Jaguar XJ all-wheel-drive and new entry-level model confirmed

According to Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar's Global Brand Director, the new entry-level is being considered as the small executive car market is four times the size of the large executive car market, which makes it essential that Jaguar has a presence to challenge the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Autocar reports that the new entry-level model will be slightly smaller than the XF, but still large enough to accommodate five adults in comfort. In addition, to accommodate the new model, the next XF will grow in size and positioned slightly more upmarket.

Jaguar has also confirmed that it will launch an all-wheel-drive version of its XJ luxury sedan, to satisfy demand for all-wheel-drive vehicles in the United States. Jaguar claims that in the Northern United States, where the brand has a sizeable presence, 70 per cent of cars sold come with all-wheel-drive, making it vital for Jaguar to offer a model with the system. The all-wheel-drive XJ is expected to go on sale within two years.

The news comes shortly after Jaguar announced plans to introduce a four-cylinder diesel engine for the XF, which will further boost its sales potential, as 49 per cent of all cars in the XF's segment are sold with four-cylinder engines. The company hopes that the new models will help it to make further inroads into lucrative markets such as the US and China.