 liter/100 km), and second, it costs a whopping £82,495.