Jaguar's new XJ saloon stars at Frankfurt motor show

The striking new Jaguar XJ executive saloon was a welcome point of difference among the plethora of 'green', hybrid and electric vehicles revealed at this year's Frankfurt motor show.

That's not to say Jag's large luxury cruiser won't be offered with a frugal option, too. The new XJ line-up includes a best-in-class 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine.

The engine -- as used by the new XF and Land Rover's new Discovery 4 and Range Rover models -- requires just 7.0L/100km for the XJ in combined cycle testing and emits 184g/km CO2. This compares favourably to the likes of Mercedes-Benz's S320 CDI, asking 7.7L/100km and emitting over 200g/km.

Jaguar Australia revealed specification and pricing details for the XJ at the show, announcing a four-engine offering for local buyers.

Jaguar's range crowning XJ will be offered in short and long-wheelbase versions, starting at just under $194K for the SWB with the laudable diesel V6. The LWB model, providing 125mm extra legroom in the rear, starts at $201,800.

Equipped with the new 5.0-litre petrol V8 -- which replaces the former 4.2-litre offering -- the XJ starts at $246K. Both the diesel V6 and naturally aspirated V8 models are offered in the brand's Premium Luxury specification. The Portfolio upgrade is only available for the V8 short wheelbase version, priced at $269,800.

Supercharged versions of the V8 start at $306K for the Portfolio fit -- again, SWB only -- and $349,800 for the Supersport which is good for a big-hearted 375kW. The XJ Supersport is available in LWB, for $362,800.

All engines are mated to a six-speed automatic with central-mounted 'JaguarDrive Selector' or steering wheel paddles.

The XJ boasts air suspension, continuously variable suspension damping, 'Active Differential Control' and sports-oriented, 'quick-ratio' power steering.

Implementing Jaguar's developments in aluminium and magnesium construction, the XJ is lightest in its class. The front end is now a one-piece unit made of magnesium, and the car is also very strong and rigid, according to the maker, using a hydroformed aluminium tube section which runs all the way from the A-pillar to the D-pillar.

Lightweight materials, largely aluminium, are also used for components such as the front and rear suspension.

Jag's flagship has generous space, including headroom, for up to five adults and luxurious appointment front to rear. Adjustable seating all around, high-end infotainment system and panoramic sunroof are just some of the highlights of the new XJ.

A dual-view central screen, offering separated vision to driver and passengers is another feature. The screen uses 'Parallex' dual-layer technology to enable a view of television or a DVD to passengers while the driver is able to use the satnav function without interruption.

Newly released Range Rover Vogue and Sport models share the in-house developed dual-view feature.

Price-wise the new XJ is around $30K more expensive than the model it replaces. However this is an altogether different offering, meant to signify a turnaround at Jaguar.

Managing Director Mike O'Driscoll told local journalists during the car's reveal that the new XJ was a significant step forward in performance and luxury for Jaguar.

On luxury, O'Driscoll said the brand "would not have contemplated offering that sort of spec even ten years ago".

"We didn’t have customers asking that from us," he said. "Performance, sure, but not all the high-end appointment. Weve got them asking for it now."

The new XJ will arrive in local showrooms after March, 2010 however dealers are willing to take orders now. According to Jaguar Australia, the XJ is attracting considerable interest and even new customers to the brand.

"More than half of those contacting us about the XJ have never owned a Jaguar before," claims Chris Lidis, General Manager of Jaguar Australia.

The XJ's showing at Frankfurt follows the car's debut at the Saatchi Gallery in London in July.

Jaguar XJ range pricing:

3.0 litre V6 Diesel Premium Luxury $193,800 
3.0 litre V6 Diesel Premium Luxury $201,800

5.0 litre V8 Petrol Premium Luxury $246,000
5.0 litre V8 Petrol Premium Luxury $254,000
5.0 litre V8 Petrol Portfolio $269,800 

5.0 litre V8 Petrol S/C Portfolio $306,000 
5.0 litre V8 Supersport S/C Supersport $349,800
5.0 litre V8 Supersport S/C Supersport $362,800

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