Road Test: Jaguar XJ
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2013 Jaguar XJ 3.0L V6 Supercharged Review

Introduction
The newly upgraded Jaguar XJ 3.0L V6 Supercharged comes packed with a silky smooth transmission, impressive sound quality, and softer suspension for an enhanced driving experience.
On the Road
On first impressions, the 2013 Jaguar XJ V6 Supercharged is certainly an attractive vehicle. It has all the hallmarks of a premium luxury car, with a very smooth drive. The car interior is:
- Luxurious and spacious, comfortably accommodating five adult passengers.
- Ample boot space comparable to a large Toyota Aurion.
Additionally, the technology is not just flashy; it's functional and useful. The navigation map was incredibly accurate, and the blind spot warnings on the side mirrors were very useful, showcasing the thoughtful design of the 2013 Jaguar XJ V6 Supercharged.
Performance
The 2013 Jaguar XJ features a 2995CC engine with:
- A peak power of 340PS at 6500rpm.
- A peak torque of 450Nm at 3500-5000 rpm.
Acceleration is impressive at 5.9 seconds to 100km/hr, and the top speed is limited to 250km/hr. For the environmentally conscious, it's certainly more economical than other Jaguar options in the range, at 9.4 litres/100km.
The six-cylinder engine is similar to the 5.0 litre V8, featuring a compensatory supercharger under electronic management which allows for a reported 20% increase in operating efficiency. Additional enhancements include:
- Spray-guided direct injection.
- Bouncer weights at the front and rear.
- Dual independent variable cam timing.
The performance is further enhanced by the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, providing increased fuel efficiency and a better driving experience. The XJ also features a Dynamic mode that allows drivers to shift with paddles mounted on the steering wheel, effectively combining automatic efficiency with manual control.
This model includes a reoptimization of the electronic damper and spring, which addresses issues with a bumpy ride at lower speeds, resulting in a very smooth performance.
Technology and Entertainment
The audio system is now powered by Meridian, replacing the previous Bowers and Wilkins technology, offering:
- 825 watts of power.
- 20 speakers for excellent sound quality.
The navigation system now offers an Arabic language option and enhanced features, including:
- A route optimizing system that minimizes emissions and fuel consumption.
- Dynamic Zoom and Visual Lane Guidance as useful sat-nav enhancements.
Further infotainment upgrades include improvements to the iPod interface browser and the optional TV tuner that can receive both Mpeg2 and Mpeg4 transmissions.

Verdict
What's not to like about the Jaguar XJ? Fuel economy is improved, technology is better, and it comes at a competitive price. All in all, the 2013 Jaguar XJ V6 Supercharged is a classic beauty on wheels that competes strongly with the likes of 2013 Cadillac XTS. Luxurious and high-performing, it's easy to recommend.