The Jaguar XF has been updated for 2016 and now includes the option of all-wheel drive for the first time.
The executive saloon - a rival for the likes of the BMW 5 Series, Volvo S90, Audi A6 and new Mercedes-Benz E-Class - will follow other Jaguar models, including the Jaguar F-Type and Jaguar XE, by being offered in all-wheel-drive form. The all-wheel-drive XF will only be available with one engine option: a 178bhp version of Jaguar's four-cylinder Ingenium diesel.
See what we make of this second generation Jaguar XF saloon
Equipped with this powertrain, Jaguar says the AWD XF can reach 60mph from rest in 7.9sec - 0.2sec slower than the corresponding two-wheel-drive car - and reach a top speed of 136mph. Fuel consumption is a claimed 57.7mpg, with CO2 emissions of 129g/km when connected to Jaguar's eight-speed automatic transmission.
Jaguar says the AWD XF is the lightest saloon in its class, thanks to the manufacturer's aluminium architecture. The car weighs approximately 105kg more than the corresponding two-wheel-drive models.
The new XF derivative uses the same Intelligent Driving Dynamics (IDD) system as the AWD F-Type - a car we recently awarded with a four-star rating. The system delivers all of the torque to the rear wheels during normal driving conditions but transfers torque to the front axle when it senses a loss of traction. Torque can also be shuffled to the front axle to mitigate oversteer during fast cornering by providing yaw damping.
Jaguar's Configurable Dynamics system, which enables the driver to tune settings for the suspension, steering, throttle and transmission via the infotainment system, is also being offered. The system was originally only available on models with V6 engines. An Adaptive Surface Response system, which replaces the current Rain, Ice and Snow mode in the Jaguar Drive Control unit, optimises the car's settings to suit different types of surfaces.
Announcing the new model, Jaguar Land Rover's director of group sales operations Andy Goss said: “The XF accounted for almost 29% of Jaguar’s total global fleet volume in the first six months of this financial year, and the introduction of 180PS diesel all-wheel-drive model will help to make it even more successful."
The XF AWD is available to order now, with first deliveries expected in the spring. Prices will start at £36,350 - only a small increase over the £32,300 of the standard entry-level saloon.
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Another lightweight Jaguar
Is it in a class of its own? Or do they include other similar priced 4x4s (LRs etc..).
Jaguar has a habit of claiming their cars are extraordinary light, but these claims carry limited gravity.
Another lightweight Jaguar
Is it in a class of its own? Or do they include other similar priced 4x4s (LRs etc..).
Jaguar has a habit of claiming their cars are extraordinary light, but these claims carry limited gravity.
Is it really a £4k surcharge