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Home / The opulent Jaguar XJ resets luxury standards
The opulent Jaguar XJ resets luxury standards
2015-06-25Staff Report 2 " This is the Jaguar XJ, a vehicle known for its definition of what defines a gentleman, in a true style, opulence and British craftsmanship and aristocratic splendour. The XJ is Jaguar all-aluminium luxury saloon, to which Jaguar has done some changes to make it 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 rich oak inlay veneers enhance an interior already considered the most luxurious in the segment, culminating in the new Autobiography model. 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. 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, 1,300W Meridian digital audio and high-definition rear-seat entertainment screens. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 202kW/600Nm to 220kW/700Nm. The extra torque not only improves responsiveness, it also delivers greater efficiency. 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, and forced induction to deliver high performance with remarkable efficiency. The 177kW/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 250kW/450Nm. 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 375kW/625Nm and 405kW/680Nm ratings, this exceptional engine delivers all of the performance promised by the XJ’s dramatic styling. " 2015-06-25Staff Report 2
