Jaguar XF, XJ Finally Getting All-Wheel Drive

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Jaguar will finally offer all-wheel drive on their XF and XJ sedans – but only in one configuration, and where demand is highest.

To get an AWD Jag, one must order an XF or XJ with the new 3.0L supercharged V6. With 340 horsepower, buyers won’t be giving up that much power versus the naturally aspirated 5.0L V8, which makes 380 horsepower. The United States, Russia, China and Europe are said to be the primary markets for the AWD models (what, it won’t sell in Dubai either?). Interestingly, AWD won’t be offered in the UK, due to low demand in the luxury market.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Dwford Dwford on Aug 16, 2012

    It's interesting that Ford found a way to let its former luxury brands keep using its technology after the sale (the 2.0T motor in the Volvos, and Land Rovers and now Jags comes to mind) while GM refused to do the same for Saab...

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    • Moedaman Moedaman on Aug 17, 2012

      One reason might be because Ford doesn't have much of a presence in China, while GM does. So Ford doesn't have a partner to keep happy.

  • Perc Perc on Aug 16, 2012

    I'm willing to bet that the UK doesn't get AWD because of technical issues with the RHD version. RHD countries get the short end of the stick every now and again when it comes to certain features and/or whole models.

  • I just picked up a Jaguar XJ-L with executive package. Hear in NYC, we have relatively mild winters, but AWD seems to be what the market wants. Every S/E-class has it and Audi is a big seller because of it. The Jaguar weighs less than the Lincoln MKS. I'd like to see how well it handles with a Twin Turbo V6 with the same (or more) power than the EcoboostV6. No one wants a guzzling V8 anymore - the fact E350 is the best selling luxury car shows that. A lower price wouldn't be bad either.

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    • Burgersandbeer Burgersandbeer on Aug 17, 2012

      @NMGOM I always argue in favor of winter tires, but just to play devil's advocate: AWD + snow tires > RWD + snow tires. Everyone likes to compare RWD with snows to AWD with all-seasons (because that would be the most common configuration on AWD), ignoring that you can also put snow tires on AWD. The comment about chain requirements is a good point too. We can go on and on about the benefits of snow tires, but someone has to convince agencies like Caltrans.

  • Bunkie Bunkie on Aug 17, 2012

    For me, the AWD math just doesn't work. Despite having a weekend house in a ski community, I've never felt the need for AWD. Four dedicated snow tires and wheels are cheaper and, as an added bonus, the summer tires last about 20-25% longer as they get an extended vacation. Plus, since I've owned very similar cars, the snows have transferred to each new car. Yet the AWD mania continues here in NYC. I was looking at leasing a 328 last year and the dealer told me that they didn't bother stocking RWD models.

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