What's all this about?
Jaguar's use of Land Rover technology continues unabated. Following the decision to make the F-Type all-wheel drive (AWD) in 2015, the smallest Jag - the XE saloon - got the same hardware later in the year. Now the XF is benefitting too.
Does AWD feature across the XF range?
No, like the XE, it's only available on the 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel in its higher 180hp format. Selecting all-wheel grip means having an automatic gearbox, as the system is not compatible with a manual transmission, and the XF 2.0d AWD has Intelligent Driveline Dynamics, Adaptive Surface Response (AdSR) technology and All Surface Progress Control. All of these mean that the Jag shouldn't be fazed by slippery conditions, while in the dry it is nominally rear-wheel drive, with torque only being sent to the front axle when absolutely necessary.
Are there any penalties for having AWD?
Aside from the system costing more (prices yet to be confirmed), AWD brings in weight. It renders the 2.0d 180 105kg heavier than the rear-wheel drive equivalent, at 1,700kg all in. That does affect acceleration, consumption and emissions detrimentally - 0-62mph takes 8.4 seconds instead of 8.1, economy dips from 65.7- to 57.7mpg and CO2 output climbs from 114- to 129g/km. The 2.0d's top speed, of 136mph, is unaffected.
Matt Robinson - 12 Jan 2016