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| 2014 Jaguar XJ |
Jaguar
gave its flagship XJ luxury sedan a complete reboot in 2011, and the revamp has
pulled the XJ decidedly out of stodginess and made it essentially a more
daring, charismatic alternative to stoic German luxosedans. Now this storied
nameplate has a shape that seizes attention and isn't just an interpretation of
the past.
Last
year, the XJ expanded its appeal with a new V-6 and available all-wheel drive;
and now for 2014, a high-performance XJR model rejoins the lineup, for the
first time in four model years.
Whereas
the former XJ was stuck in an era of doilies and high tea, the current XJ drops
the need for caffeine entirely. It starts with a fresh, contemporary design,
including a drop-dead gorgeous roofline, a sail-away rear pillar, and
runway-model sensibilities, from its embossed grille to its bugle-beaded LED
taillamps. The rear-end styling can be polarizing; its tucked-in look can look
either understyled or delightfully different, depending on your eye. And the
endless rings of brightwork inside could have used some censoring--or an option
to tone that down a bit.
2014 Jaguar XJ - Performance and Interior
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| 2014 Jaguar XJ |
At
the base level, the 2014 Jaguar XJ now has a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 with
340 horsepower. With 0-60 mph times of 5.7 seconds, it's nearly as quick as the
supercharged V-8, yet with much better gas mileage (up to 27 mpg on the
highway). The long-wheelbase model starts with the 385-hp V-8, which is
noticeably better to the ears. Otherwise if you jump for one of the upper
models--in XJ Supercharged or XJ Supersport models, you'll step up to
supercharged 470-hp or 510-hp supercharged V-8s, respectively (and 0-60 in 4.7
seconds for the XJ Supersport. Most V-8 versions are limited to a top speed of
155 mph, but new Sport and Speed packs with new aero tweaks are allowed to
venture up to 174 mph.
Newly
slotted into the top of the lineup is the high-performance XJR, which gets the
top-output, 550-horsepower supercharged V-8 from the XFR-S, as well as a
stiffer suspension, a front aero splitter, subtle rear spoiler, and various
upgrades inside. This model can reach 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and has noticeably
sharper powertrain response, with a more rev-happy version of the V-8.
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| 2014 Jaguar XJ - Interior design |
Throughout the model line,
the engines are mated to eight-speed ZF automatics, and shift quality is quick
and smooth (save for too much downshift delay in Drive), with a more
performance-oriented shift program in 'S' mode as well as a Dynamic mode that
provides sharper shifts and some rev-matching (along with other important
changes to the adaptive damping system and stability control). There's also new
all-wheel drive with a rear torque bias: it's offered only on the
long-wheelbase six-cylinder car, and with a low weight penalty, pits the Jaguar
XJ with the long-offered AWD models from Audi, Mercedes, BMW, Infiniti, and
Lexus. Jaguar however notes that this system is oriented for foul weather, not top
performance.
2014 Jaguar XJ - Exterior Design
The
XJ feels almost shockingly lean and light from behind the wheel, and if you
compare it to other German luxury flagships it weighs several hundred pounds
less. With an all-aluminum structure, it builds in a deft handling edge, and
with this generation, the long-storied ride isolation of Jaguar is history,
replaced by an athletic, taut feel. Factor in the adaptive damping system,
however, and the electronics manage to filter out minor road imperfections
without spoiling any of the fun. Big ventilated disc brakes with anti-lock,
brake drying and good pedal feel match the XJ's crisp new feel, and Z-rated
tires of up to 20 inches stick tenaciously.
Inside,
the physical closeness of the XJ's interior makes it feel more sporting. The
seats are firmer and flatter, with more adjustments and heating and
ventilation, but there's less head and leg room in front and, especially, in
back. It's tight at the knees on either side of the front console, but leg room
is lavish, especially on long-wheelbase cars. There's one significant letdown,
though; that's the limited headroom in back, due to a roofline that's just a
bit lower than perhaps it should be.
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| 2014 Jaguar XJ - Exterior |
Standard
safety equipment is respectable, with six airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction
and stability control; there's also a blind-spot alert system built into each
XJ, and adaptive cruise control is optional. But items like lane-keep systems,
head-up displays, and night-vision systems--optional on the German flagship
models--aren't anywhere to be seen here.
The
2014 Jaguar XJ, like the competition from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, spans a
wide pricing range, from about $75k up to more than $150k for some versions. If
technology is one of the primary means by which you judge a luxury car, you
should probably walk away from the XJ. It's missing the sorts of world-first
tech options you'll find on those rivals--and its infotainment and navigation
systems are upstaged by vehicles costing a small fraction as much. That said,
the XJ lineup will wow you in traditional ways, with unparalleled comfort,
plush interior appointments, and stunning trims. The supple semi-aniline
leather and real wood veneers go a long way; meanwhile heated front and rear
seats, ventilated and massaging front seats, and ventilated rear seats are
available on most versions. And with Jaguar's service plan paying for
everything except gas and tires for the first five years or 50,000 miles,
erasing that worry is an added luxury.
Available 2014 Jaguar XJ All Model
