Jaguar 
has announced an update for its flagship XJ luxury sedan, and it promises a refreshed exterior design, loads more technology, and a slew of different model iterations to choose from.
has announced an update for its flagship XJ luxury sedan, and it promises a refreshed exterior design, loads more technology, and a slew of different model iterations to choose from.
First launched in the US in 2011, the XJ has grown a bit stale over the years, but Jag wants to shake the old-man connotations by utilizing aluminum construction and the latest and greatest gadgetry. What’s more, the exterior espouses a timeless style with a hint of modern aggression, making for an enticing package.
The new XJ is also available in no less than eight different models, including several long-wheelbase variants that offer even more luxury than the standard car.
The questions is: can the new XJ outgun the top dogs hailing from Germany? Mercedes, BMW, and Audi are all in the hunt for high-dollar, luxury four-door sales, and each is bringing its own brand of technology and performance to the table.
BMW, and Audi are all in the hunt for high-dollar, luxury four-door sales, and each is bringing its own brand of technology and performance to the table.
Updated 09/05/2015: Jaguar revealed prices for the new XJ luxury sedan, which will be put on sale in the spring of 2016. Prices will range from $74,400 for the XJ R-Sport version and up to $121,000 for the XJR LWB version.
SOURCE:TOPSPEED
Exterior
Jag has historically created some very good-looking cars, and the new XJ continues that tradition with an updated exterior. The new look isn’t a revolution from the old, but rather tweaks a few details to render a fresh appearance. This includes a revised front fascia with a larger central grille that uses a new mesh pattern, plus a redesigned front bumper sporting new chrome surrounds in the lower air intakes.
The new look isn’t a revolution from the old, but rather tweaks a few details to render a fresh appearance.
The headlights incorporate full adaptive LED technology with automatic high beams, a standard feature across the 2016 XJ lineup. The headlights are distinguished by XJ-exclusive “Double J” daytime running lamps, while new LED taillights and oval exhaust tips can be found in the rear.
Jag is intent on providing performance via a reduced curb weight, and thus the new XJ continues to feature an all-aluminum construction. There are both standard and long wheelbase editions available, with the standard range including the XJ R-Sport, XJ R-Sport AWD, XJ Supercharged, and the XJR. Long wheelbase models include the XJL Portfolio, XJL Portfolio AWD, XJL Supercharged, and XJR LWB.
To help differentiate between the standard and long wheelbase models, all standard wheelbase models receive exterior enhancements in the form of new aero, while long wheelbase models get new interior trim, underlining either the sporting- or luxury-oriented intentions of each.
Meanwhile, XJR models are distinguished by a black trim package that adds a black front grille, black lower air intake surrounds, and black window surrounds.
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
| Length | 202 Inches |
|---|---|
| Width inc./ excl. mirrors | 82.9 Inches/ 74.8 Inches |
| Height | 57.5 Inches |
| Wheelbase | 119.4 Inches |
| Track front/ rear | 64 Inches/63.1 Inches |
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
Interior
As should be expected, the interior for Jag’s staple sedan is quite plush. Check out the above-featured video to get a taste for the luxury-laden goodness.
to get a taste for the luxury-laden goodness.
Standard wheelbase models receive soft grain perforated leather seats offset by contrast stitching, contrast piping, and an embossed “leaper” Jaguar logo on the headrests. R-Sport models preserve the outgoing model’s eight-by-eight-way power front seats with four-way lumbar support, while the Supercharged model receives 14-by-14-way power seats with four-way lumbar support. The 14-by-14-way seats are also available on XJ R-Sport models in the optional Comfort Pack, which throws in front seat massagers, passenger memory adjustment, four-zone air conditioning, and an electric rear sunblind.
logo on the headrests. R-Sport models preserve the outgoing model’s eight-by-eight-way power front seats with four-way lumbar support, while the Supercharged model receives 14-by-14-way power seats with four-way lumbar support. The 14-by-14-way seats are also available on XJ R-Sport models in the optional Comfort Pack, which throws in front seat massagers, passenger memory adjustment, four-zone air conditioning, and an electric rear sunblind.
