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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