Hot on the heels of BMW’s new 7-series comes the new-for-2016 Jaguar XJ, going on sale this fall in a gazillion variants. OK, really just eight: Standard-wheelbase XJ R-Sport, XJ R-Sport AWD, XJ Supercharged and XJR, long-wheelbase XJL Portfolio, XJL Portfolio AWD, XJL Supercharged and XJR LWB.
The exterior shape only looks newish (larger, more upright grille, new LED head- and taillamps, a new R-Sport model …) but there’s quite a bit happening inside and under the skin.
The biggest news inside is the new infotainment system Jag calls InControl Touch Pro. It’s designed to be simple and intuitive. The 8-inch screen is the centerpiece and it works like a smartphone, responding to pinch and swipe gestures to scroll between home screens. You can customize the screen with different wallpaper images and additional home pages can be added. The system’s nav includes door-to-door route planning/guidance and public transportation options.
A new commute mode learns your daily routine and can automatically offer alternative routes to avoid congestion using both historic and real-time traffic information. Approach mode displays a 360-degree interactive view of your surroundings when you get to within 656 feet of your destination and can direct you to the nearest available parking space.
Rear-wheel-drive models now get electronic power steering, saving a smidge of fuel but probably losing a smidge of "feel." AWD models come with Jag's new All-Surface Progress Control, which helps drivers pull away from a slippery spot at low speeds.
Engines are carryover: The 3.0-liter supercharged V6 develops 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of toque and is available with rear- or all-wheel drive. The 5.0-liter supercharged V8 continues with both 470-hp and 550-hp variants. All engines are mated to ZF’s eight-speed automatic transmission.