Stylishly Practical: 2015 Jaguar XJ AWD Sedan
Sophisticated style that performs well in almost any conditions – even snow. The Jaguar XJ delivers the quintessence of British luxury, combining supercharged performance and cutting-edge construction technology with a nearly bespoke-level of interior craftsmanship. The Jaguar design language is exemplified on the XJ by a "face" defined by a bold mesh grille and slim standard Xenon headlights. The strong, muscular lower half of the car is contrasted with the roofline's slender, graceful character. The wrap-around rear window gives the impression of an exotic "floating" roof. A panoramic glass roof, standard on all XJ models, enhances the sense of light and space in the cabin.
Power for the XJ AWD sedan is generated by a robust 3.0L Supercharged V6 prime mover. Torque flows to all four wheels through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. An active torque-management system, Jaguar Instinctive All Wheel Drive™ offers a performance-oriented rear-drive bias and can shift power to the front wheels to either pre-empt or counter wheel slip. The Instinctive All Wheel Drive® system employs an active power transfer control technology that adds the benefit of enhanced all-season traction while retaining the sporty agility and steering feel of the rear-wheel drive version.
An active electronically controlled system, Instinctive All Wheel Drive® is designed to constantly monitor grip levels, steering and throttle inputs. Using special control algorithms, the system can proactively predict rear-tire slip. It can transfer up to 50 percent of the torque to the front wheels when needed, to pre-empt potential rear-wheel slip or respond to slippery conditions.
In dry-road conditions, the AWD system normally sends most torque to the rear wheels to preserve the agile driving feel and response of a rear-wheel drive XJ. When accelerating from a stop, the system applies "pre-load" torque to the front wheels to help optimize traction. Once underway, if no slip of the rear wheels is detected, the AWD seamlessly switches to its rear-biased configuration.
Selecting "Winter Mode" using the Jaguar Drive Control optimizes vehicle systems for slippery conditions. Winter mode also preloads more torque to the front wheels at start-up and defaults to a 30:70 torque share between front and rear to maximize traction on slippery surfaces.
Control is further bolstered by the full integration of the AWD control with Dynamic Stability Control and ABS, which can apply braking to individual wheels as a second measure against wheel slip and also apportion torque side-to-side.
The XJ rides on a lightweight aluminum vehicle architecture. Primarily aluminum, but also utilizing magnesium and composite alloys, it yields a significantly lighter and stiffer body structure than one built from steel. The XJ sedan light but stiff structure provides the foundation for both the car's sporting character and its supple, refined ride. The double-wishbone front suspension features weight-saving forged aluminum components and uses coil springs. The front subframe is directly mounted to the body for enhanced steering response and handling precision. The subframe-mounted, multi-link rear suspension uses lightweight cast aluminum links and self-leveling air springs.
Inside the passenger cabin, the clean, elegant form of the instrument panel sitting low across the vehicle dominating the cabin interior. Bold architectural wood sweeps forward from the rear doors through the front doors, meeting at the upper dashboard center. An analog clock inspired by luxury wristwatches is located in the center of the lower dashboard. When open, the panoramic glass roof mechanism slides the front glass panel upward and outward, preserving headroom. The roof's dark tint and reflective coating help limit heat gain, and twin power blinds provide another level of privacy and sun screening.
A 12.3-inch high-definition screen displays "virtual gauges" to provide the functions of traditional instrument dials. When required, the tachometer fades to temporarily display a required warning message or menu -- for example, if fuel is running low, or to operate the Interactive Voice™ control. When the driver selects Dynamic mode, the dials change to a red hue and feature a gear position indicator that glows red as the engine speed rises.
An eight-inch touch-screen display in the center console provides easy access to many of the functions, including climate control, audio, communications and standard navigation. The Jaguar Interactive Voice™ control system provides easy control of the standard Bluetooth®, navigation or audio systems.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 119.4; overall length: 201.9; width: 74.8; height: 57.3
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 3.0L Supercharged V6 – 340 hp at 6,500 rpm and 332 lbs-ft of torque at 3,500 – 5,500 rpm.
Transmission: eight-speed automatic Sequential Shift
EPA Fuel Economy: 16 city/24 highway
Cargo capacity: 15.2 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, cornering brake control, understeer control, engine drag torque control, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, Bi-Xenon high-intensity headlamps, blind spot monitoring, rear view camera, front/rear parking aid, rain-sensing windshield wipers, garage door opener, smart key keyless entry/engine start, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, navigation system, automatic speed limiter, perimeter alarm, engine immobilizer, and tire pressure monitoring system.
Optional safety features include adaptive front lighting system, cornering lamps and intelligent high beam.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile
Corrosion: 6-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 4-year/50,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Jaguar XJ AWD sedan starts from $77,700. Destination charges add $925.
