New Jaguar XJ: full details revealed
09 July 2009
The new Jaguar XJ was launched at an exclusive event in London last night.
It boasts a new panoramic glass roof, longer wheelbases, a redesigned interior and a range of new “Gen III” engines.
The 3.0-litre V6 diesel and 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 are joined by a 5.0-litre supercharged 470bhp engine.
The most efficient is the diesel-powered XJ which delivers an average of 40.1mpg and emits 184g/km of CO2, placing it into tax band I at £175 per year.
Jaguar also claims the new XJ is lighter than its rivals by “at least 150kg,” and its half-recycled aluminium structure saves three tonnes of CO2 per vehicle.
Boot size is now 520 litres in size and the long-wheelbase models give rear-seat passengers an extra 125mm of legroom.
Its new glass roof also gives the car a “lower, more streamlined roofline.”
Jaguar’s managing director Mike O'Driscoll said: “These are truly exciting times for 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.”
There are three interior specifications – luxury, premium and portfolio – the latter allows the buyer to personalise their car’s style.
The supercharged models and top-of-the-range Supersport XJ’s include a leather roof-lining, semi-aniline leather seats and veneers with laser inlays.
Other features include air suspension, Adaptive Dynamics (damping), Active Differential Control and a 12.3-inch high-definition touch screen which can display satnav, TV or DVDs. There is also connectivity for MP3 players and video devices.
Surround sound is available as an extra, as is a hard drive-based audio system.
Prices range from £52,500 to £88,000 and Jaguar are now taking orders for delivery in early 2010.
Buyers can register their interest at jaguar.com/allnewxj.
Jaguar XJ media launch
by Andy Goodwin, senior web journalist
We’ve just been in the front row at Jaguar’s London media launch, and given a guided tour of the important new model.
Here’s what the key men behind the XJ told us.
Mike O’Driscoll
Jaguar Managing Director
Jaguar’s managing director addressed the crowd with a rousing speech outlining the turnaround which has been accomplished in the last two years:
“Jaguar is not in the transportation business, we’re in the entertainment business.”
“In the space of 24 months the model line-up has been totally revitalised. We’re making Jaguar, Jaguar again.”
Introducing the XJ he spoke of the inspiration Jaguar’s history played in its design and the need for the XJ to ride and handle better than any competitor:
“There has been an absolute focus on superb dynamics.
“We’ve taken our inspiration from the XJ120 and E-Type; the halcyon days of Jaguar.”
Ian Callum
Design Director
The XJ is a radically new design when compared with the previous model. Design director Ian Callum explained its key features:
“The XJ has a family resemblance, especially with its upright grille.
“The side windows are as long and sleek as possible, within the dimensions of the car.”
He also explained the controversial rear end, which has come in for some criticism on our blog:
“Unusual and very deliberate taillights sat above the swage line are there because we can. It’s great to do something new and fresh.”
“We’ve incorporated the D-pillar graphic into the rear screen to remove weight from the rear profile of the car.”
“We didn’t want to redo the XF interior; this car deserves something much more indulgent. Something with sparkle, which makes you smile.”
Summing up the design language of the XJ he paid tribute to Jaguar’s founder, Sir William Lyons and of his vision for the XJ:
“Sir William Lyons created beautiful cars which people could understand.”
“Lines have to be beautiful and surfaces have to be clean and pure.”
“I can tell by looking at a car if the design team was happy. This car had a happy design team.”
“It’s instantly recognisable as the new XJ.”
Jaguar XF: Your verdict
Soji: "I was hoping the new XJ would be a serious contender to the Maserrati Quattroporte, but it just fell short in styling."
Tim: "What a wonderful car! It looks huge and classy, but also slick and sporty. Stunning!"
John F: "An absolute joke. The back end looks like a cross between a C6 and a Ford Scorpio. Audi and BMW have nothing to be worried about."
Read more opinions on the Jaguar XJ and tell us what you think of it
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