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Jaguar shows off revised XJ luxury car
With new or revised rivals coming from Mercedes, Audi and Lexus, the latest revisions to the largest Jaguar saloon should make it a more attractive purchase.
- Updated XJ range gets more tech and safety kit
- New high-performance XJR575 model at top of range
- All models available to order now, priced from £59,995
Jaguar has announced a series of updates to its XJ luxury car range. The changes include adding more technology and safety equipment, as well as a new high-performance model at the top of the range, which is shown in our pictures.
With the looks of the car unchanged, the biggest differences in the new XJ – the 2018 model year in Jaguar terms – are inside the cabin. So, drivers can now operate the infotainment system through a larger 10.0-inch touch-screen, which the company says has clearer graphics, as well as allowing smartphone-style pinch-and-zoom features when using the sat-nav. At the same time, the car benefits from Jaguar’s latest safety kit. Forward Traffic Detection helps drivers pulling out of blind junctions; if the vehicle drifts out of its lane without indicating, the Lane Keep Assist system applies gentle steering to prevent an unintended lane-change; and, the Driver Condition Monitor identifies driver fatigue and warns the driver to take a break.
With the looks of the car unchanged, the biggest differences in the new XJ – the 2018 model year in Jaguar terms – are inside the cabin. So, drivers can now operate the infotainment system through a larger 10.0-inch touch-screen, which the company says has clearer graphics, as well as allowing smartphone-style pinch-and-zoom features when using the sat-nav. At the same time, the car benefits from Jaguar’s latest safety kit. Forward Traffic Detection helps drivers pulling out of blind junctions; if the vehicle drifts out of its lane without indicating, the Lane Keep Assist system applies gentle steering to prevent an unintended lane-change; and, the Driver Condition Monitor identifies driver fatigue and warns the driver to take a break.
At the same time, the Autonomous Emergency Braking system has been updated with the addition of Pedestrian Detection. The system works from 3-37mph and uses a stereo digital camera to spot hazards, automatically applying the brakes if it predicts a collision.
Finally, at the top of the range sits the new high-performance XJR575 model. Powered by a 575PS 5.0-litre V8 engine, it’ll dash off the benchmark 0-62mph sprint in 4.4 seconds and carry on to a top speed of 186mph. Available in two bespoke colours – Velocity Blue and Satin Grey – the car stands out from lesser XJs thanks to a bespoke look, which includes a rear spoiler, side sills, front bumper and lower air intakes with black surrounds. There are also twin bonnet louvres, along with 20-inch black alloy wheels and red brake callipers, and the cabin features unique tread plates and diamond-quilted seating.
Finally, at the top of the range sits the new high-performance XJR575 model. Powered by a 575PS 5.0-litre V8 engine, it’ll dash off the benchmark 0-62mph sprint in 4.4 seconds and carry on to a top speed of 186mph. Available in two bespoke colours – Velocity Blue and Satin Grey – the car stands out from lesser XJs thanks to a bespoke look, which includes a rear spoiler, side sills, front bumper and lower air intakes with black surrounds. There are also twin bonnet louvres, along with 20-inch black alloy wheels and red brake callipers, and the cabin features unique tread plates and diamond-quilted seating.
The XJR575 joins the line-up alongside the XJ Luxury, Premium Luxury, Portfolio, R-Sport and top-of-the-range Autobiography trim levels. However, with the exception of the XJR575’s V8, all the engines are unchanged and still paired with eight-speed automatic gearboxes. So, the full range includes 3.0-litre petrol and diesel units, as well as a less powerful version of the supercharged V8, which comes only with the long-wheelbase version of the XJ.
The XJ is rival for the models from BMW, Audi and Mercedes, but both the Audi A8 and Mercedes S-Class have major revisions in the pipeline. However, the full XJ range s available to order now, with prices starting at £59,995.
The XJ is rival for the models from BMW, Audi and Mercedes, but both the Audi A8 and Mercedes S-Class have major revisions in the pipeline. However, the full XJ range s available to order now, with prices starting at £59,995.