R-Sport models preserve the outgoing model’s eight-by-eight-way power front seats with four-way lumbar support, while the Supercharged model receives 14-by-14-way power seats with four-way lumbar support.
The more comfort-oriented XJL Portfolio and XJL Supercharged models will receive quilted seating surfaces finished in a diamond pattern, with the 14-by-14-way power seats and four-way lumbar adjustments fitted as standard.
Front and rear heated and ventilated seats are standard features for all 2016 XJ models.
When it comes to infotainment, the XJ brings the InControl Touch Pro system. Designed in-house, the system is powered by a quad-core Intel processor, 60-GB solid-state drive, and a next-gen Ethernet network – not bad for a car computer. Equipment like that should provide quick info access and route calculation.
Control is provided via an eight-inch capacitive touch-screen. This can be customized with a variety of wallpaper images, widget shortcuts to favorite features and functions, and the addition of a multiple home pages (presumably for multiple users). Commands include “pinch to zoom” and “swipe gestures to navigate between screens. There’s also a secondary screen for navigation in the updated instrument cluster that provides better line-of-sight driving than nav located in the main console.
If the car goes where GPS is unavailable, a dead-reckoning functionality can be used to deduce the car’s current position. The InControl Touch Pro system also enables door-to-door route planning and guidance, taking into account things like public transportation options. A supporting app lets drivers plan their route offline before setting off, providing direction via the driver’s smartphone even after she has exited the vehicle.
There’s also a new Commute Mode that learns the driver’s daily routine to automatically offer alternative routes around traffic using historical and real-time road information. Finally, there’s Approach Mode, which uses the infotainment screen to display a 360-degree interactive view of the car’s surroundings when within 200 meters (656 feet) of the destination, even picking out the nearest available parking spot.
An 825-watt, 17-speaker surround sound stereo from Meridian provides aural entertainment, now a standard feature across the entire XJ lineup. Audiophiles can also choose to upgrade with a 26-speaker Meridian Reference sound system that provides 1,300-watts of power, with 17 channels and Meridian’s Trifield technology for superb quality.
Those relegated to the rear in the long wheelbase XJ models will have the option of experiencing dual hideaway 10.2-inch HD screens with a true 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. Device connectivity and charging in the rear is also available via two USB 3.0 ports and one HDMI port.
There’s lots of connectivity in the front as well, with the new XJ offering Jag’s InControl Apps technology, which enables Apple and Android smartphone users to connect to the vehicle’s infotainment system via a USB port. This system provides access to compatible apps via the touchscreen interface. A Wi-Fi hotspot provides a 3G connection for up to eight devices.
Additional features for 2016 include the InControl Remote, which is accessed by the InControl Remote app. This system allows the driver to bring the cabin space to a pre-set temperature by remotely starting the engine, while also checking fuel levels, locking and unlocking the doors, and receiving alerts if the alarm goes off. It also provides directions to the car if lost in a parking lot or unfamiliar area.
If the airbags are deployed, the InControl Protect system automatically alerts emergency services with the vehicle’s location. Passengers can also call for emergency help or roadside assistance by pressing a button on the overhead console.
Drivetrain
Powering the new XJ is a carryover line of V-6 and V-8 engines, each of which boasts all-aluminum construction, direct injection, variable valve timing, a blower, and stop-start fuel-saving technology.
Starting things off is the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6, which produces 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, connected to either a RWD and AWD layout. Jag says “this engine also delivers a unique soundtrack thanks to meticulously tuned intake and exhaust systems.”
Next is a 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 available in tunes of either a 470 horsepower and 424 pound-feet of torque, or 550 horsepower and 680 pound-feet of torque.
Powering the new XJ is a carryover line of V-6 and V-8 engines, each of which boasts all-aluminum construction, direct injection, variable valve timing, a blower, and stop-start fuel-saving technology.
The V-6 and both V-8s are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF.
