Jaguar XJR575: The old feline can still roar!
The XJ has meanwhile become the oldest member of the Jaguar family. It debuted in 2009 and completely upset fans of the British brand. No classic lines or round headlights: like the XF, Jaguar chose taut lines and a modern design.
Is the design always the same?
Yes, in outline. The main changes concern the cockpit and the undersides. For example, the XJ is entitled to the Touch Pro multimedia system which is also used by the rest of the Jaguar range. The 10-inch screen is more intuitive and responds faster than its predecessor, the system can be used as a Wi-Fi hotspot and can be combined with applications for your smartphone. And like at Audi, you can also view navigation and other instrumentation data from the dashboard.
What are the changes made to the below?
Driving aids are extended, especially thanks to a new camera. The XJ now features automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, Lane Keeping Assist, Fatigue Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with traffic jam assistance, and Traffic Sign Recognition . The British makes parking maneuvers easier with a semi-autonomous system and a perpendicular traffic warning in front of and behind the car.
The rest is it taken from the old version?
Yes. The Jaguar XJ is always available in two lengths: the standard version and the long wheelbase adds 15 centimeters. The British have tidied up the range of engines and offer only three versions: a V6 3.0 l diesel that produces 300 horses and is coupled to an automatic transmission with eight speeds (propulsion), a V6 3.0 l gasoline 340 and combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission (four-wheel drive), and a 5.0-liter V8 petrol.
Do not we know this engine for that matter?
Absolutely: from the radical F-Type SVR. Jaguar's "Special Vehicle Operations" division raises the engine to 575 horsepower and 700 Nm. The 0 to 100 km / h is shot in 4.4 seconds and the top speed reaches 300 km / h. With the exception of a few showy hues, the bodywork remains very discreet. No flashy spoiler and no crackling escapement like on the F-Type and Range Rover SVR so, but a discreet tone that suits the sophisticated character of the XJ.
How does this XJR575 drive?
Very quickly ! The V8 5.0 l compressor is not unknown to Jaguar and it gives a thrust at the slightest pressure on the accelerator pedal. The eight cylinders build their soundtrack in a crescendo, with a metallic and nasty voice, but which never becomes as sound as on the F-Type. This does not match the character of this car.
The ZF eight-speed automatic transmission serves the engine as a true butler: it obeys in a fraction of a second, says "very good, sir," and retrograde, allowing you to sail on a wave of torque. Propulsion to the rear wheels is imposed. Unlike the F-Type SVR, AWD is unavailable.
This requires some caution on the wet roads, but the behavior is really dynamic in the dry. The long wheelbase and a self-locking differential between the rear wheels promise predictable answers. But it is still comfortable with, of course, the V8 in the background ... Grandiose!
How comfortable and luxurious is this Jaguar?
At a really impressive point. The livability is generous, even with the short wheelbase: indeed, the XJR575 is not offered with a long wheelbase. In addition, it has almost all the luxury and comfort items that a limousine must have. However, it can not completely hide its age in terms of really modern technology, such as active suspension, remote control, gesture control, etc. But it compensates with a studied price.
How much does it cost?
Jaguar requires € 147,800 for the XJR575. It's a lot of money but the equipment is complete with, for example, a panoramic roof, parking assistance, heating and cooling front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, alcantara skylight, four-zone air conditioning, etc. Potential German competitors such as the BMW M760Li and the Mercedes-AMG S 63 cost between 25,000 and 30,000 euros more.
In conclusion ?
The Jaguar XJR575 is an athletic and comfortable limo, but not the youngest. Thus, the update of multimedia and driving assistance can be considered as a last baroud d'honneur. The SVR engine of the F-Type is all that is best and makes this XJR575 an outsider for the German classics.
Good points:
Dynamic behavior
Driving comfort
Powerful and explosive engine
Discreet sound
Negative points:
Begins to show his age
Imposing dimensions
Brake stamina in sports driving
Weight