If you were to ask us to describe the archetype of a British luxury car, it would end up looking a lot like the Jaguar XJ, which is what Jag has called its poshest sedan since 1968. While we'd argue the current-day XJ is less pretty than its ancestors -- this generation was the first to alter the XJ's basic shape when it debuted in 2009 -- it remains a car that boasts real presence, especially in long-wheelbase format.
You'll note that the XJ name has been around for 50 years. Jaguar noticed too, and has rolled out a special long-wheelbase model for 2019 called the XJ50.
In Canada, the XJ50 becomes the fifth member of the XJ family, positioned below the range-topping XJR575. Once again, the XJ range is underpinned by the R-Sport, Portfolio and XJL Porfolio models.
XJ50 cars use a 3.0L supercharged V6 engine that makes 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, which is shared with all other XJs save the XJR575. That car uses a supercharged 5.0L V8 that makes a big 575 hp and 517 lb-ft of torque. It's also the only rear-wheel drive XJ variant; V6 models all come standard with AWD. Both engines are standard with an eight-speed transmission.
The new XJ50 trim is set apart by trim-specific badging and 20-inch wheels, gloss black grille with chrome surround and a choice of white, black, blue and red paint. In the cabin, you'll find diamond-quilted leather upholstery with embossed headrests, illuminated sill plates and bright metal pedals.
Other new additions to the XJ include an optional smartphone package that brings the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto platforms, and the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system and its 10-inch display benefit from updated graphics.
A word about wheelbases: the R-Sport, Portfolio and XJR575 all ride on the standard-length wheelbase, while the XJL Portfolio and XJ50 get a stretch of more than 12 cm between the front and rear axles.
At the entry level, the R-Sport boasts 14-way power front seats that are heated and cooled, 19-inch wheels and LED headlights with automatic high beams.
Portfolio trim adds quilted leather seating, 18-way front seats with massage function, four-zone climate control and an electric rear window sunshade. Long-wheel Portfolio trim brings power sunshades for the rear side windows and lighted rear vanity mirrors.
Beyond the items detailed above, the new XJ50 gets a 360-degree exterior camera system.
Finally, the XJR575's adds include the V8 engine, specially tuned suspension and exhaust, gloss black 20-inch wheels, hood louvers and quad exhaust finishers.
Jaguar's fuel consumption estimates are 14.0/9.0 L/100 km with the V6 and standard wheelbase, or 14.0/9.4 in extended wheelbase form. The XJR575's ratings are 15.8/10.3 L/100 km.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
