2016-jaguar-xj-12The XJ has been the face of Jaguar for ages now.  Even though there are number of models that adorn the Leaping Cat logo today, it is the XJ that is the essence of Jaguar and what the brand stands for. The XJ has been in India for quite a while and even though it still commands that presence, the competition has caught up. The next generation XJ is still some time away, so what better than to give the existing car a midlife makeover.  The good thing is that the car gets more than just styling updates. We spent a weekend with this luxo barge and here’s a look at what’s new in Jaguar’s flagship sedan.

2016-jaguar-xj-18 2016-jaguar-xj-17 2016-jaguar-xj-06The exterior styling of the Jaguar XJ is what makes it special and the good thing is that it largely remains unchanged. There a new mesh grille up front with the Jaguar logo mounted in the centre. It is complimented by the full LED headlamps which now come with double J blade signature daytime running lights. These daytime running lights also double up as front turn indicators. The front bumper gets new chrome blades as well. The side profile retains the sloping roof styling which gives the XJ a very coupe-ish look. The tail lamps get new detailing with a single J design element. The rear bumper gets a blackened lower section along with oval dual exhaust pipes. The 19 inch alloys on the earlier car give way to new 18 inchers with a multispoke design. They don’t look very appealing and do not match the aura of the big Jag. We still prefer the older design from the previous car. The XJ is sold in two trim levels: Premium Luxury and the Portfolio, which is the car we are driving.2016-jaguar-xj-03 2016-jaguar-xj-04 2016-jaguar-xj-02 2016-jaguar-xj-14The interior of the Jaguar XJ is something that has always stood apart in this segment. We love the wrap around dashboard, the circular AC vents, the wood trims and high quality finish to the switches and lock levers.  The 12.3 inch TFT screen houses the instrument cluster which now comes with four themes to choose from for the dials. What’s more, the screen can also display navigation by way of a 3D map. It was quite surprising to see a near accurate 3D model of my building on the map screen. The wide centre console houses an 8 inch touch screen for the new InControl Touch Pro infotainment system. The new system is much better than the earlier one, which felt clunky to use. The new one has a nice mix of colours, is quicker to respond and has a whole load of features. It even controls various functions of the seats.2016-jaguar-xj-10 2016-jaguar-xj-16 2016-jaguar-xj-09

The seats are large and come with good support and cushioning. The facelift model gets quilted leather upholstery for the seats, which adds a fresh touch. All four seats come with electric adjust and memory functions. Then there’s the massaging. The front seats get five different massage functions to choose from, while the rear seats get three massage functions. The seats come with heating and cooling as well. The rear passengers get two 10.5 inch high definition screen for entertainment and these can now be folded away. And if you like to work on the go, there are foldable work tables too. Other features for the rear passengers include LED reading lamps, drop in footrests and electric sun blinds for the windows. The Meridian Surround Sound system features 825 Watts with 20 speakers and 2 sub woofers offers great clarity and is soothing to the ears. The Premium Luxury variant also gets a Meridian system, but with a power output of 380 Watts and 14 speakers. To top it all you have a twin sunroof which is classy.2016-jaguar-xj-11Continued…