AWD for 2016 Jaguar XE 18 | 11 | 2015
JAGUAR HAS CONFIRMED that as from next year, the XE will be available with all-wheel drive. Order books are now open for the new model at Jaguar dealerships across Scotland, with first delivers scheduled for early in 2016 … just in time to catch the end of winter (see more photos of the XE AWD). Prices for the XE start at £26,990.
In addition to AWD, the 2016 XE will be available with Jaguar's advanced InControl Touch Pro infotainment system.
Initially, the AWD system — which is capable of sending torque to the front wheels on demand, making the XE "a true all-weather sports saloon,” according to Jaguar — will be available with the 178bhp 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine.
Significantly, the system is only available on XEs equipped with Jaguar's eight-speed automatic transmission.
The AWD technology uses a transfer case with a multi-plate wet clutch and a chain drive to the front propshaft, and is already in use on the XF. It will also feature on the upcoming F-Pace SUV.
First seen on the F-Type AWD last year, the system works with Jaguar's Intelligent Driving Dynamics software and uses data from the XE's sensors to continuously adjust to which axle torque is sent.
XE versions fitted with AWD also get the option of Adaptive Surface Response (AdSR), which replaces the current Rain, Ice and Snow driving mode. The AdSR system works at any speed, automatically adjusting the throttle, transmission and stability control systems according to the type of surface. Drivers can also tailor the car's throttle response, transmission and adaptive dynamics systems with Jaguar's Configurable Dynamics.
There's also a new option available in the cabin: Jaguar's InControl Touch Pro, new, larger infotainment system.
Replacing the standard 8.0in touchscreen interface with a larger 10.2in display, the system is already available on the larger XF and features sharper graphics and more functionality than the standard InControl system.
Related: Jaguar F-Pace shape revealed
The new system uses a 60gb solid state drive for storage and features a customisable home screen, multi-windowed display modes and a dead-reckoning system, which uses the car's location and heading to determine navigation data even if the GPS signal is lost. The system also functions as a wi-fi hotspot, allowing up to eight devices to be connected at any time.
The new, updated 2016 XE also benefits from a number of new safety tools. In addition to an adaptive speed limiter — which can increase or decrease the speed of the car automatically depending on the speed limit — the XE also gets a new Lane Keeping Assist feature which provides minor adjustments to the car's steering to keep it in lane. There's also a new driver monitoring function.
And for techno geeks, there's now an app for the Apple Watch, which allows owners to check their car's fuel level, location and climate control settings remotely, as well as remote starting the engine. Hmmm …. yes?
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Jim McGill