Jaguar’s full-size sedan has earned plenty of praise 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 2016
All models receive updated exterior lighting, revised instrumentation, a more intuitive infotainment interface, and Jaguar's All Surface Progress Control system. Rear-drive models also get a new electric power steering unit. The base model is now known as XJ R-Sport.
Choosing Your Jaguar XJ
The XJ starts out with a classy wood and leather interior that’s packed with features like a 20-speaker Meridian sound system, a flat-panel instrument screen with virtual gauges, and heated and ventilated seats all around. You also get a panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, a backup camera, blind spot monitoring, adaptive headlamps with automatic high-beam control, and soft-close doors. There's no denying that even the most basic XJ (if there is such a thing) is indulgently 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 a 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 standard All Surface Progress Control provides automatic throttle and brake inputs when accelerating on slippery roads.
The XJ's trim levels correspond to what's under the hood:
XJ R-Sport
Carries the 3-liter supercharged V6, and all-wheel drive is optional. The Comfort Pack adds massaging front seats with expanded adjustments, passenger memory settings, four-zone climate control, and a power rear sunshade. There's also an Illumination Pack with enhanced courtesy and accent lighting. The Parking Assist Pack adds surround-review cameras and a multi-feature automated parking system.
XJL Portfolio
Rides on a five-inch longer wheelbase for extra legroom in the rear. The contents of the XJ R-Sport's packages are standard here. The Premium Rear Seat package adds individual rear seats with massage and memory, dual LCD screen, foldout tables, and a pair of wireless headphones.
XJ Supercharged
Gets the 470-horsepower supercharged V8, plus 20-inch wheels with performance tires and a sport-tuned suspension. The Illumination Pack and Parking Assist Pack remain available.
XJL Supercharged
Same as above, but with the extended wheelbase and available Premium Rear Seat package.
XJR
Packs the 550-horsepower V8, plus specific suspension tuning, sport seats, hood louvers, and quad exhausts. Both wheelbases are offered, and the Illumination Pack and Parking Assist Pack remain available. Note that the Premium Rear Seat package is not offered on this trim. Exclusive to to the XJR is the optional Chrome Pack with generous exterior chrome trim and a carbon fiber engine cover.
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.
Get your price on a Jaguar XJ »