Oversight

The Jaguar XJ was introduced to the Indian markets as the flag ship model for a luxury car in the Indian arena of sales. The Jaguar XJ was unveiled at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010 which quickly turned into a large and rather pompous affair. The main course of the event was the presence of Ratan Tata at the launch who personally released the vehicle into the market for business. The Jaguar XJ has been present in the Indian market since June 2010 and has been steadily priced at 9.5 million Indian rupees. Although the price tag is rather high but the feel offered by the Jaguar XJ makes up for the entire story.

Describing Luxury with Power

The Jaguar XJ has been equipped with a large 5 litre super charged AJ 8 cylinder gasoline engine that is a third generation engine. The fuel intake and exhaust is regulated by a four valve system on each cylinder intake and exhaust. The engine of the Jaguar XJ produces an unbelievable 385 Ps at 6,500 rpm. The maximum torque produced is 515 Nm at 3,500 rpm.

The transmission is a standard ZF 6 advanced end transmission that is shifted by utilising a shift by wire system. This means that the driver of the Jaguar XJ does not have to use the clutch each time he shifts gears. Another amazing offering are the rear tail light LED lamps that have been found on the Mercedes high end models and on the high end Audis as yet.

Ride Comfort

The suspension is an active air suspension system while electronics have been employed to make the suspension more responsive yet stiff as needed. This is better known on the Jaguar XJ as Active Dynamics (AD). Moreover, like all large end vehicles a power steering has been employed to produce better handling. Luxury and customisation are brought to the fore front with features such as 4 zone climate control in the Jaguar XJ. Plus next time it rains, forget to turn on the wipers on because the wipers on the Jaguar XJ are sensitive to rain and turn on automatically.

Ranting the Interior

The Jaguar XJ is a fully fledged four door luxury sedan cum saloon which makes it identify in the D+ car segment. As one would expect, the interior is roomy and spacious while being well thought out and executed. Head room and leg room are rampant both in the front and the rear alike. As an additional advantage the Jaguar XJ offers a glass roof that can be retracted for maximum light exposure in case you want the sun to shine right through.

The centre console has been done in rampant luxury with wood, aluminium and chrome all dispersed yet placed collectively in coherence and organisation. Driving the Jaguar XJ is so much more fun with the 12.3 inch TFT screen – keeping in mind that all other manufacturers (even BMW) offer LCD screens. The consequence is a much clearer picture on the screen even if the sun is shining right above your Jaguar XJ.

Understanding the Real Protection

Another issue that must be appreciated in this vehicle is the safety inside and outside – the Jaguar XJ is the only D+ vehicle in India to offer contact sensors for pedestrians that ensures the safety and well being of commuters. The list of air bags in the Jaguar XJ needs a complete catalogue to describe them fully. The front and sides are doused in air bags to make a car crash seem like a pillow fight. The seat belts are pre-tensioned and the Jaguar XJ instrument panel keeps reminding you if seat belts are not being used.

End Game

As a conclusion to the vestiges of the Jaguar XJ, one can safely say that this is not just a vehicle but rather a vehicle platform for the present and the future of Jaguar in India. Jaguar has outdone itself again both in terms of the exterior, interior and the power house. In terms of safety, the Jaguar XJ is the market leader that other giants like Mercedes and BMW look at with envy. The involvement and commitment of Ratan Tata himself to this vehicle is a real indicator to the true value of this game changing vehicle. It is only some time before the Jaguar XJ will push the competition to the margins of the Indian market.