For the Sir that travels swiftly.
The Jaguar XJ, considered as one of the best-handling luxury limousines out there, has just been given a refresh for the 2018 model year. Along with the usual smattering of tech and spec updates, the range for the new year introduces a new range-topping performance variant on the form of the XJR575.
The rest of the XJ range (available as Premium Luxury, Portfolio, R-Sport, Autobiography, and XJR575 in Europe) will continue to offer a 250kW 3.0-litre supercharged V6, 375kW 5.0-litre supercharged V8, the XJR575’s 423kW uprated V8, along with a 221kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel V6. Updates include an upgrade to the safety suite that now includes autonomous emergency braking capable of detecting pedestrians, driver attention monitor, lane keep assistance, and forward collision warning. Full-LED headlights are also tacked on as standard, and now feature a “double J-Blade” light signature. A 10.0-inch TouchPro infotainment system also gets lobbed on, and throws in a 4G WiFi hotspot.
Going back to the new car, the XJR575 takes the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 from the F-Type SVR, endowing it with no less than 423kW and 700Nm of burbly goodness. Putting power down to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the monster of an engine can slingshot the XJR575 from rest to 100km/h in just 4.4-seconds, and keep the speedometer rising to a scarcely-believable 300km/h. This throws it right in contention with cars like the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG and Audi S8, in a rarefied class of high-performance limousines.
However, unlike its contenders which usually have to uptune a luxury barge into something athletic, the XJR575 benefits from the stellar chassis that sits beneath all XJ’s. This means that the XJ575 will likely be one of the very best handling cars in its class, and the unique visual touches certainly allude to this. There are bespoke bonnet vents, a discreet rear spoiler and side sills, and a relatively restrained front bumper. 20-inch alloy wheel finish off the exterior treatment.
The interior sees minor changes, like ‘575’ branding on the dash, seats, and tread plates, should the soundtrack of the sonorous V8 not be enough to remind you that you’re in a lightning-quick super saloon. The XJR575 and the rest of the 2018 XJ range is expected to arrive on our shores in Q1 next year, so stay tuned to CarShowroom as we bring you more updates as they come.
For more information on Jaguar, check out our Showroom.
