It’s a top-end double-bill for Jaguar as the XJ takes the Luxury Car of the Year prize to add to its little brother XF’s win in the executive class.
The XJ snatches the limo-level category back from the BMW 7-series, which won it last year, after 2012 saw some changes to the range that included the launch of the most efficient XJ ever.
Introducing stop/start along with a new eight-speed transmission dropped the XJ’s emissions to 159g/km in 275hp diesel form – the sole diesel in the range. That’s competitive with the best the German luxury saloons can offer. The lone petrol power also saw a change last year, with the XJ’s 5.0-litre V8 engine replaced by a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 unit.
Other changes at the same time included the addition of DAB digital radio as standard across the range, and claimed suspension, refinement and performance improvements, while Jaguar has worked with British audio specialist Meridian to develop a new premium sound system for the top-spec models.
Available in standard wheelbase or, for an extra £3000, long-wheelbase form with another 125mm of legroom, the XJ kicks off at £56,250 and runs up to over £95,000.
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