Jag launches 4x4s
No, not those kind of 4x4s - just AWD versions of the XF and XJ for export markets only
The reason, Jag says, is that AWD accounts for just five per cent of the UK luxury saloon market. That’s compared to about a third of the US market, where 80 per cent of these are heading. The rest will be split between Russia and continental Europe.
As if to make that point, the only engine variant to get the AWD set-up the 340hp supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol. So for us, the X-type remains the only all-wheel-drive Jaguar (there’s a statement begging to be disproved).
Of course this system is a lot more sophisticated than the permanent ‘Traction 4’ system on X-Type.
The eight-speed auto box has been fitted with a transfer case with an electronically operated coupling that can direct up to 50 per cent of the torque to the front wheels if slip is detected.
That detection is the work of sensors on everything from the wheels to the steering wheel and is long way from the old viscous coupling on the original X-Types (even that got binned for later AWD models). Jaguar reckons there is no penalty in terms of ride quality, agility or driver enjoyment and has given the AWD cars new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars up front. There’s also a new steering knuckle to better replicate the feedback of rear-wheel-drive cars. It doesn’t impact on fuel economy too much: 29mpg versus 30mpg on the XF.
We spoke to Theo Gassmann, director of advanced engineering at globally renowned (and British) driveshaft and transmission makers GKN to ask exactly what good AWD systems do. “You can reduce oversteering tendency in slippery conditions,” he tells us. “It means less brake intervention to stabilise the car.”
Essentially, he says, there’s less lift-off oversteer coming into a corner and less power oversteer coming out. Not great for the likes of Harris, but then these are luxury barges. Audi of course is the master at this, offering Quattro on four engines for the A6 and every engine on the A8 in the UK, among others. BMW is expected to add xDrive versions (operating a very similar system to Jaguar) on its 3 Series in the autumn and maybe the 5 Series next year.
Currently Mercedes doesn’t offer any 4matic saloons or estates either – okay, the R-Class – but the forthcoming AMG A-Class will be AWD.
So, good news if you root for Jaguar as a company, less exciting if you’re in the market for a less scrabbly luxury saloon this winter.
I'm just thoroughly disappointented teh UK won't get a look in, given our roads and winters.
In Britain we're told they "don't do it in AWD", so just go off and buy the 4x4 instead. I.e. Something by Land Rover, at a larger margin for the company. As is the case of BMW the X1, X3, and X5?
I know its a small market but I really don't believe its so difficult to convert it to RHD.
I did drive the XF before I got my last company car (predictably a BMW) and liked it. But until Jaguar can offer an estate (which I think is coming) with both 4WD and diesel engines (which doesn't appear to be) then they are excluding themselves from my shortlist. I don't think I'm the only one here on the continent doing that. Pity.
But.. jag... you must make the "AWD" badge smaller before it goes for sale because i could read it from quite a way off! Which is unnessesary!
It is a real irritation of mine. BMW and Mercedes continue to refuse to give the UK customer an alternative to Audi.
If they don't offer them, people won't buy them FFS !
Meanwhile, Audi do very nicely selling AWD Quattro's, Octavia Scouts etc.
It is a boneheaded move on Jaguar's part not to offer this.
A 4x4 Sportbrake would be my perfect next car. Sadly, I'll probably have to get an A6 instead.
Idiots.
But for me the most surprising thing about this article is the fact that the X-Type is still for sale! I've spent some time a Jaguar showroom over the last month, and I really thought it had been discontinued.
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