"
Jaguar has been steadily updating its sedan lineup, launching the entry-level
XE and a new version of the mid-range
XF – and now it's revealed an refreshed version of its flagship
XJ.
A
facelifted version of the existing model (which was first launched in 2009 and arrived in the US in 2011), the 2016 Jaguar XJ benefits from a few key enhancements to keep it current. The principal visual updates revolve around the exterior lighting, which now includes full LED headlights, new daytime running lights and redesigned LED tail lights. There are new oval exhaust tips as well, but some of the most vital updates have been carried out inside.
The refreshed interior includes a new InControl Touch Pro touchscreen infotainment system, with multi-touch control and backed up by a 60-gig solid-state hard drive. A new 17-speaker Meridian sound system comes standard, and the instrument cluster has been redesigned as well. The XJ also benefits from Jaguar's All-Surface Progress Control system and a raft of driver assistance features. Rear-drive models also get a new electric power-assisted steering rack and semi-automated parking system.
Between engine options, drivetrain choices, wheelbase lengths, and trim levels, the updated XJ continues to offer an array of configurations – and Jaguar has worked to further differentiate them from one another. The base model carries the 340-horsepower, 3.0-liter, supercharged V6 and can be specified with rear- or all-wheel drive. There are regular and long wheelbase versions, and in R-Sport and Portfolio trim lines (the former now coming standard in the shorter car). Though the entire range is supercharged, the model designated as the XJ Supercharged packs a 470-hp version of the company's celebrated 5.0-liter force-fed V8, while the performance flagship
XJR packs the same engine but with 550 hp (once again in either wheelbase) and now comes standard with the Black Pack.
The 2016 Jaguar XJ is slated to reach US showrooms this fall. The updates will surely go a long way towards keeping Coventry's flagship sedan in the game for longer until an all-new model is ready. The question is whether these updates will be enough to keep the XJ competitive against the newer
BMW 7 Series,
Mercedes S-Class, and
Maserati Quattroporte. Or for that matter with the
Audi A8 that's just as old but was also recently refreshed, or the
Lexus LS that's been around for longer with similar updates along the way."
http://www.autoblog.com/2015/06/15/2016-jaguar-xj-sedan-revealed/
