Jaguar XJ 3.0 V6 Diesel Autobiography LWB: review

Is the long-standing Jag getting long in the tooth, despite an upgrade?
Jaguar XJ: a a great 'executive express'
Graham Scott21 November 2015

The XJ has been a great executive express since it was launched in this iteration in 2009.

But that’s a long time ago in the world of motoring, so a revamp was definitely necessary. None of it is surprising or major, but the small improvements do add up.

The exterior now has a new grille, LED headlights and daytime running lights. That’s not exactly a major facelift, but plenty of people like how it looked anyway. Under the bonnet the V6 turbodiesel has been tweaked rather than radically rebooted. Power is up 25bhp and torque up 73lb ft, which shaves just one tenth of a second off the 0-60mph time.

The exterior now has a new grille, LED headlights and daytime running lights

What is new is this long-wheelbase Autobiography flagship, complete with all the executive toys like digital TV, quad-zone climate control and massaging rear seats (ie seats in the rear that massage rather than seats that…you get the picture).

One of the bigger changes is the introduction of eletromechanical power assistance. This is billed as reducing fuel consumption and also adding more feedback and it must be said it works a treat. Steering is spot on, weighting up beautifully as speeds increase.

Complete with all the executive toys like digital TV, quad-zone climate control and massaging rear seats

Despite the weight, the XJ handles with Jaguar’s customary muscular suppleness. The ride could be better as even small bumps and ridges are communicated to the cabin, but the handling is certainly all you could ask.

The engine remains unflustered under virtually all conditions

The engine too remains unflustered under virtually all conditions. At idle or when it’s in stop-start action it can sound a bit like a vibey-clattery diesel, but otherwise it’s quiet and refined. And it pushes the Jaguar forward with commendable and restrained alacrity.

Linked to an eight-speed auto box that never gets flustered even if you’re flapping about with the paddles, you have a delightful companion for a long journey. The high gearing means that at 70mph the engine is turning over at just 1700rpm. With peak torque just a few hundred rpm higher, this allows for relaxed mile-munching, whether you’re driving or, quite likely in this long-wheelbase version – sitting in the rear having your rear massaged.

The upgrades have certainly brought the XJ much more up to date

The upgrades provide plenty of new equipment, including safety electronics like adaptive cruise control, queue assist and 360-degree camera. There is also a new InControl Touch Pro infotainment system which does indeed give the driver much more control of the tablet-like device.

The upgrades have certainly brought the XJ much more up to date. It’s not quite as contemporary as some vehicles launched since the original, like the new S-Class, and you could argue it feels like a slightly dated car that has been updated and that’s it. But it’s still got a presence, it still handles remarkably well, and it’s still a really fine driver’s car.

Jaguar XJ Autobiography LWB 3.0 V6 300 Diesel

On sale Now

Price: £79,600

Engine: V6, 2993cc, twin-turbocharged, diesel

Power: 296bhp at 4000rpm

Torque: 516lb ft at 2000rpm

Kerb weight: 1860kg

Gearbox: 8-spd automatic

0-60mph: 5.9sec

Top speed: 155mph (limited)

Economy: 48.0mpg (combined)

CO2/tax band: 155g/km, 29%

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