Never mind all this talk of sedans being threatened with extinction: Jaguar is seeking to reinvigorate the luxury sedan segment with the latest member of its XJ flagship, the XJR575.
That's a new high-performance variant powered by a 575-hp, supercharged 5.0L V8 engine that replaces a 550-hp version used in last year's XJR. Jaguar says the 25-hp bonus is the result of a recalibrated engine control system.
The new engine is the only mechanical change for 2018, but the XJ gets a new InControl Touch Pro infotainment system built around a 10-inch touchscreen, and there's a new suite of optional active safety features. Tech items carried over include a customizable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and Meridian sount systems that power either 18 or 25 speakers with anywhere from 825 to 1,300 watts of power.
The Touch Pro system can learn your daily drive route and suggest navigation options to avoid traffic, will display a 360-degree view of your destination once you're within 200 metres of it and can also direct you to the nearest parking lot.
The XJ range starts with the R-Sport, powered by a 3.0L supercharged V6 that makes 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, an engine also used in standard- or long-wheel Portfolio trims. The XJR575 comes exclusively in the long-wheelbase body; Jaguar says the new model is 0.2 seconds faster to 100 km/h than its predecessor.
All XJ models have AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption estimates are 14.0/9.0 L/100 km (city/highway) for V6 models and 15.8/10.3 with the V8.
Powertrain tech includes Jaguar's all-surface progress control, which works like low-speed cruise control to prevent wheelspin on slippery surfaces at speeds between 3.6 and 19 km/h. Jaguar says the system's genesis is in Jaguar Land Rover's "decades" of experience in developing off-road vehicle technolgies.
This big Brit remains a full-size aluminum-bodied sedan that goes up against cars like the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, all of which are also offered in short- and long-wheelbase variants. Jaguar boasts that its long-wheelbase XJ provide more than a meter of legroom for rear-seat passengers.
Given the XJ's striking looks and big power, we have no idea why this car isn't more popular than it is in North America, where the Germans have a strong hold on the full-size luxury sedan segment.
