The new Jaguar XJ is sleek, sophisticated...and completely seductive

Jaguar embodies the unmistakable essence of exclusivity, luxury and charisma merged with a heady dose of engineering excellence and truly breathtaking performance.

These are the elements that define the iconic all-new Jaguar XJ, which builds on the exceptional success of the revitalised brand courtesy of its dynamic and groundbreaking new models, comprising the emotive XK roadster and coupé, as well as the exceptional XF executive sedan.

Style and substance: in order to have a meaningful and sustainable impact, these elements go hand in hand. It is particularly true of the motoring segment, where cars have long been recognised as enduring symbols of status and success.

Jaguar’s current design director Ian Callum has brought the aspirational brand up to date and, in the XJ, defined its bold new future.

The XJ embodies the sensuality of Jaguars with a thoroughly contemporary slant that makes its rivals seem decidedly conservative.

There is an unexpected sense of athleticism, sportiness and occasion in the new car, focused around the sleek front with the narrow tapered headlights directing your eye to what is a confident and unmistakably Jaguar grille.

A smooth and flowing profile provides the focal point for the sleek coupé-like roofline, thus hinting further at the car’s dynamic appeal.

At the rear is a pure, sculpted shape, centred around dramatic vertical LED taillight clusters.

From the standard panoramic sunroof to the acres of fine, soft-grain leather that adorns the seats, instrument panel, door tops, centre console, steering wheel, armrests and (on the exclusive Supersport model) even the roof lining. From nine wood veneers as well as carbon fibre and piano black, to the high-tech showpiece of the JaguarDrive selector that replaces the conventional gear selector.

There is no conventional instrument display in the new XJ, only a 12.3-inch high-definition screen. This ‘virtual’ display offers the benefits of unrestricted design freedom and the ability to prioritise the most important information for the driver.

It is matched by a large eight-inch touchscreen display in the centre console which controls functions such as the climate control, audio, communications and navigation. Dual-View technology enables the driver and front passenger to view completely different content on the same screen simultaneously.

Add voice control function for the in-car telephone, navigation and audio, a top-notch multimedia system with integrated hard disc drive and so much more.

The remarkable 1 200-watt Bowers & Wilkins audio system boasts 20 speakers powered through 15 channels, plus the first automotive application of the latest Dolby Pro Logic IIx technology, as well as a DTS Neo:6 decoder, to deliver unrivalled 7.1 surround-sound audio.

With the optional rear-seat entertainment package, you gain dual eight-inch LCD screens integrated into the front headrests, independent wireless digital headphones and a portable touchscreen controller.

The range-topping long-wheelbase model adds an extra 125mm of legroom.

The use of aerospace-inspired aluminium body technology makes the XJ some 150kg lighter than its competitors. Around 50% of its lightweight aluminium structure is produced from recycled material, which dramatically reduces its carbon footprint.

The XJ superbly blends refined, supple ride characteristics with a requisite level of responsive, sporting and dynamic
handling qualities.

This is aided by the inclusion of an advanced air suspension system, as well as the Adaptive Dynamics continuously variable damping, Active Differential Control and quick-ratio power steering.

The range of four powerful and incredibly refined engines use the latest powertrain technology to deliver outstanding
performance and class-leading efficiency.

The supercharged 5.0-litre V8 generates 346kW of power and 575Nm of torque in the standard model, and staggering outputs of 375kW and 625Nm in the Supersport flagship – the latter capable of 0-100km/h in a mere 4.9 seconds!

The normally aspirated V8 delivers invigorating performance and acoustics linked to peaks of 283kW and 515Nm. Its combined cycle fuel consumption is rated at 11.4 l/100km, while the supercharged models achieve 12.1 l/100km.

The 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine employs cutting-edge sequential twin-turbocharging to achieve unparalleled responsiveness, acceleration and fuel economy.

The LWB armoured XJ Sentinel is available on special order, and provides up to B7 levels of ballistic protection despite being virtually indistinguishable from the standard model.

The XJ is equipped with the full complement of driver aids and safety features – the more notable features being adaptive cruise control on certain models, along with a radar-based blind-spot monitoring system and tyre pressure monitoring.