New Jaguar XJ revealed

Jay Leno, one of the world's best-known chat show hosts and a renowned car enthusiast, was the host for the launch of the new Jaguar XJ tonight at the Saatchi Gallery in London.

Jaguar XJ

The new XJ is open for orders now and the first customers can expect delivery early in 2010. Prices start at £52,500 for the standard wheelbase 3.0-litre V6 diesel luxury.

The design develops on Ian Callum’s new Jaguar language first seen the Jaguar XF. But, the XJ even more dramatic with its coupé style roof line sweeping low over the rear seats. However, Jaguar say there is plenty of comfort for rear-seat passengers. There will also be a long-wheel base version with an additional 125 cm of legroom for Prime Ministers and captains of industry. Both long and standard-wheelbase cars will be available from launch.



"These are truly exciting times for us at Jaguar,” said Jaguar Cars Managing Director, Mike O'Driscoll at the launch. “The new XJ is truly beautiful, exhilarating to drive, and with its bold, enlightened approach to design, it meets the challenges of our fast-changing world. It re-imagines the ultimate sporting luxury car."

Jay Leno with Jaguar XJ

Jay Leno hosted the unveiling of the new XJ in London


Jaguar say the new XJ extends the appeal of the XJ to a new generation of customers.

“The new XJ is a thoroughly modern interpretation of the quintessential Jaguar. Its visual impact stems from the elongated teardrop shape of the car’s side windows, that powerful stance and its wide track,” said Ian Callum, Design Director of Jaguar Cars. “It is the most emphatic statement yet of Jaguar’s new design direction.”



A striking feature of the new car is the innovative panoramic glass roof. Jaguar say it is not just about style, but also helps to enable that lower coupé-style roof, while giving a light and airy ambience to the interior.

Jaguar XJ





The XJ's cabin is said to blend elegant, contemporary design with the comfort, luxury and sporting style expected of a Jaguar. Chrome and piano black detailing have been designed to provide a contrast to the leather and veneer surfaces.

There are three specification levels – Luxury, Premium Luxury and Portfolio. Other range options are XJ Supercharged and the top-of-the-range XJ Supersport which includes luxuries like a leather roof-lining, semi-aniline leather seats and veneers with laser inlays.

Jaguar XJ

Jaguar say their aim has been to create an environment which is more akin to a state-of-the-art living space than a simple car cabin. Virtual Instruments in 12.3-inch high-definition complement an innovative, Dual-View technology eight-inch touch-screen that can project DVD movies or television programmes to the passenger, while the driver views vehicle functions or follows satellite navigation.

Premium surround sound options include the top-of-the-range 1200W Bowers & Wilkins system, which is comparable in audio quality to the best in-home entertainment. The XJ also uses hard drive-based audio and navigation systems with connections for portable audio and video devices through a media hub.

The engine choice starts with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel, and 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 and 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engines producing 470 horsepower. Jaguar claim outstanding fuel economy and emissions quoting a combined economy figures of 40.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 184g/km.

Jaguar XJ

Features such as air suspension, Adaptive Dynamics (continuously variable damping), Active Differential Control and quick-ratio power steering combine, say Jaguar, to deliver a blend of responsive, dynamic handling and refined, supple ride.

The all-new XJ is constructed using Jaguar’s aerospace-inspired aluminium body technology, just like the previous XJ. Jaguar say the XJ is lighter than its rivals by at least 150 kg. This is said to improve performance, handling and economy. The lightweight but strong aluminum structure is manufactured with 50% recycle material.