The Jaguar XJ is the British car brand’s largest sedan offering and their current flagship model in the range. The 2019MY of the XJ represents its fourth generation and had its global reveal in 2009. However, the original Jaguar XJ, also known as the Series 1, was introduced way back in 1968. This first-generation XJ had a production run of over two decades, finally coming to an end in 1992. Jaguar kept improving and modernizing the XJ with every iteration and today, it’s one of the most luxurious and advanced cars in its segment.
The new Jaguar XJ makes extensive use of lightweight aluminum in its construction to keep its heft down. Like many other luxo-barges in its segment in the UAE, the XJ is also available in a short-wheelbase (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) forms. Its primary rivals include the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Audi A8, and Lexus LS. Interestingly enough, the Jaguar XJ (with some armor) is the luxury sedan of choice for the British royal family.
Exterior
The most recent facelift for the Jaguar XJ took place in 2016 and since then, not much has changed. Irrespective of that, the XJ’s design whispers of sophistication and dignified elegance without resorting to shouty lines or over-the-top style treatments. Up front, the 2019 XJ’s long and muscular hood slopes towards a low chrome-garnished snout wearing the Jaguar emblem. The sleek double-barrel headlights look rich and feature dual J-shaped LED strips for the daytime-running lights, while the bumper incorporates the headlight washers and some more chrome along the air intakes.
The design of the side profile adds to the XJ’s visual length, plus adds a sense of confident poise. Some of the other remarkable styling cues come in the form of the heavily-sloped roofline, seamless chrome surrounds along the windows, a chrome fender ornament, and mammoth 20-inch alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the most striking bits at the rear of the XJ are the gorgeous, vertically-placed LED taillights, huge trunk, and a well-sculpted bumper. The latter also houses dual, chrome-tipped exhaust pipes and subtle air diffuser setup. As for its vast size, the Jaguar XJ (LWB) measures 5.255 meters in length, 1.899 meters in width, 1.460 meters in height, and boasts a wheelbase of 3.175 meters. Even though its trunk looks massive, its total volume for carrying luggage is only about 520 liters.
Interior
The interior of the Jaguar XJ is positively spacious, pristine, and scrumptiously luxurious. However, the design and layout itself of the various displays and switchgear are quite old-school. I’m not saying the XJ doesn’t sport modern equipment and toys, it does. And the quality of the leather, wood, and metal accents are top-notch. But, the S-Class’s interior surely looks more contemporary and sci-fi. I cannot, however, fault the XJ’s interior for its impressive build and quality finish.
There’s tons of room in the XJ’s cabin, especially in the LWB versions, plus it also offers some lovely seats, great NVH insulation and a comfortable ride. It’s also feature-packed as you get adaptive cruise control, adjustable dampers, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive headlights, four-zone climate control, head-up display, massaging seats, an 8-inch touch-display with navigation, and a 26-speaker Meridian sound system, to name a few. There are also a million passive and active safety gizmos, just in case.
Engine and performance
The 2019 Jaguar XJR comes packing a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that dishes out 570 hp and 700 Nm of torque. Sending power via an 8-speed automatic transmission to the rear, the 1.9-ton XJR will touch 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds before maxing out at 300 km/h.
Verdict
Prices for the 2019 Jaguar XJ in the UAE range between AED 316,400 to AED 644,500, while insurance starts at AED 4,932.
