TECHNICAL PRESS KIT: 2019 JAGUAR XJ

 “The Jaguar XJ has a number of roles to fulfil. It must remain exciting to drive but also be incredibly compliant and comfortable,” said Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design. “This all starts with the way the vehicle looks. Our advanced Lightweight Aluminium Architecture means we are able to create a vehicle that has an authoritative yet elegant stance. Inside, absolute precision is a prerequisite – exceptional craftsmanship ensures all occupants experience the feeling of ultimate luxury and refinement.”

The dynamic shape of the Jaguar XJ is the result of exhaustive computational modelling in which designers and engineers have worked side-by-side to ensure that aesthetics and aerodynamics work in harmony.

Starting at the front of the vehicle, the upright grille with mesh detail framed by the unique Jaguar ‘J-Blade’ daytime running light design creates an assertive stance. In profile, the distinctive chrome accent of the window opening emphasizes the car’s pure and elongated form while the taut beltline accentuates the vehicle’s low stance and commanding presence.

This elegant but powerful design focus continues through the body of the XJ to the strong rear end design. Finishing touches at the rear include elliptical tailpipes and LED tail lights incorporating a distinctive pinstripe design that delivers a crisp and clear ribbon of light, further projecting the luxurious look and feel of the Jaguar XJ.      

The Jaguar brand’s commitment to its lightweight all-aluminum construction reinforces the precise and pure lines of the XJ exterior. With fewer joints and welds than traditional methods, it is also key to the luxury sedan’s dynamic performance and refinement.

The XJ50 special edition, new for the 2019 model year, introduces a series of exclusive exterior and interior details. The exterior features XJ50 badging on the rear and side vents, distinctive 20-inch alloy wheels with Gloss Black Diamond Turned Finish, along with unique front and rear bumpers with a Gloss Black front grille with chrome surround, and choice of Fuji White, Santorini Black, Loire Blue and Rosello Red exterior colors.        

Inside, the seats feature soft grain diamond-quilted leather with an embossed leaper headrest. An XJ50 intaglio is mounted on the dashboard along with an embossed XJ50 logo on the center armrest. Additional XJ50 branding can be found on the illuminated treadplates while bright metal pedals bring out the performance character of the vehicle.

For those looking for a more enhanced dynamic appearance, there is the XJR575 performance flagship. A number of unique exterior design elements set it apart from the rest of the range. These include two exclusive exterior paint colors, Satin Corris Grey and Velocity Blue, created by Special Vehicle Operations.

Further exterior enhancements include a revised rear spoiler, side sills, front bumper, splitter and lower air intakes featuring Gloss Black surrounds. Distinctive XJR575 exterior badging also helps to mark the vehicle out, while exclusive 20-inch 5 Split-Spoke ‘Style 5044’ Gloss Black wheels with red painted brake callipers give it a final dramatic flourish.

Attention to detail is a hallmark of the sporting design and contemporary luxury of the XJR575. For even greater comfort, the sport seats feature adjustable bolsters for enhanced lateral support during cornering while the diamond-quilted upholstery has embroidered ‘575’ branding. A dashboard intaglio also features ‘575’ branding and unique XJR575 front and rear treadplates are fitted as standard.

Eye-catching full LED headlights accentuate the ‘quad lamp’ design feature that Jaguar sports sedans have made their own. They are further enhanced with active front steering and static bend lamp functions, and Auto High Beam Assist. LED headlights provide a more natural light than Bi-Xenon lamps, improving visibility, driver comfort and energy efficiency.

The cabin of the XJ blends elegant, contemporary design with the comfort, luxury and unmistakable sporting style of a Jaguar. Both standard and long-wheelbase (LWB) models are available, with the latter offering an even more sumptuous and refined experience for rear-seat passengers.

The exceptional crafted feeling that is now synonymous with Jaguar, and the XJ in particular, is evident throughout. Handcrafted veneer runs around the cabin, emphasizing the sense of space, while the layered instrument panel, complete with Jaguar signature ‘Riva Hoop’ continues into the door panel, creating a unique atmosphere. The sporting character of the XJ is visible in the controls and architecture surrounding the driver, with a finely crafted leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel providing a rewardingly tactile touch point.

A standard full-width panoramic roof provides a light-filled cabin, enhancing the sensation of space. The heat-reflective glass roof sweeps to the rear of the vehicle and above the rear seats, flooding the interior with natural light. This adds to the spacious feeling of the interior but effective tinting techniques helps to ensure the cabin remains private while simultaneously minimizing solar gain.

