Cruise Control is standard on the new Jaguar XK and allows the driver to set a fixed speed via steering wheel mounted controls, with the usual accelerate, coast and resume functions. Adaptive Cruise Control is an option, and in addition to the normal cruise control functions it uses microwave radar technology to monitor the road ahead and automatically reduce speed if traffic conditions make it necessary. It normally reduces speed simply by reducing power, but if necessary (for instance if another car pulls sharply into your path on a motorway) it will also use the ABS braking system to slow more quickly, as appropriate. The gap to the vehicle in front is based on time, so as speeds increase, so does the gap. It is also possible to adjust the gap to three levels by a simple steering wheel switch, to a space that the driver feels most comfortable with.

Contained within the ACC is Forward Alert, which uses Jaguar XK's forward-facing sensors to help warn the driver of a potential collision. When approaching another vehicle or other obstacle it continuously estimates the braking effort required to avoid it. If the distance available falls below the safe threshold, Forward Alert sounds an audible warning to prompt the driver to take appropriate action. It is still the driver's responsibility, though, to stop in an emergency.

Rear parking aids are standard on all-new Jaguar XK, with four ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper which can detect objects up to 1.8 metres away to the rear and corners of the car and give an audible warning. The warning comes through the car's audio system and changes tone with the proximity of the car to the object. The car's touch-screen gives a visual indication of which part of the car is near the object. A front parking aid system is optional.

Jaguar XK's wiper system is rain sensitive and its headlights are light sensitive, so when either function is switched to automatic mode it will respond to rain or darkness respectively - although it is also possible, of course, to control wipers, washers and lights manually.

The standard bi-xenon headlamps incorporate power-wash and self-levelling systems. A separate beam comes on at low speeds and when the direction indicator is used, to light up an area to the sides of the car for low speed manoeuvring. The optional Active Front Lighting system provides enhanced night-time visibility by automatically swivelling the dipped beam lenses depending on road speed and steering angle.

At the rear, the lamps are split between the body and the rear liftback or bootlid. The liftback segments incorporate a single reversing light on one side and a high intensity fog light on the other. Both use high-power LED lights, and the new XK's white LED reversing light is an industry first.


SECURITY

Jaguar XK has a Thatcham category 1 alarm system with microwave intrusion sensing, door protection and tilt-sensing to detect the vehicle being opened, jacked up or moved. It features two-stage unlocking, which unlocks the driver's door with one push of the unlock button and the passenger door with a second push. The steering lock is electrically engaged when the car is locked.

Amongst the user-friendly advanced technologies in the all-new Jaguar XK is the Jaguar Smart Key System, which provides Keyless Start with a push-button starter, and also optional keyless entry simply by carrying the Jaguar Smart Key in your pocket or bag.


JAGUAR'S XK LINEAGE

At Jaguar, XK has always stood for sports car and for Jaguar, sports cars have always been used to push technology forwards. The badge first appeared on the XK120, unveiled at the London Motor Show in 1948.

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