Overview

What's New
Jaguar's XJ enters the 2006 model year with a new limited-edition trim level, the Super V8 Portfolio, which includes power rear seats, four-zone climate control, lambs wool rugs, an Alpine surround sound entertainment system, Bluetooth communications, a navigation system, and voice recognition for many auxiliary controls. Both V-8 engines receive a boost in power, and a new Conti-Teves braking system helps quell the added inertia. There's a revised tire pressure-monitoring system, side and windshield glass with an acoustic inner layer, an updated grille, fresh alloy wheels, and the moldings have been shaved for a cleaner look. Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity and SIRIUS Satellite Radio service is now available on all XJ trim levels.

Overview
Jaguar's XJ has had a storied history, beginning with the XJ6 in 1968 and the popular V-12-powered XJ-S in 1975. Today's XJ is a whole new story, blending classic Jaguar lines with modern technology, as witnessed within the six XJ trim levels: base XJ8 and long-wheelbase XJ8 L, the luxury Vanden Plas, sporty XJR, racy Super V8, and flagship Super V8 Portfolio. The XJ8s and Vanden Plas come equipped with a 4.2L, normally aspirated V-8 producing 300 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque driving the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. XJR and Super V8 models receive a supercharged version that delivers 400 hp and 413 lb.-ft. of twist through the same ZF-sourced gearbox.

Standard fare includes automatic xenon headlamps, headlamp washer, rain-sensing wipers, leather seating surfaces, burl walnut trim, wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel, power driver and passenger seats, reverse park sensors, multi-function steering wheel, electrically-adjustable pedals, message center and trip computer, dual-zone climate control, and a power trunk lid. Notable upgrades include Bluetooth wireless technology, Sirius Satellite Radio, front park control, custom paint, wheel upgrades, seat heaters, audio packages and a Warm Climate package that adds four-zone climate control.

Safety features include four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, active brake booster, dynamic stability control, traction control, active suspension, dual-stage front, side, and side curtain air bags, safety belts with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners, adaptive restraint technology, a tire pressure-monitoring system, automatic speed limiter, and a vehicle security system.

The Competition
The Large Premium Conventional segment plays in hand to corporate execs and dot-commers that managed to not lose their shirts, and it's where the big dogs, such as the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and the Maserati Quattroporte play.

According to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM the segment is contested by the best-selling Lincoln Town Car (47,122 units sold in calendar year 2005), Lexus LS Series (26,043), Cadillac DTS (23,322), BMW 7 Series (18,165), and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (16,036). Jaguar's XJ ranked No. 6 on the sales chart, with 8,304 units sold in calendar year 2005. Other contenders include the Audi A8, Infiniti Q45, outgoing Volkswagen Phaeton, and the very low-volume Maserati Quattroporte.