The rear passenger compartment of LWB models equipped with the Premium Rear Seat Package (optional on XJL Portfolio, XJL Supercharged and XJ50 models) includes two individual 'airline style' reclining seats featuring cushion and squab adjustment, three massage programs (wave/rolling, lumbar and shoulder), lumbar adjustment and two memory settings to offer relaxation on long journeys. The rear seat home positioning setting returns each seat to its rest position at the touch of a button on the door panel, easing entry and exit for rear-seat passengers.

The rear center armrest, which can be stowed in the upright position to allow the use of the center seat, houses all the seat controls as well as the Front Seat Activation button, which gives rear passengers control of the front passenger seat position.

Through the use of the central infotainment touchscreen, any one of the four electric seats can be selected and then fully controlled via the driver's seat switches. The rear seats can be returned to their home position by the use of the touchscreen and driver's memory buttons, and can also be programmed to return to their home position on rear door opening for ease of entry and exit.

Rear-seat passengers are provided with a wide range of entertainment features. The optional Premium Rear Seat Package also includes two 10.2-inch high-resolution screens mounted on the back of the front seat headrests. These can display inputs from a number of sources; the built-in DVD player, or an external media player that can be synchronized through the Rear Media Interface, which provides USB and HDMI/MHL connections. Audio can be transmitted through the wireless headphones, allowing each passenger to watch separate entertainment sources. The rear seat environment, including the entertainment, is managed by a wireless controller housed in the center console, which also allows passengers to fine-tune their individual climate zones and seat heating and cooling functions.

LWB models equipped with the Premium Rear Seat Package also feature leather-surfaced business tables in the rear, which fold out of the backs of the front seats. To keep rear seat passengers shielded from the sun, and to offer additional privacy, the XJ offers electric rear-side window blinds that are operated using the window lift switches. Generous rear headroom gives passengers limousine levels of comfort.

The palette of materials for the interior underlines the luxurious feel of the XJ. This includes soft grain and quilted soft grain leathers, and a wide choice of veneers and trim finishers including Piano Black, Carbon Fiber, Gloss Burl Walnut, Gloss Rich Oak, Gloss Figured Ebony and Gloss Shadow Walnut.

The vehicle’s sense of effortless performance is maintained by the latest-generation of the Jaguar brand’s all-aluminum supercharged V6 and V8 gasoline engines. All feature direct injection, variable valve timing, forced induction and intelligent stop-start systems to offer the level of performance expected from a Jaguar product.

The 3.0-liter supercharged V6 develops 340hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, and is available on XJ R-Sport, XJL Portfolio and XJ50 models in rear- or all-wheel drive. Characterized by its linear power delivery and free-revving nature, this remarkable engine also produces a unique soundtrack thanks to meticulously tuned intake and exhaust systems.

The flagship engine option remains the iconic Jaguar 5.0-liter supercharged V8. This engine produces 575hp and 517 lb-ft of torque in the XJR575 performance flagship, enough for a 0-60mph time of 4.2 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds) and a top speed of 174mph (280km/h)³. This engine is also available with an output of 470hp and 424 lb-ft of torque to deliver all of the performance promised by the vehicle’s dynamic design.

All powertrains in the Jaguar XJ feature a specifically optimized eight-speed ZF^® automatic transmission. Each has been developed to provide the perfect balance of launch performance, shift comfort and vehicle dynamics.

Two variants from the ‘8HP’ transmission family are offered in the XJ: the familiar 8HP70 transmission and the lighter, more compact 8HP45.

Jaguar vehicles offer exceptional steering feel within their respective segments. This is intrinsic to the dynamic DNA of all models, from the XE compact sports sedan to the F-TYPE sports car and I-PACE electric performance SUV. The XJ is no exception and the latest generation benefits from standard rear air suspension, Adaptive Dynamics and the use of electric power assistance for the steering system in rear-wheel drive models.

The electronically-controlled Adaptive Dynamics system continually monitors the car up to 500 times per second to deliver optimum damping forces in variety of conditions. The system works alongside the rear air suspension and modifies damper response to match the conditions and driving style. Adaptive Dynamics analyzes acceleration, cornering, throttle and brake pedal inputs to optimize suspension settings and maintain the vehicle’s dynamism and comfort. The XJ also features selectable ‘Drive’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Dynamic’ driving modes for specific performance. A special ‘Winter’ mode is designed to deliver progressive control in adverse conditions⁶.