To enhance the driving experience both in terms of efficiency and safety, Jaguar is offering a bevy of driver’s aides. The first is Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), which is only available on RWD models. This system uses energy only when the driver turns the wheel, reducing parasitic loss and improving fuel economy. What’s more, Jag says the system can “filter-out steering disturbances from poor road surfaces and compensate for road camber [to] make the steering feel smoother and more precise than ever. Friction has also been engineered-out, improving steering feel and responsiveness further.”
Then there’s the new All-Surface Progress Control (ASPC), which is essentially advanced traction control. Operating between 2.2 and 19 mph, the system works in conjunction with the cruise control to allow the driver to cross low-traction surfaces without drama, all at the push of a button. Just set your speed with the cruise control and steer, while the system takes command of the brakes and throttle. The system is available on both RWD and AWD models.
The cruise control system is adaptive, offering a new function called Queue Assist whereby long-range radar readings are used to gauge a safe distance to the car in front, regulating the throttle and brakes to maintain that distance all the way down to a stop, thus reducing the monotony and effort of stop-and-go traffic.
There’s also traffic sign recognition, which uses the forward-facing camera to collect data and compare it against GPS information, notifying the driver of posted speed limits, including temporary limits like those used during roadwork.
When changing lanes, Closing Vehicle Sensing uses radar to monitor for vehicles that are quickly approaching from behind, similar to bling spot monitoring but extended down the lane. When a fast-approaching vehicle is detected, a flashing icon is displayed in the corner of the side mirror.
Once you arrive at your destination, Park-Assist utilizes the EPAS system to provide semi-autonomous parking features for both parallel and perpendicular parking. First, the system uses ultrasonic sensors to measure the available space. If it’s a fit, the system will guide the steering so the car slots in (and for parallel parking, back out again). All the driver has to do is control the throttle and brake. This feature is only available on RWD models.
Finally, there’s Reverse Traffic Detection, which uses radar to alert the driver of hazards when backing up, notifying her with audible and visual warnings.
DRIVETRAIN SPECIFICATIONS
| XJ R-Sport & XJ R-Sport AWD XJL Portfolio & XJ Portfolio AWD | XJ Supercharged XJL Supercharged | XJR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity (cc) | 2,995 | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Cylinders | Supercharged V6 | Supercharged V8 | Supercharged V8 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4; DOHC, variable inlet and exhaust cam timing | 4; DOHC, variable inlet and exhaust cam timing | 4; DOHC, variable inlet and exhaust cam timing |
| Bore/ stroke (mm) | 84.5/ 89.0 | 92.5/ 93.0 | 92.5/ 93.0 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel injection | 150bar direct injection | 150bar direct injection | 150bar direct injection |
| Boosting system | Twin-Vortex supercharger | Twin-Vortex supercharger | Twin-Vortex supercharger |
| Power | 340 HP @ 6,500 RPM | 470 HP @ 6,000-6,500 RPM | 550 HP @ 6,000-6,500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 LB-FT @ 3,500-5,000 RPM | 424 LB-FT @ 2,000-5,500 RPM | 680 LB-FT @ 3,500-4,000 RPM |
| Transmission | RWD: ZF 8HP45 8-speed automatic / AWD: ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic | ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic | ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic |
Prices
| Standard Wheelbase | ||
|---|---|---|
| XJ R-Sport | 3.0L Supercharged V6, 340hp | $74,400 |
| XJ R-Sport AWD | 3.0L Supercharged V6, 340hp | $77,900 |
| XJ Supercharged | 5.0L Supercharged V8, 470hp | $92,000 |
| XJR | 5.0L Supercharged V8, 550hp | $118,000 |
| Long Wheelbase | ||
| XJ Portfolio | 3.0L Supercharged V6, 340hp | $83,200 |
| XJ Portfolio AWD | 3.0L Supercharged V6, 340hp | $86,700 |
| XJL Supercharged | 5.0L Supercharged V8, 470hp | $95,000 |
| XJR LWB | 5.0L Supercharged V8, 550hp | $121,000 |
Conclusion
Jag’s updates are certainly well intentioned. The different models available make for some very interesting choices for customers, offering either more performance or more luxury in a huge price range. The tech is great too, with everything you’d expect from a modern luxury sedan and nothing that’s outright gimmicky. You’ll find top-of-the-line materials, equipment, and the right stuff to make your driving experience easy, comfortable, and safe. Throw in the fact that the Brits really know what they’re doing when it comes to exterior aesthetics, and you’re left with one very nice vehicle.
