Jaguar X-TYPE Estate

A key part of the engineering brief for the X-TYPE Estate was that it should have the same combination of sporting driving dynamics and excellent comfort as the X-TYPE saloon. That meant its bodyshell had to retain the exceptional torsional stiffness of the saloon and, as such, the body stiffness of the X-TYPE Estate rank with the best in its class. That is the solid foundation for Jaguar’s renowned suspension dynamics.

Like the X-TYPE saloon, the X-TYPE Estate is engineered to deliver a supple ride with maximum control and sporting dynamics, including exceptional steering feel. Most aspects of the Estate’s suspension and electronic control systems have been tuned to its specific needs, but essentially the layout is unchanged from the saloon. The front suspension is a twin-tube MacPherson strut design with a fabricated steel front cross member and lower control arm. A unique double bearing top strut mount reduces friction around the damper rod, which enhances the smoothness of both suspension and steering.

The X-TYPE Estate’s multi-link rear suspension layout uses a torsion control link that allows each wheel to react independently, again improving handling and reducing harshness. Like the front suspension, it is virtually identical to that of the X-TYPE saloon. Its very compact packaging makes almost no intrusion into the sides of the new load area, and allows an impressively low boot floor, for easy loading and maximum luggage volume.

Steering is by a speed-sensitive variable-ratio ZF power-assisted rack and pinion system, which provides high-speed stability even with full loads, as well as the same ride comfort and responsive handling that have made the X-TYPE saloon the segment benchmark for feel and precision. The brakes are discs all round, ventilated at the front, and ABS anti-lock is standard across the range.

Jaguar’s high levels of ride, handling and steering performance are achieved only through minute attention to detail, so although the differences in weight and weight distribution between the X-TYPE saloon and X-TYPE Estate are small, every aspect of both the front and rear suspension has been retuned to best suit the Estate. This includes revised spring, damper and anti-roll bar settings, and modified rubber bump-stop designs. In addition, most of the X-TYPE’s electronic safety and driving aid systems benefited from software changes. These include unique calibrations for the anti-lock braking and EBD Electronic Brakeforce Distribution settings, and for the optional DSC Dynamic Stability Control settings.

And the aim of all this fine-tuning? To ensure that the X-TYPE Estate remains fundamentally true to the dynamic spirit of the X-TYPE saloon.