Years of developMent and testing, plus meticulous tuning work, means that EPAS delivers a natural and engaging steering feel in rear wheel drive models. The system’s ability to filter-out steering disturbances from poor road surfaces and compensate for road camber make it feel smoother and more precise. Friction has also been engineered out, improving feel and responsiveness still further.

Conceived in-house and built around a quad-core Intel processor and a next-generation Ethernet network, Jaguar InControl^® Touch Pro™ is designed to handle large amounts of data¹.

For 2019, the system features refreshed screen layouts and graphical treatments inspired by the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system found in the Jaguar I-PACE, for a more modern, intuitive appearance.

At the heart of Touch Pro is a 10-inch capacitive touchscreen. Much like a smartphone, the touchscreen accepts ‘pinch to zoom’ gestures, or swipes to scroll between home screens. This simple, intuitive user interface has been utilized in an effort to minimize distraction. The home screen can be customized – there’s a choice of wallpaper images, while widgets can be used to shortcut to favorite features and functions. Extra home pages can also be added, if desired¹.

Touch Pro also enables door-to-door route planning and guidance, including public transportation options. A companion app allows drivers to plan a route offline and then load it into the system at the start of the journey¹.

The system also offers a Commute Mode, which learns your daily drive to work and automatically suggests alternative routes to help avoid congestion using historical and real-time traffic information. Approach Mode displays a 360-degree interactive view of the destination within 656ft (200m) of arrival, and can direct the driver to the nearest parking lot¹.

The system’s functionality grows for 2019 with the introduction of voice command for navigation¹.

Touch Pro also delivers a full-screen navigation display in the vehicle’s reconfigurable 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display¹.

For 2019, all Jaguar XJ models can be specified with Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™ as part of the new optional Smartphone Package. Drivers can interact with key mobile apps through the vehicle’s central touchscreen in manner similar to a smartphone¹. Certain functions of the system can also be controlled via the vehicle’s Voice Control, providing additional convenience⁷.

Equal attention has been devoted to audio system performance. A choice of two systems includes the optional outstanding 26-speaker, 1,300W Meridian Reference sound system developed with British audio experts Meridian^™. The stereo and surround sound benefit from Meridian’s Trifield^™ technology for optimum reproduction with benchmark low levels of distortion.

To further enhance the luxurious experience of second row XJ passengers, customers are able to specify a rear seat entertainment system as part of the optional Premium Rear Seat Package. Comprising of two 10.2-inch high-definition screens, which fold away when not in use, these displays offer a true 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio.

The rear seat entertainment system also allows passengers to connect devices using two USB ports, one HDMI and one MHL port, enabling charging and media output from a wide range of smartphones and tablets.

Ensuring that occupants are always connected is key to the Jaguar brand. Using the vehicle’s antenna, the XJ can function as a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, providing a connection for up to eight devices⁵.

InControl Apps, enables customers to seamlessly connect Apple^® and Android^™ smartphones to the vehicle’s infotainment system, via a USB cable. InControl Apps provides access to compatible apps on the device using the vehicle’s touchscreen¹.

InControl Remote, enables customers to connect with the XJ using their smartphone, to remotely access information about their vehicle like how much fuel is in the tank or if the windows have been left open. Within the app, customers can also remotely lock or unlock the car and receive alerts if the alarm goes off. The app also enables the driver to bring the cabin to a pre-set temperature by remotely starting the engine using their smartphone. Should the driver forget where the car is parked there’s a map to lead them straight to it.

InControl Protect will automatically notify emergency services and provide the vehicle’s GPS location should the car be involved in a collision where the airbags are deployed. Occupants can also trigger an emergency call manually simply by pressing a button.

All Surface Progress Control

Currently offered on the Jaguar XE and XF sedans, the XJ also benefits from the brand’s All-Surface Progress Control (ASPC) technology. Designed to help drivers to pull away smoothly on low-friction surfaces, ASPC assists with driving at low speeds on slippery surfaces such as snow and wet grass⁶.

Conventional traction control systems attempt to modulate what happens once the wheels begin to slip, which can be too late. ASPC is fundamentally different, founded upon decades of Jaguar Land Rover experience in developing off-road technologies.

