- New performance flagship XJR575 joins the Jaguar XJ range
- Updated XJ models feature technology upgrades and improved safety features
- Five engines and six trim levels provide an impressive choice
- New interior options and exclusive colours for range-topping models
- 2018 Jaguar XJ range available to order now from £59,995
SINCE 1968 the flagship Jaguar XJ has rightfully been one of the best executive saloons on the market. The updated Jaguar XJ range promises to maintain that tradition in 2018.
With a host of enhancements to the XJ range including updated technology, intelligent safety features, and a range topping 575PS version there are many reasons why a Jaguar XJ should still be a popular choice for company car drivers.
Granted that choice isn’t likely to be available to all but there is no reason why those lucky enough shouldn’t seriously consider the updated Jaguar XJ range.
The XJ is the pinnacle of Jaguar’s saloon car line-up and it promises to continue the theme of combining elegant design and driving dynamics with comfort and luxury. It’s a refined luxury sports saloon that would easily grace the car park of a successful SME.
Jaguar has retained the distinctive look of the XJ range with an upright grille with mesh detail framed by Jaguar’s unique ‘J-Blade’ daytime running lights. The elegant design focus continues at the back with elliptical tailpipes and LED tail lights that emphasise the luxurious look and feel of the Jaguar XJ.
The sense of luxury continues on the inside with a contemporary feel to the cabin. There are six trim levels available in the updated Jaguar XJ range and regardless of which you choose there’s no shortage of the wood and leather you would expect to find in a high end jaguar, even more so if you choose a long wheelbase version that offers extra space and refinement for rear passengers. A full-width panoramic roof provides plenty of light to enhance the sense of space and luxury.
The 2018 XJ features a number of technology upgrades as well. Apple and Android connectivity with 4G Wi-Fi capability allows you to stay online on the move. The centre console now features a larger 10-inch touchscreen offering greater clarity and a smartphone function that lets you pinch and zoom when using satellite navigation.
Speaking of which, the new door-to-door navigation system has a neat trick. It offers a commute mode which learns your daily drive to work and automatically suggests alternative routes to avoid congestion using historical and real-time traffic information. Approach Mode then displays a 360-degree interactive view of your destination within 200m of arrival, and can even direct you to the nearest available car parking space.
The new Jaguar XJ range also offers a series of Apps that can be used to connect to the car via a smartphone. You can check how much fuel is in the tank, whether the doors are locked and if the windows have been left open. You can bring the cabin to a pre-set temperature remotely, track the vehicle if it is stolen, and should you forget where you parked the App will provide a map to lead you straight to your car.
The 2018 XJ range also offers a good choice of engine options too. The 3.0-litre V6 diesel will probably be the choice of most company car drivers as it promises a solid balance of performance and economy. The 300PS diesel will push the XJ to 60mph in just under six seconds and return around 49mpg and 149g/km.
While there is only a single diesel, in what may be a sign of the coming shift away from diesel the XJ offers four petrol options. The 340PS 3.0-litre V6 will offer the best economy – 31mpg and 211g/km – while those looking for an increase in performance can choose from a range of 5.0-litre V8s ranging from 470PS to the top of the range 575PS unit in the new XJR.
We’re not going to pretend that these engine choices won’t impact on your tax liabilities – what else would a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine do? – but if you opt for an XJ it’s likely you’ve already considered this and have decided effortless performance is more important. And if effortless performance is a factor then the XJR575 is definitely worth a look with a 0-60mph time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 186mph.
Obviously none of this comes cheap but with list prices starting from just under £60k a Jaguar XJ is more readily available than you might think. Yes, it will carry a premium, and if you choose a petrol version you will definitely see the impact in your tax code, but that won’t detract from the fact that you will be driving one of the best executive saloons on the market today.
