Jaguar XJ – The Big Cat Arrives!

Over the past few years we have seen the venerable British marque Jaguar working diligently to move its vehicle design language away from tired retro and into a more forward looking style, while still retaining that Jaguar elegance. We talked about the arrival of the XF, Jaguar’s midsize sedan, which has been a smashing success!

What better follow-up to that success than with a complete redo of the Jaguar flagship…the big four door sedan…


The XJ…


Jaguar’s ultimate executive express will be available in three models, each with different powertrains, trim levels and option availability. Each model can be had in regular wheelbase or long wheelbase versions.


Got that..?


Here we go… The base model XJ and XJL (long wheelbase) comes with a 5.0L direct injection V8 with 385 horsepower and a 6-speed automatic transmission. All the expected luxury accoutrements are there, including Nav, premium sound system with hard drive, mood lighting, 19” alloy wheels and an adaptive dynamic suspension system.


A step up the ladder takes you to a more sporting variation with the XJ and XJL Supercharged. The name says it all, as a supercharger is added to the V8, boosting horsepower to 470 for a more exhilarating driving experience. Wheel size increases to 20”, climate control is 4 zone instead of 2, and interior color packages now come in eight choices as opposed to four.


The third and “king of the hill” option is the XJ and XJL Supersport. This sexy beast has even more power, coming in at 510 horses, sure to get the adrenalin flowing. The Supersport designation also garners you exclusive wheel designs, exterior colors and interior design packages that cannot be had on the lower tier models. Truly an exclusive automotive experience.


Pricing starts at $72,500 for the XJ, $87,500 for the XJ Supercharged and $112,000 for the XJ Supersport, with the long wheelbase versions a few thousand above each.


Now that Jaguar has their design on track and are showing much improved reliability, we feel the new XJ will give a run for the money to its main rivals, the Audi A8, Mercedes S-class, BMW 7 Series and Lexus LS. A lighter and more lithe vehicle than the others, the big cat should have a feel all its own, not to mention looks that many may consider best in class and a highly competitive pricing structure.


Good work, Jaguar..!