OFFICIAL: Jaguar Finally Unleashes An Updated 2016 XJ — Can It Survive With The All-New S-Class, All-New 7-Series And Updated A8?

When the current-generation Jaguar XJ first made its debut, it sold strong for the legendary British marque. But as time has gone on, sales have slowed significantly.

While it was a pretty damn fine product with plenty of variants and even the option of all-wheel drive, it's pretty clear that the vehicle was outdated when the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class rolled out. Let's face it, the S changed the game in a big way.

2016 Jaguar XJ

Thankfully, Jaguar Land Rover hasn't been sitting on its hands. The company just announced it has refreshed the XJ for the 2016 model year. Although it may not look much different from what you're used to seeing, I reassure you that this is the new car.

On the exterior, the changes are minimal with new LED headlights and taillights. Where the major changes have happened are on the inside, where it counts.

Now the center stack and console have been redesigned and the centerpiece is the all-new infotainment system that's been needing replacement for quite some time. As we saw demo'd at the 2015 New York Auto Show in the Jaguar XE, the XJ receives the same system. This is an impressive unit that acts similar to the way one experiences a smart phone. This means you can pinch to zoom in and the U/I is much cleaner. Bonus points for the full screen navigation that can be displayed in the instrument panel.

We're looking forward to checking this updated XJ out. In my opinion it's always been a great driver and exceedingly comfortable sedan. The only problem was the infotainment, which has clearly been cleaned up now. Look for it to hit showrooms in the fall.


2016 Jaguar XJ














Jaguar's press release follows:

2016 JAGUAR XJ

- Exterior design refresh complete with full LED headlights and unique double J-Blade daytime running lights
- Black Pack standard on XJR models providing a subtly enhanced exterior styling
- All-aluminum body construction contributes to reduced weight and exceptional performance
- Standard wheelbase derivatives receive a more assertive and dynamic exterior treatment together with a new R-Sport designation, emphasizing the vehicle's sporting character and design
- XJL Portfolio and XJL Supercharged are distinguished with the introduction of quilted seating surfaces finished with a diamond sewn pattern on the seat center and cushion
- New InControl Touch Pro™ touch-screen infotainment system offers door-to-door navigation, seamless iOS and Android connectivity, available Wi-Fi hotspot and a standard 17-speaker, 825W Meridian™ Surround Sound audio system
- Redesigned instrument cluster with enhanced customization now offers full-screen line-of-sight navigation display
- Electric power-assisted steering, available on rear-wheel drive models, reduces fuel consumption and offers even greater feel and responsiveness
- All-Surface Progress Control enables enhanced drive-away on low-traction surfaces such as snow and ice
- Suite of advanced driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control with queue-assist, closing vehicle sensing, reverse traffic detection, 360° surround camera system and semi-automated perpendicular and parallel-parking (RWD Only)
- On sale from Fall 2015

(MAHWAH, N.J.) – Jaguar today announced updates to the 2016 Jaguar XJ. Launched in the U.S. in 2011, the brand's flagship full-size, all-aluminum luxury sedan becomes even more desirable in 2016 with an updated exterior design, enhanced information and entertainment systems, new available driver assistance features and greater differentiation in the model line-up.

DESIGN

Featuring a new, more progressive look, the exterior of the 2016 XJ incorporates an updated front fascia that includes a larger, more upright grille with a new mesh pattern, a subtly redesigned front bumper and newly sculpted chrome blades in the lower air intakes.

Full adaptive LED headlamps with auto high beam functionality1 are standard across the entire 2016 XJ range. The lamp assembly incorporates an XJ-exclusive, signature 'Double J' daytime running lamp which helps further distinguish the XJ at the top of the Jaguar sedan range. New LED tail lights and oval exhaust tips complete the look.

The Jaguar XJ continues to feature all-aluminum construction reducing weight and improving performance and is offered in two wheelbases – standard and long. Expanding on the duality of character of the XJ, for 2016, the model line-up has been redefined to further differentiate standard and long wheelbase variants.

Standard wheelbase derivatives receive aerodynamic exterior enhancements together with a new R-Sport designation, emphasizing the vehicle's sporting character, while long wheelbase versions receive new interior trim refinements which underscore the model's luxurious characteristics.

Underscoring its dynamic on-road performance, XJR models are distinguished with a black trim package that includes the addition of a black front grille, black lower air intake surrounds and black window surrounds.

