Jaguar has announced a range of enhancements to its Jaguar XJ luxury sports saloon. The 2018 model year (2018MY) updates include the introduction of the XJR575 performance flagship model, a host of technology upgrades and the addition of the latest intelligent safety features.
The new XJR575 is the most dynamic derivative in the line-up and delivers 575PS and 700Nm of torque for effortless acceleration and refinement. The 25PS uplift in power is delivered by Jaguar Land Rover’s 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine and powers the luxury sports saloon from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds (0-60mph in 4.2 seconds) and to a top speed of 186mph (300km/h).
Available in the standard wheelbase bodystyle, the XJR575 reinforces the XJR’s standing as Jaguar’s fastest XJ saloon. Customers will be able to choose between two bespoke exterior colour finishes created at Special Vehicle Operations’ state-of-the-art Oxford Road facility: Velocity Blue and Satin Corris Grey.
Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar, said: “The Jaguar XJ is the largest model in our saloon car line-up and retains the physical presence and graceful design customers expect from a Jaguar flagship. Anyone who sees this car immediately knows it is both great to drive and to sit in. The intricate details inside and out give owners and passengers the feeling that they are in the presence of something truly special.”
Tailor-made exterior details include a rear spoiler, side sills, front bumper and lower air intakes featuring Gloss Black surrounds. Updated XJR575 exterior badging and twin bonnet louvres mark the vehicle out from the rest of the range while 20-inch Farallon gloss-black wheels with red painted brake callipers are the final dynamic flourish.
Inside the XJR575 features bespoke embossed tread plates, 575 intaglio and diamond-quilted seating available in Jet/Jet and Ivory/Jet colour options and finished with additional 575 branding.
For 2018MY the XJ features a number of technology upgrades which enhance connectivity with 4G Wi-Fi capability, allowing occupants to stay online on the move with as many as eight devices.
Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar Land Rover UK MD, said: “There is huge momentum behind Jaguar in the UK at the moment with record sales, high footfall at retailers and more customers considering the brand than ever before. Work doesn’t stop here though, these latest updates to the XJ show we’re still working to improve our line-up and widen its appeal to even more UK buyers.”
“The very latest technology and peak of Jaguar performance are now available in our flagship model, adding to the already impressive package of style, comfort and agility. The Jaguar XJ has always been designed as the ultimate luxury driver’s car, and with the new 2018 model year range and the XJR575 we’ve made it even more desirable.”
In addition, the central console now features a larger 10-inch touchscreen. As well as giving customers greater clarity, the bigger screen functions like a smartphone allowing occupants to pinch and zoom when using satellite navigation and create custom homepages for shortcuts to favoured features.
Jaguar’s saloon car line-up promises strong safety credentials and the 2018MY XJ features the latest intelligent safety technologies. Forward Traffic Detection is designed to assist drivers when forward visibility is restricted, for example when pulling out of blind junctions.
Lane Keep Assist is able to determine the car’s lane position and monitor steering inputs. If the vehicle drifts out of its lane without indicating, the system applies gentle steering torque to correct the movement and prevent the unintended lane-change. In addition, Driver Condition Monitor is able to identify periods of little or no steering activity followed by sudden or excessive inputs – a clear indication of driver fatigue – and display multi-stage visual warnings to prompt the driver to take a break.
The pedestrian safety bar is raised further by Jaguar’s advanced Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), which provides superior functionality with the introduction of Pedestrian Detection. The system operates from 3-37mph (5-60km/h) and uses an advanced forward-facing stereo digital camera to spot hazards, automatically applying the brakes when the risk of a collision is detected.