The new Jaguar XJ. Love the design, right?
Whether it’s the long coupe-like body, sleek roofline or details like the tear drop shape of the side windows, the minute you see the new Jaguar XJ there’s something that makes it hard to take your eyes off this car.
She definitely has the look.
In fact, so striking is the 2011 XJ’s styling that the Chronicle’s “DriveTime” team awarded Jaguar’s new flagship sedan with its inaugural “Design of the Year” Award, announced earlier this year in conjunction with the 2010 North American International Auto Show.
Idea for the award being that every year, among the scores of new automobiles that make their way to the road, there’s always one (that one) that simply leaves your breathless.
Even then, we described the Jaguar as the kind of automobile that prompts you to pull up at a stoplight to see whose driving and has you thinking “what if” when you have an opportunity to sit inside and get a feel for the interior details.
For us, no automobile introduced last year better stirred up the kind of emotions than the new XJ.
DARE TO BE DIFFERENT
With its striking exterior styling, the new XJ is a sharp departure from the previous model. Very different, but still true to the heritage of the Jaguar brand. The XJ shares many of the exterior styling cues of the new XF, but on a much bolder level that gives it the sedan the true feel of a “big body” coupe as a four door sedan.
A standard panoramic glass roof is an integral part of the all new XJ’s design, which gives the car a lower, more streamlined roofline, while dramatically enhancing the feeling of light and space inside.
Other key details include the LED light clusters wrapped over the rear fenders, and chrome power vents set into the fenders and the unique LED tail lamps designed to be reminiscent of the claws of a cat.
Inside, its details such as wood inlays in the door, the chrome and piano black surfaces, and the “virtual instrument” panel featured in the 2010 XJ that really define the “new” Jaguar
But the heart and soul of Jag’s new flagship sedan is how all of its striking design elements come together with the automobile’s engineering as I learned after recently spending some time behind the wheel in the Malibu Newton Canyon.
Fitting location for the test drive considering the roads in the area and our central locale for the event − George Rosenthal’s 250 acre Malibu Estate 1,400 feet above the coast, which is home to the business mogul’s personal vineyard and some rare collectibles like actual pieces of the Berlin Wall.
Imagine.
Moving around the Rosenthal Malibu Estate is reflective of the sense of exclusivity you get in the new Jaguar XJ when you settle into the cockpit and press the pulsing red start button to fire up the engine.
FEEL THE POWER
The XJ’s automatic transmission is controlled by a rotary shift interface in the center console known as the Jaguar Drive Selector, which rises up into the palm of the driver’s hand when the start button is pressed as the virtual instruments and LED touch screens come to life.
The luxury sedan, available in a long and short wheel base, features three engine options for the U.S. market − a 385-hp 5.0L naturally aspirated V8, a 470-hp 5.0L supercharged V8 and a 510-hp 5.0L supercharged V8.
We tested the 5.0L supercharged V8, which Jaguar notes has a 0–40 time of 4.7 seconds, which you quickly learn to appreciate about the new XJ when dashing through the Malibu Canyon on the open road.
It’s the kind of automobile in which you can make a grand entrance at the area country club and take out for a Sunday blast through the hills with a few friends if you get the urge for a little adventure.
Most impressive is that despite its huge presence as a full-size sedan, the XJ feels and handles much smaller and nimbler than you’d expect, which Jaguar credits to a number of engineering elements.
Jaguar’s new adaptive dynamics system continuously calculates road induced body motion 100 times per second and sets each damper to the appropriate level to help and maintain a flat and level body.
RELAX AND ENJOY
The supercharged models also feature what’s called Active Differential Control (ADC) that offers “superior asphalt” and “loose surface traction” for better vehicle performance. The XJ’s also equipped with two different driving modes − dynamic mode and winter mode.
In dynamic mode, the vehicle’s adaptive dynamics increase for a sportier feel. Winter mode, which Jaguar notes was tested in some pretty tough weather conditions, provides for better control in slippery conditions.
XJ offers two audio systems including a 1200 Watt Bowers and Wilkins surround sound system which features 20 speakers strategically placed throughout the vehicle to deliver ultimate sound quality.
The XJ’s Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses microwave radar technology to monitor the road ahead and automatically eases off the throttle or gently applies on the break if it senses a car in front is moving more slowly.
Other safety features include and advanced emergency braking system that works with the Adaptive Cruise Control to assist in braking if it detects a potential collision.
The new XJ also features a five year 50,000 mile warranty on equipment over and beyond typical parts and services such as brake pads, wiper blades and brake fluid.
Adding to the new XJ’s beauty is the fact that its aluminum body is made with 50 percent recycled material allowing the XJ to minimize its carbon footprint and create a potential savings of three tons of CO2 per vehicle, compared to a body shell made entirely of new aluminum.
Pricing starts at $71,650 and caps out $112,150 for the top-of-the line XJL Supersport model, which is well worth the sticker for the feeling of exclusivity you get when behind the wheel of this luxury sedan.
In fact for the segment, the new XJ is practically a steal.
HIGHLIGHTS
$71,650 (base sticker)
MPG: 15 city/22 hwy
Standard Panoramic Glass Roof
5 year/50,000 mile warranty
Three engine options