Inside, standard wheelbase XJ models feature soft grain perforated leather seats with contrast stitching, contrast piping and an embossed leaper on the headrests. XJ R-Sport models retain the previous model year's 8x8-way power front seats plus 4-way lumbar adjustments, while XJ Supercharged models are fitted with 14x14-way power seats that include 4-way lumbar support, allowing drivers to tailor the seating position and comfort to their own liking. 14x14-way seats will also be available on XJ R-Sport models as part of the Comfort Pack that bundles the increased adjustment features with front seat massagers, passenger memory, 4-zone A/C and an electric rear sunblind.

XJL Portfolio and XJL Supercharged are further distinguished with the introduction of quilted seating surfaces finished with a diamond sewn pattern on the seat center and cushion; 14x14-way power seats with 4-way lumbar adjustments are standard.

Front and rear heated and ventilated seats are standard on all 2016 XJ models.

The 2016 XJ model line-up consists of the standard wheelbase XJ R-Sport, XJ R-Sport AWD, XJ Supercharged and the XJR. Long wheelbase models include the XJL Portfolio, XJL Portfolio AWD, XJL Supercharged and XJR LWB.

POWERTRAIN

The new XJ offers the familiar Jaguar range of all-aluminum V6 and V8 engines. Each featuring direct injection, variable valve timing, forced induction and intelligent stop-start systems which deliver high performance with enhanced efficiency.

The 3.0-liter supercharged V6 develops 340hp and 332 lb-ft of toque and is available with rear- or all-wheel drive. Characterized by its linear power delivery and free-revving nature, this engine also delivers a unique soundtrack thanks to meticulously-tuned intake and exhaust systems.

The 5.0-liter supercharged V8 continues to be offered in 470hp and 550hp variants, delivering all of the performance promised by the dramatic styling of the XJ.

All powertrains feature a specifically-optimized eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF®. Each has been developed to provide the perfect balance of unrivalled performance, shift comfort, dynamics and efficiency.

CHASSIS

Following years of development and testing, as well as meticulous tuning work from the Jaguar engineering team, the brand has now incorporated Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) on rear-wheel drive models of the brand's flagship sedan. Unlike hydraulic systems, EPAS only uses energy when the driver turns the wheel, so the reduction in parasitic losses helps to reduce fuel consumption and increase overall vehicle efficiency. The system's ability to filter-out steering disturbances from poor road surfaces and compensate for road camber make the steering feel smoother and more precise than ever. Friction has also been engineered-out, improving steering feel and responsiveness further.


INFOTAINMENT AND CONNECTIVITY

For 2016, the XJ is equipped with InControl Touch Pro™, an all-new infotainment system designed to be simple and intuitive. Conceived in-house and built around a quad-core Intel processor, 60GB solid-state drive and a next-generation Ethernet network, InControl Touch Pro can handle large amounts of data and is exceptionally powerful and responsive.


The centerpiece of the system is its eight-inch capacitive touch-screen that works more like a modern smartphone, than an automotive infotainment system. The home screen can be customized selecting one of several available wallpaper images, widgets offer shortcuts to favorite features and functions, and additional home pages can be added, if desired.

The touch-screen responds to common 'pinch to zoom' and 'swipe' gestures allowing drivers to scroll between home screens. Using this technology, the simple, intuitive user interface of the InControl Touch Pro system is designed to minimize driver distraction. Jaguar has also incorporated a secondary full-screen navigational display in the vehicle's updated instrument cluster, improving line of sight driving and reducing the amount of time a driver needs to take his eyes off the road2.

The functionality of the navigation system is just as impressive. Maps stored on the 60GB solid-state drive of the InControl Touch Pro system can be accessed quicker than with conventional hard drives. Dead-reckoning functionality accurately determines the vehicle's position even when GPS signals cannot be received.

InControl Touch Pro enables door-to-door route planning and guidance, including public transportation options. A companion app allows drivers to plan their route offline and load it into the system at the start of the journey. Once the driver exits the car and the phone is disconnected from the vehicle, the app will continue to provide navigational directions, if need be, on the driver's phone.

A new Commute Mode has also been developed which learns the driver's daily commute to and from the home or office and can automatically offer alternative routes to avoid congestion using historical and real-time traffic information. Approach Mode displays a 360-degree interactive view of the driver's surroundings on the infotainment screen as they get to within 656ft (200m) of their destination, and can even direct the driver to the nearest available parking space.