ASPC works like a low-speed cruise control and can operate between 1mph (3.6km/h) and 19mph (30km/h). Pressing a dedicated button on the center console activates the system. The driver then uses the cruise control switches on the steering wheel to set the desired speed, and ASPC controls throttle and brake inputs while the driver manages the steering⁶.

What makes ASPC so effective is that it doesn’t just provide fine control of the throttle: it also uses the brakes in opposition to the throttle. From a standstill, only very low engine torque is applied to the driven wheels, enabling smooth progress with little or no wheel spin. ASPC is compatible with rear- and all-wheel drive and is made even more effective in winter conditions by the fitment of winter tires.

Stereo Camera Technology

The XJ also benefits from Jaguar Land Rover advance stereo camera technology, which underpins an extended range of driver technologies.

Sensors within the system are packaged in front of the rear-view mirror and generate a real-time view of the road and objects ahead. The information is interpreted by highly sophisticated image processing software and the output used by a wide range of advanced driver assistance systems.

The stereo camera underpins the Emergency Braking system, standard on rear-wheel drive models for 2019, which features a pedestrian detection function. If the system determines that a collision with a vehicle or a pedestrian is imminent, the system is designed to automatically initiate full braking if the driver does not intervene^2,6.

The stereo camera also enables the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) technologies on rear-wheel drive models as standard. By monitoring the vehicle’s position relative to lane markings either side, LDW is designed to alert the driver of unintentional lane drift by triggering a visual warning in the instrument panel and a haptic warning through the steering wheel⁶.

If the system detects the vehicle beginning to drift too close to the edge of the lane that it is driving in, the LKA system is designed to guide the driver back into the lane by applying a small amount of corrective counter-steering. The amount of torque applied to the steering wheel is slight and can be easily over-ridden by the driver⁶.

Drifting out of lane can be caused by driver fatigue, and this can potentially be identified by periods of little or no steering activity followed by sudden or excessive inputs. The Driver Condition Monitor system, equipped to rear-wheel drive models as standard, is designed to help recognize these patterns, and, by also checking activation of the brake and accelerator pedals along with various instrument panel buttons, will display a multi-stage visual warning in the instrument panel to prompt the driver to take a break⁶.

The Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) system, standard across the XJ lineup, utilizes a forward-facing camera to help keep the driver informed of speed limits Camera data is also compared against GPS data, to help enhance accuracy and robustness⁶.

When driving through areas where speed limits change frequently the driver can easily become confused as to the current speed limit. To help the driver adhere to posted speed limits, the Jaguar XJ features an Adaptive Speed Limiter, which uses TSR system data to adjust the set point and is designed to automatically increase or decrease the vehicle’s speed⁶.

If the TSR system recognizes a higher speed limit ahead, the system notifies the driver and the vehicle can accelerate smoothly up to the new limit. If the speed limit is lower, the vehicle can be slowed down accordingly using engine braking⁶.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist

The Queue Assist function for the adaptive cruise control system has been designed to take even more of the effort and monotony out of driving in heavy traffic. Using a long-range radar sensor, the system can help maintain a pre-set distance from the vehicle in front, and if needed, help bring the vehicle to a standstill⁶.

Blind Spot Monitor

Standard on all XJ models, Blind Spot Monitor uses radar sensors to help alert the driver to the presence of vehicles approaching fast from behind when changing lanes by displaying a flashing icon in the door mirror⁶.

Blind Spot Assist

Taking the Blind Spot Monitor a step further, the Blind Spot Assist feature is standard on rear-wheel drive models. If another vehicle is detected in the blind spot of the XJ and the driver attempts to steer into its path, Blind Spot Assist is designed to apply corrective steering torque to help prevent the lane change. The driver is simultaneously alerted by a flashing LED in the corresponding side mirror. If necessary, the driver is able to override the corrective steering torque⁶.

Parking Aids

The use of electric power-assisted steering in rear-wheel drive models enables semi-autonomous park-assist functions for both perpendicular and parallel parking through the available Park Assist feature. Ultrasonic sensors measure the space first and the system steers the vehicle into position – and, in the case of parallel parking, out again⁶. The driver just controls the accelerator, brakes and transmission.

The XJ also features an available Surround Camera System: four cameras combine to give a 360-degree view of the area around the car to aid in maneuvering⁶.