The problem comes when shopping around. Jag has yet to announce an official price for the US, but it’s expected to be rather lofty. When placed alongside similar offerings from BMW or Mercedes, things start to look a bit questionable.
We’ll have to see where Jag ends up putting this one, but for now, the redesign has the makings of a stout competitor for the Germans.
Updated History
Updated 06/15/2015: Jaguar unveiled the official details on the revised XJ which will arrive at U.S. dealerships in the fall of 2016.
Spy Shots
July 23, 2014 - Jaguar XJ wears the new lights
March 18, 2014 - Facelift Jaguar XJ continues to strip
January 27, 2014 - Revised Jaguar XJ Beings winter testing
November, 11 2013 - First testing session
As you can see in these spy shots, Jaguar only hid the front and rear ends under camo, so we think it’s safe to assume that these will be somewhat revised for 2015. There are no details about what Jaguar will do with these bumpers, but we expect it to be very subtle.
Press Release
Jaguar today announced updates to the 2016 Jaguar XJ. Launched in the U.S. in 2011, the brand’s flagship full-size, all-aluminum luxury sedan becomes even more desirable in 2016 with an updated exterior design, enhanced information and entertainment systems, new available driver assistance features and greater differentiation in the model line-up.
DESIGN
Featuring a new, more progressive look, the exterior of the 2016 XJ incorporates an updated front fascia that includes a larger, more upright grille with a new mesh pattern, a subtly redesigned front bumper and newly sculpted chrome blades in the lower air intakes.
Full adaptive LED headlamps with auto high beam functionality1 are standard across the entire 2016 XJ range. The lamp assembly incorporates an XJ-exclusive, signature ’Double J’ daytime running lamp which helps further distinguish the XJ at the top of the Jaguar sedan range. New LED tail lights and oval exhaust tips complete the look.
The Jaguar XJ continues to feature all-aluminum construction reducing weight and improving performance and is offered in two wheelbases - standard and long. Expanding on the duality of character of the XJ, for 2016, the model line-up has been redefined to further differentiate standard and long wheelbase variants.
Standard wheelbase derivatives receive aerodynamic exterior enhancements together with a new R-Sport designation, emphasizing the vehicle’s sporting character, while long wheelbase versions receive new interior trim refinements which underscore the model’s luxurious characteristics.
Underscoring its dynamic on-road performance, XJR models are distinguished with a black trim package that includes the addition of a black front grille, black lower air intake surrounds and black window surrounds.
Inside, standard wheelbase XJ models feature soft grain perforated leather seats with contrast stitching, contrast piping and an embossed leaper on the headrests. XJ R-Sport models retain the previous model year’s 8x8-way power front seats plus 4-way lumbar adjustments, while XJ Supercharged models are fitted with 14x14-way power seats that include 4-way lumbar support, allowing drivers to tailor the seating position and comfort to their own liking. 14x14-way seats will also be available on XJ R-Sport models as part of the Comfort Pack that bundles the increased adjustment features with front seat massagers, passenger memory, 4-zone A/C and an electric rear sunblind.
XJL Portfolio and XJL Supercharged are further distinguished with the introduction of quilted seating surfaces finished with a diamond sewn pattern on the seat center and cushion; 14x14-way power seats with 4-way lumbar adjustments are standard.
Front and rear heated and ventilated seats are standard on all 2016 XJ models.
The 2016 XJ model line-up consists of the standard wheelbase XJ R-Sport, XJ R-Sport AWD, XJ Supercharged and the XJR. Long wheelbase models include the XJL Portfolio, XJL Portfolio AWD, XJL Supercharged and XJR LWB.
