2007 Jaguar XJ Series Sedan

What’s New?
The XJ lineup continues into 2007 with five models. There are no changes to the exterior design, engines, or power, but there is a longer list of standard and available features. Bluetooth hands-free phone operation is standard across the lineup for 2007, as is leather seating with contrasting piping and other interior niceties on the base XJ8, the long-wheelbase (LWB) L model, and the supercharged XJR. Heated, 16-way adjustable front seats and heated rear seats are standard on the XJ8 and XJ8 L versions, and Front Park Control, Jaguar’s radar-assisted parking system, has been added to the Vanden Plas model.

Overview
The XJ sedans play in the same upscale neighborhood with entries from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The base engine is a 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V-8 that makes 300 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is found in the XJ8, XJ8 L, and Vanden Plas models and enables the XJ to reach 60 mph in just over 6 seconds, according to Jaguar. The XJR (the “R” stands for Jaguar’s racing-series model) gets the supercharged 4.2-liter V-8 that adds an extra 100 hp and more than 100 more lb.-ft. of torque to the Jaguar sedan’s performance, trimming off a full second of the 0-60 mph time. All XJ engines are mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission.

The fifth model is the Super V8, which adds the following to the long-wheelbase XJ8 L model: the supercharged engine, 19-inch alloy wheels, “R” performance braking, radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control, a navigation system, a 320-watt Alpine audio sound system, four-zone climate control, and a power-adjustable rear bench seat. And for good measure, the Super V8 also features lambs-wool rugs and a heated, wood steering wheel.

While the XJ’s engine technology may be advanced, so is the all-aluminum body, which helps reduce weight (and therefore braking effort) yet is strong enough for occupant protection in the event of an impact. The Jaguar features powerful brakes with larger rotors, stiffer calipers, and state-of-the-art technology like Brake Assist, which enhances brake pedal effort in emergency braking situations to help the driver stop the vehicle before the impact occurs.

The Competition
The Jaguar XJ-Series competes in the Large Premium Conventional segment, which consists of eight models. Buyers in this segment look for performance, quality, and comfort, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Cadillac DTS (58,224 units sold), Lincoln Town Car (39,295), and Mercedes-Benz S-Class (30,886). The Jaguar XJ-Series sold 5,027 units in 2006, a decrease of 39.5 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Large Premium Conventional segment include the Lexus LS Series, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, and Maserati Quattroporte.