The Evolution of Luxury 

Jaguar has always followed a different approach to vehicle design. Jaguars are bred for excellence and designed to deliver pure driving experiences. That Jaguar's lineup continues to be populated by some of the most well-regarded and sought-after models is a testament to the brand's draw.

One such example is the 2015 Jaguar XJ. This full-sized luxury sedan lavishly seats five passengers while boasting some of the most exhilarating road manners offered in the segment. It’s easy on the eyes, too, sporting Jaguar’s knack for style and form. 

Powertrains and Performance

The XJ comes in a variety of engine options corresponding primarily with a specific trim level (more on trims later). Base XJ and XJL Portfolio models get a supercharged 3.0-liter engine capable of creating 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and performance-focused rear-wheel drive are standard, while all-wheel drive is available.

Drivers looking for even more performance can upgrade to the XJ Supercharged model, which replaces the 3.0-liter with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that generates an eye-watering 470 horsepower and 424 pound-feet of torque.

Sitting atop the entire lineup is the new XJR. This beefed-up model boasts an astronomical 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque from a higher performance version of the same 5.0-liter V8 engine. For unabashed performance and hair-raising antics, drivers will want to explore this model thoroughly.

While it’s easy to get lost in excitement over the XJ’s various engines, especially those heart-pounding V8s, the true gem of the XJ’s design is its aluminum body construction. Not only does this shed valuable pounds off the vehicle’s weight, but it instills a level of agility and handling that its Teutonic rivals struggle to match.

The 2015 Jaguar XJ is feature-rich, with driver-selectable settings, a dynamic transmission, and lively suspension-all of which enable a rich and adaptable road-going experience.

With the 2015 XJ, a comfortable road experience is always the drive du-jour but cracking the whip and opening up the engine to more spirited sprints is equally encouraged--and to the XJ’s credit, there aren’t many full-size luxury sedans that provide that level of versatility.

Trims and Features

Now that you’re aware of what the XJ can do, it’s time to pick a trim. The 2015 Jaguar XJ is available in regular (XJ) and long-wheelbase (XJL) variants. The XJ comes in base, Supercharged and XJR trim levels, while the XJL has the Portfolio, Supercharged and XJR trim levels. Jaguar has done away with the previous model year’s Supersport trim.

The entry-level XJ represents the starting point for the entire lineup and acquits itself well with a plethora of standard features that include 19-inch wheels, an adaptive and self-leveling suspension, driver adjustable steering and throttle settings, a rearview camera, and front and rear parking sensors. Inside, the XJ is just as stocked. Standard features include an eight-inch touchscreen that house the vehicle’s navigation system, Bluetooth® hands-free audio and phone capability, and a 14-speaker Meridian® audio system, complete with CD player, satellite radio, HD radio, digital music storage, and USB port.

Moving up to the XJL Portfolio provides drivers with a number of vehicle enhancements. In addition to extra rear seat space, the long-wheelbase XJ adds 16-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control for the rear-seats, and heated and ventilated rear seats.

Meanwhile, the XJ Supercharged brings a number of performance-based upgrades, including the aforementioned supercharged V8, tauter suspension tuning, 20-inch wheels with performance tires, and adaptive headlights. The XJ supercharged also comes with automatic high-beams and a 20-speaker Meridian® audio system.

Last but certainly not least, the new XJR model, also available in regular and long-wheelbase versions, comes with the most intoxicating V8 engine of all, exclusive 20-inch wheels, XJR-specific suspension tuning, and dynamic quad-tip exhaust.

Design

The XJ features a distinct design that is dominated by a sloping roofline and sporty coupe-like dimensions. Whether you’re facing it head on, at an angle, or from behind, the XJ is a sight to behold no matter how you slice it. While we could easily stare at its immaculately-penned exterior all day, the real  “oohs” and “aahs” are experienced at the rear, where the XJ’s understated rear fascia and bracket-shaped LED taillights steal the show.

Step inside and the 2015 XJ is equally impressive. The cabin is elegantly designed, with a genuine emphasis on comfort and build quality. It’s best described as old-world luxury meets contemporary aesthetics and every detail is accounted for. Here, you’ll find magnificent natural surfaces and some of the most refined materials ever to grace a car’s cabin. The warm ambient lighting is another nice touch for drivers looking to bathe in the lap of luxury.

Seating is a particular high note as well, with near limitless adjustment options for both driver and company. The technology on hand is just as welcoming, forgoing a barrage of buttons and dials with a more intuitive touchscreen interface.

Safety

The 2015 Jaguar XJ is equipped with all the latest safety features. Standard equipment includes antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, active head restraint, and a blind-spot warning system. Additional safety features include an available forward collision alert system and advanced brake assist, which primes the brakes before an accident is deemed imminent.  

Bottom Line

Gone are the days when emotion and passion dictated a vehicle’s design. Instead, the modern automotive era floods the market it with the auto industry equivalent of a Swiss army knife: capable of many tasks but excelling at none.

The 2015 Jaguar XJ bucks that trend, displaying some of the most emotive exterior and interior design around. While there are plenty of alternatives to choose from in the full-size luxury segment, no other vehicle captures the same dynamism and excitement of the XJ.

For more information, or to test drive the 2015 XJ, be sure to contact us at 3Birds Template today. 

Image: Jaguar