POWERTRAIN
The new XJ offers the familiar Jaguar range of all-aluminum V6 and V8 engines. Each featuring direct injection, variable valve timing, forced induction and intelligent stop-start systems which deliver high performance with enhanced efficiency.
The 3.0-liter supercharged V6 develops 340hp and 332 lb-ft of toque and is available with rear- or all-wheel drive. Characterized by its linear power delivery and free-revving nature, this engine also delivers a unique soundtrack thanks to meticulously-tuned intake and exhaust systems.
The 5.0-liter supercharged V8 continues to be offered in 470hp and 550hp variants, delivering all of the performance promised by the dramatic styling of the XJ.
All powertrains feature a specifically-optimized eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF®. Each has been developed to provide the perfect balance of unrivalled performance, shift comfort, dynamics and efficiency.
CHASSIS
Following years of development and testing, as well as meticulous tuning work from the Jaguar engineering team, the brand has now incorporated Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) on rear-wheel drive models of the brand’s flagship sedan. Unlike hydraulic systems, EPAS only uses energy when the driver turns the wheel, so the reduction in parasitic losses helps to reduce fuel consumption and increase overall vehicle efficiency. The system’s ability to filter-out steering disturbances from poor road surfaces and compensate for road camber make the steering feel smoother and more precise than ever. Friction has also been engineered-out, improving steering feel and responsiveness further.
INFOTAINMENT AND CONNECTIVITY
For 2016, the XJ is equipped with InControl Touch Pro™, an all-new infotainment system designed to be simple and intuitive. Conceived in-house and built around a quad-core Intel processor, 60GB solid-state drive and a next-generation Ethernet network, InControl Touch Pro can handle large amounts of data and is exceptionally powerful and responsive.
The centerpiece of the system is its eight-inch capacitive touch-screen that works more like a modern smartphone, than an automotive infotainment system. The home screen can be customized selecting one of several available wallpaper images, widgets offer shortcuts to favorite features and functions, and additional home pages can be added, if desired.
The touch-screen responds to common ’pinch to zoom’ and ’swipe’ gestures allowing drivers to scroll between home screens. Using this technology, the simple, intuitive user interface of the InControl Touch Pro system is designed to minimize driver distraction. Jaguar has also incorporated a secondary full-screen navigational display in the vehicle’s updated instrument cluster, improving line of sight driving and reducing the amount of time a driver needs to take his eyes off the road2.
The functionality of the navigation system is just as impressive. Maps stored on the 60GB solid-state drive of the InControl Touch Pro system can be accessed quicker than with conventional hard drives. Dead-reckoning functionality accurately determines the vehicle’s position even when GPS signals cannot be received.
InControl Touch Pro enables door-to-door route planning and guidance, including public transportation options. A companion app allows drivers to plan their route offline and load it into the system at the start of the journey. Once the driver exits the car and the phone is disconnected from the vehicle, the app will continue to provide navigational directions, if need be, on the driver’s phone.
A new Commute Mode has also been developed which learns the driver’s daily commute to and from the home or office and can automatically offer alternative routes to avoid congestion using historical and real-time traffic information. Approach Mode displays a 360-degree interactive view of the driver’s surroundings on the infotainment screen as they get to within 656ft (200m) of their destination, and can even direct the driver to the nearest available parking space.
Meridian™ Audio System
Equal attention has been paid to audio performance. Now standard across the entire XJ range is an 825-watt Meridian, 17-speaker Surround Sound system that delivers exceptional sound performance. Going a step further, customers can opt for the outstanding 26-speaker, 1,300W Meridian Reference sound system. Featuring 17 channels of stereo and surround sound, Meridian’s Trifield™ technology ensures optimum reproduction with benchmark low levels of distortion.
Rear Seat Entertainment
To further enhance the luxurious experience of long wheelbase XJ models, customers will be able to specify a new rear seat entertainment system which features driver and passenger-side hideaway 10.2-inch high-definition screens offering a true 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. The rear seat entertainment system will also allow passengers to connect personal devices using a variety of different cable options. Two USB 3.0 ports and one HDMI, enable charging and media output from a wide range of players, smartphones and tablets.
