Saturday, January 14, 2012

Jaguar XJ (2012) – Stunning Blend of Noticeable Styling and Driving Dynamics





First Look:


We haven't seen many of the luxury cars transforming themselves as drastically as the Jaguar XJ did in the model year 2011. The preceding-generation Jaguar XJ had plenty of modern mechanical assets underneath the conventional design of the car known as the classic XJ6 of the model year 1960s, and although, it seems a rather fruitful idea at the beginning, the sales for the car started falling. So, for the new XJ, Jaguar decided to dump the convention, and decided to give their iconic sedan a fundamental design internally as well as externally. The luxury sedan, which once appealed only to the customers having warm memories of string-back leather gloves, now is a completely spirited flagship.


The 2012 Jaguar XJ sees an all-embracing use of aluminum for its body panels and the basic chassis, which delivers comparatively light curb weight - around 4000 lbs for its base model - and makes the 2012 XJ comparatively lively handling and utmost effect from the array of 5.0 ltr V8 engines. It's not that they actually needed any sort of help. Even the base model of the XJ now generates maximum power of 385 bhp, while the same rating for its Supersport and Supercharged models goes up to 510 and 470 bhp, respectively and also generates spectacular acceleration.


One another highlight for the 2012 Jaguar XJ is its cabin. Despite the fact that all cars in its class are scrupulously constructed, a thespian design and discriminating details differentiates the XJ from its rivals. In simple terms we would like to tell that with the new XJ you will get a lot of value for your money. Even the base models of the XJ give you plenty of standard features, but as you move up the deal gets better. The Jaguar XJL Supersport has the capacity to meet or even surpass the performance of a Mercedes S63 AMG or BMW 760Li, but at the same time it costs around $20,000 less.


We admit the fact that choosing among the likes of Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series in addition to the Porsche Panamera and the Audi A8 is a tough nut to crack, because every model mentioned here comes with their own blend of style, value and dynamic substance. But, the 2012 Jaguar XJ has its own charisma and the customers understanding that will surely go for it.


What's New for 2012 Jaguar XJ?


For the model year 2012, the Jaguar XJ sees some personalized feature sets, like the XJ Supersport models comes with back-seat entertainment system as standard equipments (but the adaptative cruise control becomes an option), and the extended-wheelbase XJL Supersport now comes with a rear seat, which not only reclines, but also incorporates a massaging feature.


Body Styling and Features:


The 2012 Jaguar XJ comes in a single body style of full-scale 5-passenger sedans, which further are available in long-wheelbase (XJL) and regular (XJ) models.


The standard equipments for the base XJ includes the likes of 19 in wheels, a self-leveling and adjustable suspension, rear and front parking sensors, modifiable drive settings, automatic wipers, a rearview camera, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, automatic bi-xenon headlights, a panoramic sunroof, a power trunk lid and keyless entry/ignition.


The cabin of the Jaguar XJ comprises of equipments such as a powered and heated tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, ventilated and heated power front seats (8-way passenger, 12-way driver, 4-way lumbar for both), heated rear seats, front seat memory functions and extensive leather upholstery.


The electronic features that comes standard in the car includes the complete digital LCD gauge cluster, a navigation system, a touchscreen interface, Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity, voice controls and a 14-speaker music system having a CD player, HD radio, satellite radio, an iPod interface and digital music storage.


Go for the Portfolio package and you will get added front seat adjustments having a massaging feature, 4-zone automatic climate control, ventilated and heated rear seats, a faux-suede headliner, extra leather trim and more color choices.


The standard equipments for the Jaguar XJL trim include all the features of Portfolio Package, and that's the reason why it's called the XJL Portfolio. Just as all the “L” models, the XJL also comes with extra rear seat legroom, manual rear side sunshades and rear vanity mirrors. The Executive Package for the car brings in rear flip-down trays, a power rear sunshade, chrome mirror covers, advanced floor mats and a wood-trimmed steering wheel.


The Supercharged XJ trim comes with an even powerful engine, 20 in wheels, special suspension tuning, automatic high beams (elective on XJL Portfolio and base XJ), adaptive headlights, a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound audio system (a complete option on the XJL Portfolio  and XJ) and the power rear sunshade. The Supercharged XJL trims get all the normal “L” upgrades, but in addition get the back business trays as its standard equipments.


The Jaguar XJ Supersport comes with even more powerful supercharged engine, advanced leather upholstery, performance tires, a back-seat entertainment system (elective on all former trims) that lets in 2 headrest-bestrode screens and additional leather trim.


All the XJ models get an adaptive cruise control system and a heated windshield as optional. The adaptive cruise control system comprises of an advance emergency brake assist and forward collision alert. There also is a Sport Package, which later will be as optional on Jaguar XJ Supercharged and Jaguar XJ Supersport.


Under The Hood:


The power for the 2012 Jaguar XJ and 2012 Jaguar XJL Portfolio comes from a 5.0 ltr V8 engine generating maximum power of 385 bhp and 380 lbs-ft of maximum torque. Just as we've seen on all the other models of the XJ, a 6-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard here. In our performance testing a Jaguar XJL went from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and considering the fact that the XJ is a tad lighter, we think that it will be even quicker. The estimated fuel economy for the model is of 16 mpg in city and 23 mpg on highways, which comes to a combined fuel economy of 19 mpg for their XJ, though the XJL delivers 1 mpg less over all.


The Supercharged models are also powered by the same 5.0 ltr V8 engines, but considering the fact that they are Supercharged, they generates maximum power of 470 bhp and 424 lbs-ft of maximum torque. In our performance testing the XJL Supercharged went from 0 to 60 mph in as fast as 4.5 seconds. The estimated fuel economy for this model is of 15mpg/17mpg/21mpg respectively for city, highways and combined.


The Supersport is powered by even more powerful V8 engine, which generates maximum power of 510 bhp and 461 lbs-ft of maximum torque. The estimated 0 to 60 mph sprint time for this model is of 4.7 seconds. The fuel economy for this model is expected to be around the fuel economy of the supercharged versions.


Safety Equipments:


The standard safety equipments for all the 2012 Jaguar XJ includes the likes of traction and stability control, antilock brakes, side curtain airbags, front side airbags, a blind spot warning system and active head restraints. The optional adaptive cruise control could get you boosted emergency brake assist and a forward collision alert system.


Verdict:


The 2012 Jaguar XJ is a stunning blend of noticeable styling and driving dynamics. The car also is a bit bargain.


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