JAGUAR XJ

The XJ, Jaguar's all-aluminium luxury saloon, is more desirable than ever.

Subtle changes to the exterior design, accentuated by full LED headlights, add to the XJ's already distinctive looks. Materials such as semi-aniline leather and inlay veneers enhance an interior already considered the most luxurious in the segment, culminating in the new Autobiography model.

Matching this traditional craftsmanship is state-of-the-art technology, including a new infotainment system. InControl Touch Pro offers features such as door-to-door navigation, Wi-Fi and 1,300W Meridian Digital Reference audio.

The driving experience is better than ever, thanks to a V6 diesel engine which offers more power and torque and less fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and an electric power-assisted steering system that enhances Jaguar's reputation for unrivalled agility and responsiveness.

"More dynamic and distinctive than ever, we've engineered our flagship saloon to deliver even greater levels of luxury and performance.

"Featuring our new world-class infotainment system, interior materials and finishes which create an even more bespoke feel, and with our higher output, lower emissions diesel engine, the XJ rewards drivers and passengers like no other luxury car." Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar XJ

The new XJ features a larger, more upright grille, while sculpted chrome blades in the outboard air intakes emphasise the car's mature, prestigious character.

The full LED headlights accentuate the 'quad lamp' design feature that Jaguar sporting sedans have made their own. They are further enhanced with active front steer- and static bend lamp functions, and auto high beam-assist. LED headlights also provide a colour temperature closer to that of daylight than Bi-Xenon lamps, improving visibility and driver comfort, and are also more energy-efficient.

Twin 'J-Blade signature' daytime running lights are a unique feature to XJ, befitting its status in the Jaguar saloon car range. The white light instantly and seamlessly changes to orange when the direction indicator is operated.

The LED rear lights feature a new J-signature tail and position light graphic, making the XJ even more distinctive. The rear bumper now features a gloss black valance and a slender chrome insert. Oval exhaust finishers complete the look.

The XJ's peerless interior design has been taken to the next level. So luxurious has it become that the outgoing Portfolio trim is now used for the Premium Luxury model. The new Portfolio gains quilted soft-grain leather seats with diamond stitching and embossed headrests, and figured ebony veneer.

The Autobiography model, new to XJ in the 2016 model year and available only with the long-wheelbase body, can be identified on the outside by chrome front bumper air intakes and 20" Mataiva wheels (Maroa in the UK). Inside, there's a unique Autobiography Intaglio, quilted semi-aniline leather seats with contrasting stitching, a leather headliner, rich oak inlay veneer, and illuminated stainless steel treadplates, air vents and boot finisher.

The new R-Sport model features a three-piece front splitter, deep side sills, side power vents and rear spoiler. A gloss black finish enhances the grille mesh, rear valance and, as standard in select markets, the window finishers. Wheels are 20" Venom. The interior gains sports seats, R-Sport steering wheel and treadplates, Jet headliner and piano black trim.

RANGE SUMMARY

The new Jaguar XJ range will consist of: XJ Luxury, XJ Premium Luxury, XJ Portfolio, XJ R-Sport, XJR, XJ Autobiography.

The powertrain range will consist of: 300PS 3.0-litre V6 diesel automatic; RWD, 240PS 2.0-litre petrol automatic; RWD, 340PS 3.0-litre V6 petrol automatic; RWD/AWD, 470, 510 and 550PS 5.0-litre V8 petrol automatic; RWD.

Alongside the F-Type sports car and all-new XF saloon, the XJ is manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover's Castle Bromwich Plant.

POWERTRAIN

More performance, more refinement, more efficiency: the latest 3.0-litre V6 diesel features a host of new technologies designed to boost output and reduce emissions. Now Euro 6 compliant, this outstanding engine develops an extraordinary 700Nm and can accelerate the XJ from 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds and yet returns 149g/km CO2 on the European combined cycle.

The XJ's sense of effortless performance is taken to an even higher level thanks to the latest-generation V6 diesel. Smoother and quieter than ever, this power unit gains even more sophisticated common rail and turbocharging systems, boosting power and torque from 275PS/600Nm to 300PS/700Nm. The extra torque not only improves responsiveness, it also delivers greater efficiency, helping to reduce emissions from 159g/km to 149g/km CO2.

New eight-hole piezo injectors ensure that fuel is delivered into the combustion chambers with even greater precision and control, while increasing the maximum injection pressure to 2,000bar ensures even better mixture formation. All of this leads to reduced fuel consumption and emissions, and higher output.

The innovative parallel-sequential boosting system receives more aerodynamically-efficient turbochargers, while the primary turbo now features highly-advanced ceramic ball bearing technology: the reduced friction means even better launch performance and transient response because torque builds up even more rapidly than before.

Engine efficiency is improved too. A switchable coolant pump and dual-stage oil pump ensure faster warm-up and reduced parasitic losses. And the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system now features a cooled low-pressure circuit in addition to the high-pressure circuit: this enables inherently low emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) as well as reduced pumping losses across a wider range of the engine's operating map.

Complementing the improved EGR system is a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. Injecting a urea solution upstream of a highly-efficient SCR catalyst converts NOx into nitrogen and water, ensuring that the new XJ meets Euro 6 exhaust emissions regulations.

The petrol engines: Powerful, refined, and efficient

The new XJ also offers the familiar range of all-aluminium inline-four, V6 and V8 petrol engines. All feature direct injection, variable valve timing, forced induction and intelligent stop-start systems to deliver high performance with remarkable efficiency.

The 240PS/340Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder benefits from a low-inertia turbocharger to match the driveability of larger naturally-aspirated engines but with improved fuel economy.

The 3.0-litre supercharged V6 develops 340PS/450Nm and is available with rear- and all-wheel drive. Characterised by its linear power delivery and free-revving nature, this remarkable engine also delivers a unique soundtrack thanks to meticulously-tuned intake and exhaust systems.

The top engine option remains the 5.0-litre V8. Offered in 470PS/575Nm, 510PS/625Nm and 550PS/680Nm ratings, this exceptional engine delivers all of the performance promised by the XJ's dramatic styling.

Selecting the best: Eight-speed automatic transmissions

All powertrains feature a specifically-optimised eight-speed automatic from ZF. Each has been developed to provide the perfect balance of unrivalled launch performance, shift comfort, dynamics and efficiency.

Two variants of the 8HP transmission family are offered in the new XJ: the familiar 8HP70 transmission and the lighter, more compact 8HP45.

CHASSIS

The adoption of electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) improves responsiveness and driver feedback, enhancing the XJ's position as the most dynamic luxury sedan in the segment. The technology is also an enabler for advanced driver assistance systems and improves efficiency.

Jaguar cars set the benchmark for steering feel, in every segment. It's intrinsic to the dynamics DNA of all models from XE through to F-Type.

The XJ is no exception, and this latest generation also benefits from the adoption of electric power assistance for the steering system: hydraulic systems have reached the limit of their potential.

Years of development and testing, plus meticulous tuning work, mean that EPAS is now ready for Jaguar's flagship saloon. 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 still further.

Unlike hydraulic systems, EPAS only uses energy when the driver turns the wheel, so the reduction in parasitic losses helps to reduce fuel consumption by up to three per cent on the European combined cycle.