Connected-Car Technology
The new XJ is the latest vehicle to offer Jaguar InControl® Apps™; an innovative, intuitive technology that enables customers to seamlessly connect their Apple® and Android™ smartphones to the vehicle’s infotainment system, via a designated USB port. InControl Apps™ provides access to compatible apps on the customer’s smartphone using the vehicle’s touch-screen as the main interface2.
Enhanced for 2016, the InControl Remote™, accessed through the InControl Remote App, allows the driver to bring the cabin to a pre-set temperature by remotely starting the engine, check how much fuel is in the tank, remotely lock or unlock the doors and get alerts if the alarm goes off. The app also helps owners locate their vehicle with a map displayed on their smartphone, in case the vehicle was parked in an unfamiliar area.
Using the vehicle’s antenna, the new XJ can also function as a Wi-Fi hotspot, providing a 3G connection for up to eight connected devices3.
Should the car be involved in a collision severe enough to trigger the airbags4, InControl Protect automatically notifies emergency services and provide the vehicle’s GPS location. Occupants can also trigger an emergency call or roadside assistance manually by pressing a button on the overhead center console.
ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS
All-Surface Progress Control
The new XJ is the latest Jaguar to benefit from the brand’s new All-Surface Progress Control (ASPC) technology. Designed to help drivers pull away smoothly on very low friction surfaces, ASPC is a unique system which can make it easier to drive a powerful car, whether RWD or AWD, at low speeds on snow, ice, wet grass or other low traction environments1.
ASPC works like a low-speed cruise control and operates between 2.2mph and 19mph (3.6km/h and 30km/h). The system is activated by pressing a button on the center console, in conjunction with the cruise control switches on the steering wheel to set the maximum speed. Once set, ASPC controls the throttle and brakes, all the driver has to do is to steer.
What makes ASPC so effective is that it doesn’t just provide fine control of the throttle, it also uses the vehicle’s brakes in conjunction with the throttle. From a standstill, only very low engine torque is applied to the driven wheels, enabling smooth progress with little or no wheel spin. ASPC is compatible with rear- and all-wheel drive can be made even more effective by the fitment of winter tires.
Traffic Sign Recognition
The traffic sign recognition system relies on a forward-facing camera to keep the driver informed of speed limits - including temporary limits which may be in force through road work, for example, and variable limits on highways1. Camera data is compared against GPS data, enhancing accuracy and robustness.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist
The new queue assist function for the adaptive cruise control system has been designed to reduce the effort and monotony of driving in heavy traffic1. Using a long-range radar sensor, the system can now maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, modulating throttle and braking duties, all the way down to a standstill.
Closing Vehicle Sensing
Building on the benefits of blind spot monitoring, the Closing Vehicle Sensing system uses radar sensors to alert the driver to the presence of vehicles approaching fast from behind when changing lanes by displaying a flashing icon in the corner of the side mirrors1.
Park-Assist (RWD models only)
The adoption of EPAS in RWD vehicles enables the new XJ to provide semi-autonomous park-assist functions for both perpendicular and parallel parking1. Ultrasonic sensors measure the space first and, if it’s large enough, the system helps manoeuvre the car into position - and, in the case of parallel parking, out again. The driver just controls the accelerator and brakes.
In addition, there’s a surround camera system, available on both RWD and AWD models, which combines the view from four cameras to provide a 360-degree view of the area around the car, including a plan view, to make manoeuvring easier.
Reverse Traffic Detection
The radar sensors equipped on the XJ can also help alert the driver of potential hazards when reversing1. If the system senses a vehicle approaching from either side while the XJ is in reverse, the driver is given audible and visual warnings.
The XJ is manufactured alongside the F-TYPE and the all-new XF at the Jaguar Land Rover Castle Bromwich Plant and will be available to U.S. customers in the Fall of 2016.
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