Discussion
As far as availability goes, it is, or was, available as an option on the 180 diesel and 240/250 petrols, and standard on the 240 diesel and 300 petrol, but the V6 didn't get it, at least in the UK.
I'm sure I've seen a diagram explaining it, but I can't find it at the moment, of course...
Here is the description from the brochure:
[quote]
XE's All Wheel Drive (AWD) system combines the agility and character of Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) with the increased security and traction provided by AWD. In normal driving, XE is predominantly RWD to deliver handling purity, feel and balance. But when roads become more challenging, or when you accelerate more keenly on low-grip surfaces, the system subtly channels power forwards enabling XE to maintain optimum traction for comfortable progress in all conditions.
XE's AWD uses a transfer case at the back of the 8-speed Automatic Transmission to manage the appropriate distribution of torque to the front and rear wheels. Engineered to ensure that XE retains the dynamic behaviour of a Jaguar, the transfer case contains an electro-mechanically activated multi-plate clutch with an actuator to build hydraulic pressure. This pressure is quickly and accurately controlled to generate the required force in the clutch to transfer the optimal amount of torque to the front wheels.
Unlike other systems that react to wheel slip, Jaguar's Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) software is predictive and uses sensors measuring throttle and steering inputs to anticipate wheel slip. IDD seamlessly co-ordinates these inputs and compares them with responses from the engine, transmission and traction control systems to calculate the traction available
and distribute torque accordingly even before grip is lost. From a standstill XE can transition from RWD to AWD in as little as 165 milliseconds or just 100 milliseconds when the car is moving.
The result is a drive which blends the character of RWD with the capability of AWD, providing outstanding levels of performance and control whatever the road throws at you.
[end quote]
No reference to a centre diff there, but one of the other pages in the manual says this:
[quote]
In extreme conditions where only the front wheels have traction, up to 100 percent of engine torque can be distributed to the front wheels for optimum grip.
[end quote]
Hope that helps!
I'm sure I've seen a diagram explaining it, but I can't find it at the moment, of course...
Here is the description from the brochure:
[quote]
XE's All Wheel Drive (AWD) system combines the agility and character of Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) with the increased security and traction provided by AWD. In normal driving, XE is predominantly RWD to deliver handling purity, feel and balance. But when roads become more challenging, or when you accelerate more keenly on low-grip surfaces, the system subtly channels power forwards enabling XE to maintain optimum traction for comfortable progress in all conditions.
XE's AWD uses a transfer case at the back of the 8-speed Automatic Transmission to manage the appropriate distribution of torque to the front and rear wheels. Engineered to ensure that XE retains the dynamic behaviour of a Jaguar, the transfer case contains an electro-mechanically activated multi-plate clutch with an actuator to build hydraulic pressure. This pressure is quickly and accurately controlled to generate the required force in the clutch to transfer the optimal amount of torque to the front wheels.
Unlike other systems that react to wheel slip, Jaguar's Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) software is predictive and uses sensors measuring throttle and steering inputs to anticipate wheel slip. IDD seamlessly co-ordinates these inputs and compares them with responses from the engine, transmission and traction control systems to calculate the traction available
and distribute torque accordingly even before grip is lost. From a standstill XE can transition from RWD to AWD in as little as 165 milliseconds or just 100 milliseconds when the car is moving.
The result is a drive which blends the character of RWD with the capability of AWD, providing outstanding levels of performance and control whatever the road throws at you.
[end quote]
No reference to a centre diff there, but one of the other pages in the manual says this:
[quote]
In extreme conditions where only the front wheels have traction, up to 100 percent of engine torque can be distributed to the front wheels for optimum grip.
[end quote]
Hope that helps!
Very interesting! Many thanks 
The clutch plate system would be the differential. I wonder if it is using something similar to that found in a Disco4/RRS, but without the low ratio, as they too use a clutch pack.
Good to know it is a step up from the X-Type AWD system (which initially had a centre LSD but was removed to an open diff on latter examples and was rubbish).
The clutch plate system would be the differential. I wonder if it is using something similar to that found in a Disco4/RRS, but without the low ratio, as they too use a clutch pack.
Good to know it is a step up from the X-Type AWD system (which initially had a centre LSD but was removed to an open diff on latter examples and was rubbish).
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