2014 Jaguar XJ

NEW FOR 2014:

The big news for Jaguar’s full-size all-aluminum XJ flagship is the return of the high-performance XJR to the lineup. A replacement for the 510-hp Supersport, it offers the same potent 550-hp supercharged V8 and electronic active rear differential from the XFR-S and XKR-S, plus unique suspension tuning. It’s one of the most dynamic and engaging high-performance sedans money can buy – and that’s saying a lot when you consider the competition it’s up against.

While it’s fair to say that Jaguar’s focus has been on gunning down the Alpina B7 and Maserati Quattroporte, the rest of the XJ range hasn’t been forgotten. Full attention has been paid to finer details on lesser trims. You’ll now find standard soft-close doors, revised exterior badges, and new soft-touch plastics on models that don’t have the leather-wrapped dashboard. For those willing to shell out on the XJ’s extensive options list, there’s a new rear-seat entertainment system with larger 10.2-inch displays, power side window blinds (long wheelbase only), and new leather-wrapped rear-seat trays to replace the charming but useless undersized wood ones previously featured.

But real opulence comes on long-wheelbase models with the optional power recline and articulating rear seats that now feature new massage functions. With this package all passenger seats can be controlled via the car’s centre touchscreen, and there’s a one-touch reset function that quickly restores all passenger seats to their default position. New too, is a new Reference-grade 1,300-watt Meridian sound system with Conversation Assist. It features three additional speakers in each front seatback plus rear-seat microphones that pick up on passengers’ voices, to make for easier conversations. Seriously fancy stuff.

All XJs can be had in short or long-wheelbase form. The XJ AWD and XJL Portfolio AWD come standard with a 340-hp 3.0-litre supercharged V6 and all-wheel drive. The XJ and XJL Supercharged use a 470-hp 5.0-litre supercharged V8, while the XJR and XJR Long Wheelbase feature a scintillating 550-hp 5.0-litre supercharged V8 under their hoods. Both Supercharged and XJR are rear-wheel drive. All models use a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.

Standard features on the XJ AWD include 19-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon adaptive headlamps with washers, LED brake lights, exterior chrome trim, sliding panoramic sunroof, power trunk lid, 8.0-inch touchscreen display with AM/FM/CD player, satellite radio, USB port, aux-in jack, Bluetooth, reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors, navigation, 380-watt 14-speaker Meridian sound system, rain-sensing wipers, map lights, proximity key with push-button start, blind-spot monitoring, ambient interior lighting, wood trim, full TFT instrument cluster with multifunction display and trip computer, 12-way power adjustable front seats with memory, heated front and rear seats, power tilt and telescoping steering column, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, adaptive dynamic suspension, self-leveling rear suspension, power folding exterior mirrors with auto-dimming function, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, garage door opener, alarm, and cruise control.

XJL Portfolio adds rear-seat roller window blinds, extended leather upholstery on dash and doors, alloy metal and wood trim, and four-zone climate control.

XJ Supercharged builds on the XJ AWD and adds 20-inch wheels, four-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, extended leather upholstery, alloy metal and wood trim, and an 825-watt 20-speaker Meridian sound system.

XJL Supercharged adds rear-seat roller window blinds.

XJR adds R-specific suspension tuning, aero body kit, rear spoiler, red brake calipers, 20-inch alloy wheels, soft-grain leather sports seats, Piano Black and carbon fibre interior trim, and an R sport steering wheel.

XJR Long Wheelbase adds rear-seat roller window blinds.