Rear Traffic Monitor

Radar sensors on the XJ can also help when reversing. When vehicles approaching from either side are detected and, if they may present a potential hazard, the system prompts the driver with audible and visual warnings⁶.

For 2019, Jaguar is marking 50 years of its flagship XJ luxury sedan with the new XJ50 special edition model.

Offered exclusively in long wheelbase specification and available with the option of a 340hp 3.0L supercharged gasoline V6 in RWD or AWD, or a 470hp 5.0L supercharged gasoline V8 powertrain in RWD, the XJ50 celebrates half a century of trademark performance, technology and luxury.

Exterior updates for the XJ50, including unique front and rear bumpers, add distinction to the anniversary edition alongside purposeful 20-inch wheels with Gloss Black Diamond Turned Finish, a Gloss Black front grille with chrome surround and unique badging to the rear and side vents. Four striking exterior paint colors will be available including Fuji White, Santorini Black, Loire Blue and Rosello Red.

Inside, the luxurious cabin features soft grain diamond-quilted seats with an embossed Jaguar leaper on the headrests and an XJ50 logo on the center armrest. Unique intaglio branding and XJ50-badged illuminated treadplates also differentiate the anniversary edition, alongside aluminum gearshift paddles and bright metal pedals.

“Spanning half a century, the Jaguar XJ remains true to its heritage with a wonderful balance of beautiful design, intelligent performance and indulgent luxury that ensures it stands out from the crowd,” said Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design. “This is a car worth celebrating and the XJ50 pays homage to a giant within the Jaguar brand that we believe is one of the world’s most stylish sporting saloons.”

The XJ Series 1 started the distinctive dynasty in 1968 and for eight generations the luxury sedan has been turning heads around the world. Whether transporting VIPs and politicians, or acting as the preferred vehicle for business leaders and royalty, the XJ has been a mainstay on roads for five decades.

Innovating since its arrival, the XJ has epitomized the forward-thinking approach that has set the Jaguar luxury sedan apart over the past 50 years. Four years into its life it became the world’s only mass-produced 12-cylinder four-door car and, with a top speed of 140mph (225km/h), it was also the fastest four-seater of its time¹.

Further models followed, sporting both standard and long wheelbases, as well as two and four-door body styles. The Series 2 was the first to offer a two-door coupe model in 1975 and the XJ40, in production for eight years from 1986, introduced the celebrated ‘J’ gate gear shifter and self-leveling suspension.

A revolutionary aluminum monocoque bodyshell helped reduce the weight of the XJ by 40 percent from 2003, before the current XJ model brought additional technologies such as all-wheel drive and a virtual instrument cluster. With the introduction of Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum’s now iconic design language, it was also launched with a wraparound rear windshield and distinctive cat claw inspired rear lights. The XJ50 is a fitting tribute to the enduring style and performance of the Jaguar brand’s luxury sedan.

All new Jaguar products come standard with a best-in-class ownership package⁸, Jaguar EliteCare, which includes: 

• 5-Year/60,000 Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty
• 5-Year/60,000 Mile Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance
• 5-Year/60,000 Mile 24/7 Roadside Assistance
• 5-Year/Unlimited Mile Jaguar InControl^® Remote & Protect^™

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¹ Do not use Jaguar InControl^® features under conditions that will affect your safety or the safety of others. Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control.

² Please note that if any action is taken, even minimal steering, the Emergency Braking/ High-speed Emergency Braking system will assume the driver resumed control of the vehicle and the system will automatically disengage.

³ Always follow local speed limits.

⁴ All prices shown are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes $995 destination/handling charge, tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Jaguar Retailer for details.

⁵ The Wi-Fi hotspot is intended for passenger use only. InControl features may require an additional subscription with separate terms and conditions.

⁶ These features are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention and will not function under all circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions, etc.  Driver should not assume that these features will correct errors of judgment in driving.  Please consult the owner's manual or your local authorized Jaguar Retailer for more details.

⁷ Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Do not operate, adjust or view the navigation or multimedia systems under conditions that will affect your safety or the safety of others. Only use mobile phones, and other devices, even with voice commands, when it is safe to do so.

⁸ Class is cars sold by luxury automobile brands and claim is based on total package of warranty, maintenance and other coverage programs. For complete details regarding Jaguar EliteCare coverage, please visit JAGUARUSA.COM, call 1.800.4.JAGUAR or visit your local Jaguar Retailer.