Big cat

The 2017 XJ sedan is the Jaguar brand’s competitor to luxury flagships like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Lexus LS. But unlike those sedan standard bearers, the XJ emphasizes sportiness as well as luxury. Its styling and driving dynamics are much more refined than the competition, making it the perfect choice for fans of enthusiastic driving.

Performance

The 2017 XJ offers the same performance and athletic character as other Jaguar models. The XJ is appreciably sportier than most other large sedans, making it one of the few that are as rewarding to drive as they are to be driven in. The biggest sedan in the Jaguar lineup, the XJ is available with supercharged V6 and V8 engines, both with fuel-saving start-stop systems.

The 3.0-liter supercharged V6 produces 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. Jaguar says rear-wheel drive models will do 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, while all-wheel drive models take 6.1 seconds. Both versions have a top speed of 155 mph.

Jaguar also offers two versions of its 5.0-liter supercharged V8, one with 470 hp and 424 lb-ft of torque, and one with 550 hp and 502 lb-ft. The V8 is only available with rear-wheel drive and the same ZF eight-speed automatic as the V6. With 470 hp, the XJ will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph, while the 550-hp versions reach 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and allow for a top speed of 174 mph.

EPA-rated fuel economy for V6 models 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. V8 models are rated at 18 mpg combined (15 mpg city, 23 mpg highway).*

Features

The 2017 Jaguar XJ is a four-door, five-seat full-size luxury sedan. It is available in both standard and long-wheelbase configurations, with four trim levels between them. Pricing starts at $74,400.**

Available only in standard-wheelbase form, the XJ R-Sport gets its own styling features, plus standard equipment like full LED headlights with Adaptive Lighting and Intelligent High Beam Assist, a panoramic glass roof with power blinds, and a Meridian® digital surround sound system.

The XJL Portfolio is available only with the longer wheelbase, which adds 4.8 inches of rear-seat legroom. The Portfolio model also includes standard equipment like 19-inch alloy wheels, quilted leather heated and cooled front seats, and four-zone automatic climate control.

The XJ Supercharged model is available in both short- and long-wheelbase forms and adds more performance elements. It gets the 470-hp supercharged V8, an active differential, 20-inch alloy wheels, and specially-tuned suspension, as well as front seat massage and passenger seat memory.

The XJR is also offered as both a short- and long-wheelbase model and is the sportiest XJ variant. It features the 550-hp version of the supercharged V8, active exhaust, sportier styling elements and suspension tuning, and “performance” leather front seats.

Design

The 2017 Jaguar XJ is much sleeker than the average large luxury sedan. While most sedans in this class aim for a stately presence, the XJ tries to do its best sports car impression.

The large rounded grille and thin, streamlined headlights tie the XJ to other Jaguar models, including the smaller XE and XF sedans and F-TYPE sports car. The roofline is low and sleek, arching back into a rear fastback shape. Jaguar designers also blacked out all of the roof pillars, a clever trick intended to reduce the car’s bulk. Like other Jaguar sedans, the XJ features aluminum-intensive construction to reduce weight, which improves both performance and fuel economy.

As part of an update for the 2016 model year, the XJ received full LED headlights with high-beam assist and a model-specific “Double J” daytime running light signature. At the back, new LED taillights and oval exhaust tips give the car a distinctive look.

On the inside, the XJ features the traditional Jaguar luxury trappings, such as copious wood and leather. But sporty elements like a thick-rimmed steering wheel and a dashboard that wraps around the front seats hint at the XJ’s performance potential.

Safety

Safety features available on the 2017 Jaguar XJ include anti-lock brakes; stability and traction controls; a full array of airbags; adaptive cruise control; Reverse Traffic Detection; park assist; Close Vehicle Sensing; Traffic Sign Recognition; and All-Surface Progress Control, which is designed to help drivers pull away smoothly on low-friction surfaces.

Verdict

The 2017 Jaguar XJ is the full-size luxury sedan for buyers who want a sports car.

For more information or to schedule a test drive of the 2017 Jaguar XJ, contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

**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. Total Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price includes $995 destination/handling charge and may include optional equipment but excludes tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Jaguar Retailer for details. 

Image: Jaguar