Let Loose

To some extent, full-size luxury sedans are like uniforms. They’re typically the flagships of their respective makers’ lineups, but regardless of what badge is on the grille, they tend to follow a set formula, one that leans heavily on conservative styling and less-aggressive driving dynamics.

The 2016 Jaguar XJ does things a little differently. It’s still a great limousine, loaded with luxury features and the latest technology. But it’s also got a wild side. With an aluminum-intensive platform and powerful engines, the XJ is a true driver’s car. Whether you’re behind the wheel or in the back seat, it’s immensely enjoyable.

Performance

The 2016 Jaguar XJ may compete in a class of business limousines, but it’s still a Jaguar, so it has a sporty character competitors can’t quite conjure. For 2016, the XJ is offered with two potent powertrains found elsewhere in the Jaguar lineup.

One of those powertrains is a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive, or available all-wheel drive. The V6 produces 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, propelling the XJ to a top speed of 155 mph. The big sedan can also do 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds with rear-wheel drive, and 6.1 seconds with all-wheel drive.

EPA-rated fuel economy for the V6 is 21 mpg combined (18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive,* and 20 mpg combined 17 mpg city, 26 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.* Long-wheel base models lose 1 mpg in the highway category with all-wheel drive.

For more muscle, there’s also a 5.0-liter supercharged V8. Like the V6, this engine comes with an eight-speed automatic, but rear-wheel drive is mandatory. It produces 470 hp and 424 lb-ft of torque in the XJ Supercharged, enough for 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Buyers can also opt for the sportier XJR, which has 550 hp and 502 lb-ft, and can do 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Top speed for the V8 is unchanged at 155 mph, and it gets an EPA-rated 18 mpg combined (15 mpg city, 23 mpg highway).*

Features 

The 2016 Jaguar XJ is a four-door, five-seat full-size sedan offered in short and long-wheelbase configurations. Between the two wheelbase lengths, there are four trim levels, priced from $74,400.** The Supercharged and XJR models are available with either wheelbase, while the R-Sport and Portfolio models are exclusive to the short and long-wheelbase, respectively.

Standard equipment on the R-Sport includes special R-Sport exterior styling and badging, full LED headlights with Adaptive Lighting and Intelligent High Beam Assist, a panoramic glass roof, Meridian digital surround-sound system, InControl® Touch Pro infotainment system and InControl® Remote smartphone app, 19-inch alloy wheels, and leather seats. The long-wheelbase Portfolio boasts all of those features, plus massaging front seats and four-zone automatic climate control.

The Supercharged trim level includes all of that standard equipment, as well as the 5.0-liter supercharged V8, 20-inch alloy wheels, and other features. The XJR, is the sportiest model in the lineup, with its own styling elements, Active Differential Control, Adaptive Dynamics, paddle shifters for the eight-speed automatic transmission, among other features.

Design

Befitting its driving dynamics, the 2016 Jaguar XJ has a much sportier exterior than its more formal German and Japanese competitors. The front end features the muscular look of the smaller XF and XE sedans, and the roof has a dramatic profile that’s almost coupe-like. A blacked out D-pillar creates the illusion of a pillar-less “floating roof.”

For 2016, the XJ design is further enhanced with a number of aesthetic tweaks. Adaptive LED headlights are now standard, with an XJ-exclusive “Double-J” daytime running light signature. New LED taillights and oval exhaust tips complete the changes. The XJ is still offered as both a short-wheelbase model and a long-wheelbase model with extra rear legroom.

The interior is as dramatically styled as the exterior, with a curved dashboard that envelops the driver and front passenger, compact instrument cluster, and the automaker's signature rotary shift knob, which rises out of the center console when the car starts. Standard leather seating surfaces with contrast stitching and piping add a luxurious touch.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Jaguar XJ includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, blind spot monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, and All Surface Progress Control, which acts as a low-speed cruise control to help traverse slippery roads. Optional features include a Park Assist Pack with 360-degree ultrasonic sensors and a Surround Camera System, and adaptive cruise control.

Verdict 

The 2016 Jaguar XJ is a sportier alternative to German full-size luxury sedans, one that will thrill as well as pamper. 

For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516. 

*All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.

**Price shown is Base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes $995 destination/handling charge, tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment.

Image Credit: Jaguar