Official pics: 2016 Jaguar XJ revealed

Jaguar has put its all-aluminium XJ limousine under the knife for 2016 to help it fight new competition like the BMW 7 Series.

Headline changes include a sharper new XE-inspired look, plus a revised, more powerful 3.0-litre V6 diesel that produces 221kW/700Nm for the sprint to 100km/h in 6.2sec, but averages just 5.7L/100km.

Externally, the revised XJ gets new front and rear LED headlamps, a larger, more upright grille, and large air intakes with chrome highlights. The rear bumper has also been tweaked with a black gloss valence.

Inside, Jaguar has completely rethought the XJ’s interior. There’s now softer, more luxurious quilted leather seats, a new touch-screen infotainment system and a clearer 12.3-inch configurable virtual dashboard that also incorporates the navigation’s display.

The revised XJ also introduces a new range-topping Autobiography trim that’s only available in long-wheelbase form and comes equipped with large 20-inch alloys and a unique interior and plenty of chrome highlights.

A new R-Sport trim is also now available that adds sportier styling, featuring a three-piece front splitter, body kit, side vents and subtle rear boot spoiler. Inside there are sport seats and lots of piano black trim.

The rest of the petrol powertrain range carries over and consists of a supercharged 250kW/450Nm 3.0-litre V6 petrol and 375/625Nm and 404kW/68Nm versions of the 5.0-litre V8. All models come with an eight-speed automatic.

For the 2016 refresh, all models now come with electronic power steering that’s said to improve “responsiveness and driver feedback” while reducing fuel consumption.

Fresh from its first outing in the new XE, the big XJ also adopts the new All-Surface Progress Control that maximises traction in slippery conditions and can use the brakes and throttle at the same time. There is also a new cruise control that works in heavy traffic from standstill and an auto park function.

The revised Jag XJ range is set to arrive on these shores this November with pricing confirmed to start around $2000 higher than the existing line-up.

As well as the new XJ, Jaguar Australia has also confirmed its new BMW 3 Series rival, the XE, will be here this September. The all-new, bigger, XF sports sedan, meanwhile, will arrive around February 2016.