An In-Depth Look at Jaguar’s Brand New XJ

Here it is–Jag’s new XJ saloon in full detail (and without watermarks).

The 2010 XJ is a completely redesigned large-class luxury sedan.  The XJ name has been in service for the famed British marque since the Swinging Sixties, but kept to the same visual formula throughout its lifespan.  The ’10 represents the third part of a entirely new design theme, seen first with the XK grand tourer and then with the XF medium-class sedan.

The XJ is available in two bodystyles: a standard form and an “XJL” with a longer wheelbase to serve as a sort of limousine.  The interior appointments are of the highest grade, with a special use of softgrain leather and various interior design themes of ivory, wood, satin, carbon fiber, or piano gloss.  The roof is panoramic, the rear window is auto-dimming, and XJL drivers can enjoy folding trays for their laptops.  A high-definition touch-screen offers global navigation and adjustments for the 600 wt. stereo system.

The exterior mold is carefully sculpted with smooth lines that caress the overall shape front to rear.  There’s a special focus on creating a fluid design, as opposed to the conservatism of the BMW 7 series or the polygonal architecture of the an Acura TL.  The front fascia features a wire-mesh grill and narrowed Xenon headlamps sculpted predatory glare.  The tail-lamps are vertically stacked, somewhat like those of a Bentley.  Wheel options, all alloys, vary from 19″ to 20″ in size, and feature exclusive classes to each trim level.

As one would expect, appointments and equipment correspond to trim levels.  The base XJ and XJL start off with a naturally aspirated 5.0 L Mk. III XJ-V8 engine, putting out a maximum of 385 hp–an exceptional figure.  The “Supercharged” trim pushes peak output to an outstanding 470 hp, while the top-line “Supersport” package will eek out 510 hp from the five-liter.  All engines are mated to a 6-spd. automatic transmission.

Additional technological features include illuminated rear mirrors, interior “mood lighting,” keyless start and entry, and–most impressively–computer-assisted adaptive handling.  The onboard computer system will adjust the suspension, braking, and steering when it senses the car in a stressful position, preventing the vehicle from getting completely out of the driver’s control.

Jaguar has managed to not only improve the reliability of its vehicles (a longtime weakness), but it’s been able to make the overall quality of them top-notch.  With the XJ, not only has Jaguar produced a finely built luxury saloon: it’s been able to build a real game-changer.