Orders for the Jaguar XE AWD have began in Britain; comes with host of other new features as well
Jaguar XE is the first compact executive vehicle from the British luxury car maker since 2009 and has been built on its segment pioneering aluminium-intensive monocoque structure that enhances strength and torsion rigidity. Manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull plant in Britain, Jaguar’s own platform allows the car to facilitate with both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.
It’s being sold in Britain since April and the AWD system is part of 2016 update package. Bookings have begun for the torque on-demand Jaguar XE AWD sedan which the company calls ‘a true all-weather sports saloon’. With prices starting at £26,990 the deliveries are due for early 2016. The 2.0-litre, 178bhp Ingenium turbo-diesel version will have the option of AWD system that’s not only used in the XF but also in the forthcoming F-Pace SUV paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine making out 335hp also gets four-wheel drive configuration for the US-spec buyers. Along with it, the features list also include an all-new InControl Touch Pro infotainment system that can be fully customised via 10.2-inch touchscreen that’s also found in the new XF alongside a WiFi hotspot for up to eight devices and Apple Watch connectivity.
If Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) detects traction loss, torque is sent to all four wheels whilst normally the car’s rear-wheel driven to conserve fuel. The AWD system adds 110kg of weight and increases CO2 emissions from 109 to 123g/km.
Other driver aid systems include Adaptive Surface Response that remaps the engine and stability control according to surface conditions. Configurable Dynamics allows each setting for throttle response, gearshift speed and adaptive dampers according to driver’s preference. Lane Keep Assist, an Adaptive Speed Limiter and a Driver Condition Monitor are also being offered.
In Europe, the Jaguar XE heralds with three engine options: a 2.0-litre petrol, a 2.0-litre diesel and a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 seen on the F-Type. The all-new, four-cylinder, 2.0-litre diesel unit from the Ingenium family comprises two states of tune: one producing 160bhp and 380Nm of torque and the other 178bhp and 430Nm of torque. The 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine delivering 335hp remains doubtful as Indian buyers tend to slope towards the diesel variants.