The Jaguar XJ is one of the carmaker’s most iconic vehicles, but this year Jaguar has taken the XJ into a new direction.
For 2016, Jaguar has employed new materials when building the XJ and the result is a noticeably sportier feel. Still elegant as ever, the XJ’s exterior is virtually unchanged from the previous model year’s decidedly modern look.
What has changed in the XJ, however, are the details that make it feel more like a sports car, and less like your average sedan. The XJ’s body is now made of aluminum, which, decreases its weight significantly. Consequently, the XJ feels more nimble while driving than before.
It’s interior also has been changed to be a little more compact. While that presents the downside of less legroom for passengers, it also helps convey the sports car feel. The 2016 XJ is as fast as its looks suggest. Its 0-60 time is 5.7 seconds thanks to its 340-horsepower supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. However, if you find this is not quite fast enough for you, there is the option to upgrade to one of two 5.0 liter V-8 engines — the Supercharged XJ option or the XJR. The former has 470 hp and the latter has 550 hp.
The interior has received a few changes other than its slightly more confined space. You’ll find a beautiful, luxurious cabin lined with fine leather and detailed with beautiful wood and glossy black panels in the doors and control panel, respectively. Air conditioning, radio and other functions are adjusted via the XJ’s high definition, eight-inch LCD screen. The screen also changes colors to indicate different settings such as performance driving modes. The XJ has several control buttons as well, for those who prefer a more tactile control system.
As you would expect from Jaguar, the XJ’s interior has a plethora of features, some of which include but are not limited to: navigation with voice control, a 20-speaker sound system, rearview camera, hands-free entry, universal remote transmitter, Bluetooth, and dual-zone climate control.
For passengers sitting in the front seats, the cabin is sufficiently spacious. The seats are very comfortable and are multi-adjustable. If you want a full spa-like experience in your car, you have the option of massaging seats. However, it’s elegant exterior design does take a toll on room for the rear seats. The tapering roofline cuts out much of the rear seat’s headroom. Nevertheless, the XJ’s stunning interior coupled with its phenomenal performance makes ducking in the back seat a bit worth it.
Jaguar put a sportier spin on the XJ this year by making it lighter, faster and by giving the interior a tighter, more sports-car like cabin. However, it still maintains its elegant exterior, which was modernized for the last model year. It’s interior is as beautiful as its exterior and is full of the finest materials and fitted with several technology features. For a sedan with power, performance and luxury, the 2016 Jaguar XJ is the ideal choice.
The MSRP for the 2016 Jaguar XJ starts at $74,400.
