Jaguar’s full-size cruiser is known for its interior craftsmanship, alert reflexes and sleek aluminum body. But what really sets the XJ apart isn’t so much its resume as its effortless elegance and sheer magnetism.
What's New for 2015
Aside from minor equipment shuffles, the XJ is unchanged.
Choosing Your Jaguar XJ
The XJ starts out with a classy wood and leather interior that’s packed with features like navigation with an 8-inch touchscreen, a flat-panel instrument screen with virtual gauges, and a premium Meridian audio system. You also get a panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensor, a backup camera, a blind-spot warning system and soft-close doors. There's no denying that even the most basic XJ (if there is such a thing) is luxuriously equipped.
You have a choice between two wheelbases and three supercharged engines spread across the wide model range: a 3-liter 340-horsepower V6, a 5-liter V8 with 470 horsepower, and 550-horsepower version of the same. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board, and all-wheel drive is available on all V6 models.
The XJ's trim levels correspond to what's under the hood:
XJ
Carries the 3-liter supercharged V6, and all-wheel drive is optional. The Front Seat Comfort package adds ventilated and heated front seats with massage function and passenger memory settings. The upgraded seats are also found in the Portfolio package, which adds a faux suede headliner, four-zone climate control, heated and ventilated rear seats, and extended leather upholstery. There's also a Visibility package with adaptive headlights and automatic high-beam control.
XJL Portfolio
Rides on a five-inch longer wheelbase for extra legroom in the rear. The contents of the regular XJ's Portfolio package are standard here. The XJL can also get a Rear Seat package with massaging rear seats with footrests, a unique folding center armrest and winged headrests all around. There's also a Premium version of the same with power rear sunshades and an entertainment system with dual displays.
XJ Supercharged
Gets the 470-horsepower supercharged V8, plus 20-inch wheels with performance tires, a sport-tuned suspension, a 20-speaker surround-sound system and a power rear sunshade. You can add to that a Sport and Speed package with a higher top-speed limiter and high-performance bodywork. The Visibility package comes standard. All other equipment and options mirror those of the regular XJ.
XJL Supercharged
Same as above, but with the extended wheelbase and folding tray tables in back.
XJR
Packs the 550-horsepwer V8, plus specific suspension tuning, sport seats, hood louvers and quad exhausts. The XJR comes standard with the Sport and Speed package, and both wheelbases are offered.
Any XJ variant can get a handful of individual options, including adaptive cruise control with automatic braking, a thunderous 26-speaker Meridian sound system and a heated windshield.
There's a $45,000 price spread between the top and bottom of the XJ line, so don't be scared off by the six-figure prices of some models. Not surprisingly, the V8 engines don't come cheap, but with 340 horsepower on tap from the V6, you can drive away in the "base" XJ without feeling deprived in the least.