Jaguar brings four-wheel drive to XF and XJ saloons
Jaguar has unveiled all-wheel-drive versions of its XF and XJ saloons at the 2012 Moscow Motor Show, targeting US and snowbelt markets with a new system and V6 power.
Jaguar launched all-wheel-drive versions of its XF and XJ saloons at the 2012 Moscow Motor Show, marking a return to four driven wheels for the brand after the X-Type. The new models, aimed at the US and other cold-weather markets, use a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 producing 340hp and feature an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Jaguar’s decision to offer all-wheel drive in the XF and XJ follows rising US demand for four-wheel-drive saloons, particularly in northern states. Unlike the X-Type, which shared much of its structure with the Ford Mondeo, the XF and XJ AWD models retain Jaguar’s own platforms. The engineering team had to adapt these rear-wheel-drive architectures to accommodate the new system, a process that required significant reworking of the front end and engine bay.
Technical changes for AWD integration
The front differential sits beside the engine sump, with a lay shaft running through the sump itself. This forced engineers to raise the engine by 15mm, which then required changes to the floorpan and subframe. Suspension geometry and steering arms were also revised to maintain the handling characteristics of the rear-wheel-drive models, despite the AWD system adding 110kg to the overall weight.
Under normal conditions, the AWD system sends all torque to the rear wheels. On slippery surfaces, it can direct as much as 98 percent to the front. At launch, 10 percent of torque goes to the front axle to aid traction, increasing to 30 percent when the transmission is set to its Winter mode. The system monitors wheel slip, throttle position and steering angle to adjust torque distribution.
US market focus and model pricing
Jaguar’s US pricing for the AWD XJ starts at $76,700 for the standard-wheelbase model with the 3.0-litre V6. The long-wheelbase XJL Portfolio AWD is $83,700. Both sit below the V8-powered XJ Supercharged and Supersport models, which remain rear-wheel drive only. The XF AWD was also introduced, though detailed US pricing for that variant was not included in the Moscow announcement.
- XJ AWD: $76,700 (3.0-litre supercharged V6, 340hp)
- XJL Portfolio AWD: $83,700 (3.0-litre supercharged V6, 340hp)
- Rear-drive V8 XJ models remain available
Jaguar said the all-wheel-drive XF and XJ were developed in just 18 months, drawing on experience from the X-Type and Land Rover, but with a new system tailored for these saloons. The company expects the AWD option to make its models more competitive in regions where four-wheel drive is now seen as essential for luxury saloons.
For more on the XF’s safety record, seeJaguar XF Scores Four Stars in Euro NCAP Safety Tests.
