Wednesday 18th November 2015

Jaguar XE AWD confirmed at LA

The inevitable XE range expansion begins with F-Type derived all-wheel drive now available

---

While we're getting sweaty palmed about the prospect of an XE SVR to give the M3 a seeing-to, the reality remains that the success of Jaguar's small saloon depends on the more mundane models. The diesel specifically, the new Ingenium engines rivalling equivalent offerings in the 3 Series, A4 and C-Class.

So when's the all-wheel drive estate coming?

Now its case has been strengthened with the introduction of all-wheel drive to the 180hp diesel XE. You didn't think Jaguar was going to let there be a 320d xDrive without a rival? Of course Audi places a strong emphasis on the benefits of all-wheel drive tech too and it would appear sales of Quattro A4s, combined with the 3 Series, are deemed sufficient to add AWD to the XE range.

It uses the Intelligent Driveline Dynamics seen in the F-Type, a torque on demand system that aims to preserve a rear-wheel drive feel to the XE's dynamics. This is combined with Adaptive Surface Response (ASR) which can identify different surfaces "for even more assured traction in all conditions."

The all-wheel drive is the most significant addition in a 2017 Model Year update for the XE. Yes, we are on to that already. Other tweaks include Apple Watch functionality, the introduction of InControl Touch Pro with a 10.2-inch touchscreen and a further uprated Meridian sound system. 17 speakers and 825W should make the A14 more interesting...

Oddly Jaguar hasn't yet released a price for the AWD XE. The 180hp diesel costs from £30,275 and we would expect a premium of a few hundred pounds for the all-wheel drive car. For reference a 320d xDrive SE is £31,285. Confirmation as soon as it's available, which you will surely all be desperate for...

Watch the video here.

[rtz62]

If all things were equal with regards to price, equipment, performance and economy etc, then I would have this over an equivalent Audi or BMW in an instant.