Jaguar XJ targets S-Class and 7 Series with new upgrades

With the Mercedes S-Class shifting over 100,000 units last year, and an all-new BMW 7 Series ready to roll, Jaguar needed to respond to keep its XJ flagship relevant. And respond it has, with a comprehensive round of updates for its luxury saloon, ranging from more powerful and efficient engines to the very latest infotainment and safety tech.

Leading the styling changes is a larger, more upright grille, while sculpted chrome blades in the air intake give it a touch more presence. Full LED lights, and twin ‘J-Blade’ daytime running lights are also new, echoing the new ‘J-signature’ in the tail-lights. A gloss black insert on the rear bumper with a thin chrome insert and oval exhaust finishers complete the gentle makeover.

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Inside, the big story is a new InControl Touch Pro infotainment system with a customisable eight-inch touchscreen that’s faster and better to look at, and allows pinch and zoom and swiping gestures. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster can now also be configured to show a full-width navigation display. 

A new 26-speaker, 1,300W Meridian sound system is added to the options list, while a new rear seat entertainment package is available, adding two widescreen 10.2-inch screens that fold away when not in use.     

Engine choices include a 335bhp 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol, a supercharged V8 with either 503bhp or 542bhp in the XJR, and a heavily upgraded 3.0-litre V6 diesel – now compliant with Euro 6 emissions regulations and producing 296bhp and 700Nm of torque, 25bhp and 100Nm more than before. All versions are fitted with an eight-speed auto box as standard. 

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CO2 emissions in the diesel XJ have fallen from 159g/km to 149g/km, with fuel economy of 49.6mpg – a useful drop for company car buyers. Jaguar attributes a three per cent fuel saving to a newelectric power-assisted steering system.   

All JLR’s latest safety and convenience systems have been thrown in, too, including traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control with a semi-autonomous queue assist function, reverse sensors to alert you of hazards when reversing out of a parking space, and a 360-degree camera system. 

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As before, the range consists of XJ Luxury (from £58,590), XJ Premium Luxury (from £62,690), XJ Portfolio (from £69,725) and XJR models (£92,405) – with more kit and better-quality materials at each level.  Two new trims have been introduced, including a top-spec, long-wheelbase only Autobiography model available with the diesel or 503bhp V8, costing £80,250 and £100,000. Finally, a new R-Sport model offers the XJR’s pumped-up looks without the fuel bills, and costs from £71,625.  

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