Jaguar XJ limo model
Jaguar has taken the wraps of its rival to Germany’s top-end limousines, launching a radically redesigned version of its range-topping XJ limousine.
The new XJ continues Jaguar’s image reinvention, moving away from conservative, retro styling to a sleek, coupe-like silhouette that mirrors Mercedes-Benz’s CLS four-door coupe.
The limousine borrows a number of design cues from the smaller XF sedan launched in 2008, with a similar front grille and a sloping, fastback roofline.
The BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class rival will be launched locally in March next year and Jaguar is taking orders now.
Jaguar spokesman Tim Krieger says pricing won’t be confirmed till closer to launch date, but it is expected to start at between $200,000 and $225,000 for the 3.0-litre diesel.
The pricing is line-ball with BMW’s recently released 730d limousine, which starts from $198,800, although the Jaguar has more power and torque and uses less fuel.
Standout features on the new XJ include a large panoramic roof and a new lightweight aluminium structure that Jaguar claims makes it 150kg lighter than its rivals. The maker says the lightweight structure improves performance, handling and fuel-efficiency, while providing a stronger safety cell.
Underneath the sleek lines, the new Jaguar has adaptive air suspension with continuously variable damping. It also has an active differential and quick-ratio steering that the company says gives it a sporty feel.
The driver can choose a "dynamic" driving setting which has a sportier, more responsive feel. In "dynamic" mode the car's engine mapping, transmission shifts, adaptive suspension, active differential and stability control settings are tuned for more spirited driving. The car's active seat belts also draw you into the seat under heavy braking or hard cornering.
Four engines will be available from launch: a 202kW twin-turbo V6 diesel, a naturally aspirated 283kW V8 and two supercharged V8s putting out 346kW and 375kW. The V8 engijnes are between 20 and 30 per cent more powerful than the 4.2-litre units in the previous XJ, while fuel consumption has remained the same. The 3.0-litre diesel, which recently debuted on the facelifted XF sedan, is 33 per cent more powerful than the 2.7-litre unit it replaces.
Jaguar claims the top-of-the-range supercharged version sprints from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds, which makes it three-tenths quicker than BMW’s twin-turbo V8 7-Series range topper.
The XJ will be available in a choice of regular or long-wheelbase versions, with an extra 125mm of rear legroom.
Inside, the XJ has the same sense of theatre as the XF sedan, with blue backlighting throughout the cabin and the trademark circular gear selector which rises out of the centre console when the car is switched on. Gears can also be selected via steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Another highlight is a dual-view centre screen in the dash, which can display vehicle and satellite navigation information to the driver while showing television and DVDs to the passenger. Functions such as the satellite navigation and telephone can be operated via the touch-screen or through a list of voice commands.
The instrument panel has no physical needles or dials - they've been replaced by a 12-inch screen with virtual displays of the speedo and rev counter. When the driver selects "dynamic" mode, the colour of the instrument panel changes from blue to red and the gear position indicator glows as the engine reaches the rev limiter.
A 1200w Bowers and Wilkins stereo system is also available with hard dive memory and Ipod connectivity.
The air-conditioning vents are a departure from the XF, with round dials match the chrome ringed dials in the instrument panel. There is also more woodgrain - nine choices are available - in line with the car’s flagship status. Piano black and carbon fibre-look highlights are available for those looking for a less traditional feel. The top-of-the-range model has a leather-lined roof.
The naturally-aspirated V8 and diesel models will come with a choice of three trim levels, luxury, premium luxury and portfolio.
Krieger says the new XJ's more modern look and feel will broaden the appeal of the brand.
"We feel this vehicle will appeal to a much broader, younger audience than the previous XJ and also to people who never considered a Jaguar," he said.
He says there will be two target customers: men and women entrepreneurs and small business owners between 45 and 60 and more traditional buyers over the age of 55 who may have previously owned Jaguars.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Jaguar XJ model line-up
3.0L V6 diesel
Engine: 3.0-litre diesel
Transmission: six-speed auto
Power: 202kW @ 4000rpm
Torque: 600Nm @ 2000rpm
0-100km/h: 6.4 sec
Fuel consumption: 7.0L/100km
CO2 emissions: 184g/km
Kerb weight: 1796kg (short w’base)
Top speed: 250km/h
5.0L V8
Engine: 5.0-litre petrol V8
Transmission: six-speed auto
Power: 283kW @ 6500rpm
Torque: 515Nm @ 2000rpm
0-100km/h: 5.4 sec
Fuel consumption: 11.4L/100km
CO2 emissions: 269g/km
Kerb weight: 1755kg (short w’base)
Top speed: 250km/h
5.0L V8 supercharged
Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8
Transmission: six-speed auto
Power: 346kW @ 6000-6500rpm
Torque: 575Nm @ 2500-5500rpm
0-100km/h: 5.2 sec
Fuel consumption: 12.1L/100km
CO2 emissions: 289g/km
Kerb weight: 1892kg (short w’base)
Top speed: 250km/h
5.0-litre supercharged V8
Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8
Transmission: six-speed auto
Power: 375kW @ 6000-6500rpm
Torque: 625Nm @ 2500-5500rpm
0-100km/h: 4.9 sec
Fuel consumption: 12.1L/100km
CO2 emissions: 289g/km
Kerb weight: 1892kg (short w’base)
Top speed: 250km/h
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