Meridian™ Audio System
Equal attention has been paid to audio performance. Now standard across the entire XJ range is an 825-watt Meridian, 17-speaker Surround Sound system that delivers exceptional sound performance. Going a step further, customers can opt for the outstanding 26-speaker, 1,300W Meridian Reference sound system. Featuring 17 channels of stereo and surround sound, Meridian's Trifield™ technology ensures optimum reproduction with benchmark low levels of distortion.

Rear Seat Entertainment
To further enhance the luxurious experience of long wheelbase XJ models, customers will be able to specify a new rear seat entertainment system which features driver and passenger-side hideaway 10.2-inch high-definition screens offering a true 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. The rear seat entertainment system will also allow passengers to connect personal devices using a variety of different cable options. Two USB 3.0 ports and one HDMI, enable charging and media output from a wide range of players, smartphones and tablets.

Connected-Car Technology
The new XJ is the latest vehicle to offer Jaguar InControl® Apps™; an innovative, intuitive technology that enables customers to seamlessly connect their Apple® and Android™ smartphones to the vehicle's infotainment system, via a designated USB port. InControl Apps™ provides access to compatible apps on the customer's smartphone using the vehicle's touch-screen as the main interface2.

Enhanced for 2016, the InControl Remote™, accessed through the InControl Remote App, allows the driver to bring the cabin to a pre-set temperature by remotely starting the engine, check how much fuel is in the tank, remotely lock or unlock the doors and get alerts if the alarm goes off. The app also helps owners locate their vehicle with a map displayed on their smartphone, in case the vehicle was parked in an unfamiliar area.

Using the vehicle's antenna, the new XJ can also function as a Wi-Fi hotspot, providing a 3G connection for up to eight connected devices3.

Should the car be involved in a collision severe enough to trigger the airbags4, InControl Protect automatically notifies emergency services and provide the vehicle's GPS location. Occupants can also trigger an emergency call or roadside assistance manually by pressing a button on the overhead center console.

ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS

All-Surface Progress Control
The new XJ is the latest Jaguar to benefit from the brand's new All-Surface Progress Control (ASPC) technology. Designed to help drivers pull away smoothly on very low friction surfaces, ASPC is a unique system which can make it easier to drive a powerful car, whether RWD or AWD, at low speeds on snow, ice, wet grass or other low traction environments1.

ASPC works like a low-speed cruise control and operates between 2.2mph and 19mph (3.6km/h and 30km/h). The system is activated by pressing a button on the center console, in conjunction with the cruise control switches on the steering wheel to set the maximum speed. Once set, ASPC controls the throttle and brakes, all the driver has to do is to steer.

What makes ASPC so effective is that it doesn't just provide fine control of the throttle, it also uses the vehicle's brakes in conjunction with the throttle. From a standstill, only very low engine torque is applied to the driven wheels, enabling smooth progress with little or no wheel spin. ASPC is compatible with rear- and all-wheel drive can be made even more effective by the fitment of winter tires.

Traffic Sign Recognition
The traffic sign recognition system relies on a forward-facing camera to keep the driver informed of speed limits – including temporary limits which may be in force through road work, for example, and variable limits on highways1. Camera data is compared against GPS data, enhancing accuracy and robustness.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist
The new queue assist function for the adaptive cruise control system has been designed to reduce the effort and monotony of driving in heavy traffic1. Using a long-range radar sensor, the system can now maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, modulating throttle and braking duties, all the way down to a standstill.

Closing Vehicle Sensing
Building on the benefits of blind spot monitoring, the Closing Vehicle Sensing system uses radar sensors to alert the driver to the presence of vehicles approaching fast from behind when changing lanes by displaying a flashing icon in the corner of the side mirrors1.

Park-Assist (RWD models only)
The adoption of EPAS in RWD vehicles enables the new XJ to provide semi-autonomous park-assist functions for both perpendicular and parallel parking1. Ultrasonic sensors measure the space first and, if it's large enough, the system helps manoeuvre the car into position – and, in the case of parallel parking, out again. The driver just controls the accelerator and brakes.

In addition, there's a surround camera system, available on both RWD and AWD models, which combines the view from four cameras to provide a 360-degree view of the area around the car, including a plan view, to make manoeuvring easier.

Reverse Traffic Detection
The radar sensors equipped on the XJ can also help alert the driver of potential hazards when reversing1. If the system senses a vehicle approaching from either side while the XJ is in reverse, the driver is given audible and visual warnings.

The XJ is manufactured alongside the F-TYPE and the all-new XF at the Jaguar Land Rover Castle Bromwich Plant and will be available to U.S. customers in the Fall of 2016.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS