Jaguar has opened up UK order books for the all-wheel drive (AWD) version of its second-generation XF saloon.

The new model uses JLR’s modern 178 BHP four-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine and F-TYPE-derived Intelligent Driveline Dynamics technology, which is designed to maximise the traction and performance benefits of AWD while preserving rear-wheel drive agility.

Jaguar claims the AWD XF is the lightest AWD diesel in the class thanks to company’s Advanced Aluminium Architecture.

Other changes to the XF range include the availability of Configurable Dynamics (previously only available on V6 models) for all 178 BHP diesel automatics, enabling individual settings for suspension, steering, throttle and transmission for a tailored driving experience. Adaptive Dynamics continuously variable damping technology is now available on 178 BHP diesel models with manual transmissions for the first time.

All Ingenium diesels – including the newly-announced AWD models – benefit from 21,000 mile/ 24 month service intervals. Emissions levels for XF Ingenium diesels start at just 104g/km, which is claimed to be the lowest of any non-hybrid in the segment. The XF AWD achieves CO2 emissions of 129g/km and combined fuel economy of 57.7mpg. Acceleration from 0-60mph comes up in 7.9 seconds.

The Jaguar XF AWD is priced from £36,350 (2.0-litre Diesel 178 BHP AWD automatic Prestige), and deliveries to the first UK customers are expected from Spring 2016.