The redesigned 2010 Jaguar XJ borrows traits from the XF sedan, but its long lines and sloping roofline set set this four-door coupe apart with a distinct modern look.
The most talked-about exterior feature is sure to be the completely new tail, featuring a wide and full rear deck and vertical tail-lights – you’ll either love it of hate it.
A glass panoramic sunroof, standard on all models, lets light and a sense of space into the cabin.
The interior has a seriously modern cockpit. As well as the stylish wood trim and leather headliner, a virtual instrumentation display appears when you start the engine, with three virtual tacho, speedo and fuel/temperature gauges glowing a soft red.
Three different engines are offered in the new XJ: a supercharged 5.0-litre petrol V8; a normally aspirated version of the same engine, and a 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel.
The supercharged V8 comes with two power outputs, 503bhp and 464bhp. The normally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 is 380bhp.
All models drive through a paddle-shifted six-speed auto.
Jaguar says the XJ will reach 100kph in 5.4 seconds, the SuperSport in 4.7.
Eco-wise, the diesel engine reportedly returns 40.1mpg and 184g/km.
Two wheelbases are offered: a standard model on the familiar XJ 3035mm wheelbase, and a version with a wheelbase that’s 125mm longer, at 3160mm.
Thanks to its aluminium body and chassis, the XJ is at least 150kg lighter than its rivals, weighing in at just over 1700kg and 1950 at its heaviest.
Jaguar hopes that the super luxury British sedan will infuse a new spirit in its segment, thanks to a “bold new design direction, good performance and a high standard of engineering excellence”.
Jaguar’s managing director, Mike O’Driscoll says, “These are truly exciting times for us at Jaguar. The new XJ is truly beautiful, exhilarating to drive, and with its bold, enlightened approach to design, it meets the challenges of our fast-changing world. It re-imagines the ultimate sporting luxury car.”
Production starts at the end of September, and Jaguar wants to have the first cars on sale early in 2010.
