Jaguar XJ (X351) (2009 – Present)
The Jaguar XJ (X351) is the latest version of the Jaguar XJ executive saloon from Jaguar. Announced in 2009, and on sale from 2010, the new model features completely new styling combined with underpinnings based on the previous X350 version.
The vehicle is produced at the Castle Bromwich Assembly plant in Birmingham, United Kingdom. In 2014, assembly from complete knockdown kits (CKD) of the XJ would commence in Jaguar Land Rover’s facility in Pune, India.
Jaguar invited Jay Leno to unveil the new XJ during the launch at the Saatchi Gallery in London on 9 July 2009. The unveiling was broadcast live on the Jaguar website. The US model was unveiled in 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Production of the car was due to begin in September 2009, with first deliveries being made in early 2010.[10] Production later began in March 2010, arriving in dealer showrooms in May 2010. At the 2010 Moscow motor show the XJ Sentinel was introduced. This is an armoured version of Long Wheelbase XJ with B7-level ballistic protection as well as defence against 15 kg TNT or equivalent explosive. It has the 5.0 L supercharged (510PS) engine from the XJ Supersport and 19-inch wheels with Dunlop Self Supporting Technology Run on Flat tires.
Design
The XJ was designed at Jaguar Land Rover’s Whitley plant in Coventry, by a team led by design director Ian Callum.[16] Design work began in 2005, with final theme approval taking place in November 2006 and the design being frozen in the first half of 2008. The new design is a complete break from any earlier XJ, although mechanically the car is a development of the previous version.
Models
In addition to the standard version with a 3,035 mm (119.5 in) wheelbase, a long-wheelbase version is available with a 3,160 mm (124 in) wheelbase.[8] However, unlike other full-size flagship executive cars, the long-wheelbase variant was designed first and is expected to make up 67 percent of sales in the United States market.
Transmission and speed
All 2010 models of the Jaguar XJ include standard six-speed automatic transmission with Jaguar Sequential Shift carried over from the previous car, the main change being steering wheel paddles rather than the “J” gate. The car has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
An eight speed automatic transmission was introduced from 2013.
Chassis
The XJ features a lightweight aluminium floorpan & body (with 50% recycled material content) based on the X350 chassis and retaining a proportion of the earlier floor pan. The biggest change is reversion to steel coil springs for the front suspension, retaining air suspension for the rear only. Continuously variable damping electronically controlled as before but with driver selectable modes.[25] The aluminium alloy uni-body makes the XJL among the lightest of the full-size executive saloons despite its exterior proportions, weighing in at 4,131 lb (1,874 kg), which is 245 lb (111 kg) lighter than the mid-size/executive BMW 550i.
Equipment
Driver information and entertainment is provided by a Bowers & Wilkins 1,200-watt, 20-speaker Dolby 7.1 surround-sound system and a bi-directional touch screen display – on which the driver can only see the vehicle functions (and satellite navigation data), but a front passenger can simultaneously view a DVD movie or a television transmission.[25] Standard equipment levels on the United States-spec XJL with the base engine includes a panoramic dual-pane moonroof, lane-departure warning, navigation, quad-zone climate control and power sunshades, which is considered to be generous at this price point compared to other flagship executive saloons.
Fuel economy and emissions
The diesel engined version will have a fuel economy of better than 40 miles per imperial gallon (7.1 L/100 km; 33 mpg‑US) and a CO2 emission rating of 184 g/km.
Production
On 11 May 2010, the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, took delivery of the dark grey (car No. 10) of Jaguar XJ Sentinel as his official transport.
In 2011, David Cameron took the delivery of another XJ Sentinel featuring “bomb proof” doors, bullet proof glass and armoured plating beneath the floor of the car, respectively replacing the previous XJ Sentinel.
2011 update
New options include:
New Rear Seat Comfort package, which incorporates electric recline, lumbar adjustment and massage functions to reinforce the ultimate executive limousine experience.
Executive Pack option is added to XJL Portfolio model, which includes provision of fold-down laptop trays and an electric rear sunblind, upgraded carpeting, combination wood and leather steering wheel, gloss wood veneer choices and chrome mirror housings.
Sport and Speed Pack option, which includes a new front splitter and rear spoiler, suede headliner, sport seats with contrasting stitching, bright metal pedals, either piano black or carbon-fiber interior trim, gloss black exterior trim, red brake calipers, and Venom 20-inch wheel design. The speed governor is relaxed from 250 km/h (155 mph) to 280 km/h (174 mph).
Illumination Package (standard on Supersport model) is available as option of other XJ models.
3.0-litre petrol V6 engine for selected markets, launched in China
XJ 5.0 V8 Portfolio Prestige
It is a version sold in Hong Kong market. Based on XJ Portfolio LWB with 5.0-litre petrol engine, it includes XJ rear seat comfort pack and gloss oak interior veneer.
XJ Ultimate
Available only in long wheelbase body, the car was developed by the Jaguar Land Rover’s specialist Engineered To Order (ETO) division. The vehicle was unveiled in 2012 Beijing Auto Show.
US model includes V8 supercharged 510 PS, eight-speed automatic transmission, and went on sale in late 2012 as 2013 model year vehicle.
In India, the XJ Ultimate is available with a 5.0 litre V8 petrol engine that costs ₹18.8 million (US$290,000) or with a 3.0 litre V6 turbocharged diesel engine that costs ₹17.8 million (US$270,000).
