Jaguar XF gets four-wheel drive

Jaguar has announced its recently launched XF executive sedan will now come with the option of all-wheel drive in some markets.

Only available with the 132kW/430Nm 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel with an eight-speed auto, the new all-wheel drive system, in normal conditions, only sends power and torque to the rear wheels until slip is detected by Jaguar’s Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) system.

First launched on the four-wheel drive F-TYPE, in slippery conditions the IDD is responsible for shuffling the precise amount of torque forwards to maximise traction.

As well as all-wheel drive, the XF AWD also comes with Adaptive Surface Response (AdSR), a system spun-off from Land Rover’s Terrain Response system. AdSR works by automatically optimising the mapping of the throttle, automatic transmission and ESC to suit the surface -- boosting stability on dirt roads, ice or snow.

Unfortunately, the new system adds around 100kg to the kerb weight.

This means that compared to the rear-wheel drive version, it takes 8.4 seconds to sprint to 100km/h -- 0.3 seconds longer than the rear-drive XF.

At the pumps the all-wheel drive Jag averages 4.9L/100km while emitting 129g/km of CO2 (compared to 4.3L/100km and 114g/km).

As well as the option of all-wheel drive, all XF sedans now come with the option of Configurable Dynamics -- previously only an option of the V6 petrol and diesels. Configurable Dynamics allows the driver to change the settings for the steering, throttle and (automatic) transmission.