PREVIEW
After buying the brand from Ford, Jaguar's new owners
have wasted no time revitalizing the iconic British marque. While
reinforcing its traditional position in high-end luxury, the automaker
has rolled out new classics like the XK and XF sedans and aimed at
Porsche's sport coupe dominance with the new F-Type. Now with the 2016
Jaguar XQ, the brand turns its attention to the popular luxury crossover
market.
Previewed in
the Jaguar C-X17 concept, the XQ will square up against smaller
crossovers like the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class. Jaguar
hasn't confirmed the SUV for production, but we expect the XQ to
materialize with a new aluminum platform that will find its way under every new model, starting with the forthcoming XS compact sedan and eventually the next XJ and XF replacement.
This new
lightweight platform is flexible and modular enough to accommodate a
midsize crossover. This would help the Jag with fuel economy, although
the construction and materials costs could price the XQ above its competitors. Jaguar hopes economies of scale keep production costs low on the new aluminum architecture.
Expect a
turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder for the base engine and a
supercharged 3.0-liter V6 option. An eight-speed transmission is almost a
given, as is optional all-wheel drive. The C-X17 concept even touted
torque-vectoring braking technology and a double-wishbone front suspension intended to emphasize the crossover's sporting credentials.
Look for Jaguar to launch its compact sport sedan
first in 2014, and the XQ to follow about a year later. Check back for
more information on the 2016 Jaguar XQ, including specs, driving
impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.
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