The Jaguar XF is the heart of the company's range of cars, and despite Jaguar's ambitious plans for an SUV and small saloon, the XF is also due for a complete overhaul in the next three years.

• Jaguar XF review

Our spy photographers have captured new prototypes of the Jaguar XF 2016 in the clearest detail yet, and these latest images reveal how the new BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class rival is taking shape.

The next-generation Jaguar XF will sit on the same all-aluminium iQ[al] modular platform as both the C-X17 concept and the ‘XS’ compact saloon – but with a stretched wheelbase and wider track than on the current model, and that also means it should be a lot lighter than before as well.

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The black test mule in our pictures features a recessed grille and wider front apron that has been bolted on to accommodate the wider wheel arches. The door handles are all recessed into the body work another telltale sign that these are old panels draped over brand new chassis architecture.