Introduction
The XJ is a detail-packed super limo that completes Jaguar's much-anticipated return to form. It feels good, looks good and is utterly desirable - something that was missing from Jaguars of the 2000s.
The sleek, modern design encapsulates all that's good about the Jaguar brand, without the need to make it look like a 1960s throwback. That means the twin headlamps have been replaced with smart and super-slim LEDs, while traditional Jaguar materials, like wood, leather and chrome are used in a more cohesive and contemporary way.
It's not a design that everyone will instantly like, and does take some getting used to. But, with bold exterior styling and an interior with a bespoke look and feel, XJ offers something a bit different to the BMW 7-Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8. This time round, the XJ should be seen as more of an alternative to the Maserati Quatrroporte and, to some extent, the Porsche Panamera.
The XJ is also a technological showcase, bringing together some of the most advanced features available on any car at any price. The instruments that would usually be in front of the driver have been replaced with a high definition screen that shows ‘virtual instruments' and serves a number of other important functions. Then there's the central sat nav screen featuring ‘split pixel' technology, which means that the driver and passenger can look at two completely different things on the same screen at the same time: the passenger can be watching a DVD, while the driver has the sat nav on. Amongst many other features, the XJ also has LED tail lamps, keyless entry and start and a large panoramic glass roof.
When it comes to engine choice, it's quality rather than quantity. XJ gets the same 3.0-litre V6 diesel that's been a runaway success in the XF and Land Rover Discovery for its blend of efficiency and power, plus a 5.0-litre V8 petrol that's available with or without a supercharger to take power up to 510bhp. For the first time the XJL long wheelbase version, with 125mm (five inches) of extra legroom, goes on sale at the same time as the standard car.
The sleek, modern design encapsulates all that's good about the Jaguar brand, without the need to make it look like a 1960s throwback. That means the twin headlamps have been replaced with smart and super-slim LEDs, while traditional Jaguar materials, like wood, leather and chrome are used in a more cohesive and contemporary way.
It's not a design that everyone will instantly like, and does take some getting used to. But, with bold exterior styling and an interior with a bespoke look and feel, XJ offers something a bit different to the BMW 7-Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8. This time round, the XJ should be seen as more of an alternative to the Maserati Quatrroporte and, to some extent, the Porsche Panamera.
The XJ is also a technological showcase, bringing together some of the most advanced features available on any car at any price. The instruments that would usually be in front of the driver have been replaced with a high definition screen that shows ‘virtual instruments' and serves a number of other important functions. Then there's the central sat nav screen featuring ‘split pixel' technology, which means that the driver and passenger can look at two completely different things on the same screen at the same time: the passenger can be watching a DVD, while the driver has the sat nav on. Amongst many other features, the XJ also has LED tail lamps, keyless entry and start and a large panoramic glass roof.
When it comes to engine choice, it's quality rather than quantity. XJ gets the same 3.0-litre V6 diesel that's been a runaway success in the XF and Land Rover Discovery for its blend of efficiency and power, plus a 5.0-litre V8 petrol that's available with or without a supercharger to take power up to 510bhp. For the first time the XJL long wheelbase version, with 125mm (five inches) of extra legroom, goes on sale at the same time as the standard car.
