2012 Jaguar XJ-Series Preview

The 2012 Jaguar XJ continues to carry on the radical changes that lead designer Ian Callum after the sale of British car maker of India, Tata Motors Ltd., the XJ styling of its big brother the XF mimics in an attempt to bring back Jaguar position British elite as a sedan.

The only function that is transferred from the previous XJ, the extensive use of aluminum in the frame, as Jaguar is continuing its search for a swagger all its own. It's not often a complete revision of a flagship model, but that was the case for Jaguar as the redesigned sedan back in 2009. While the new styling cues are fans of the brand confusion of traditional styling, it is still a Jaguar, if the engine line-up proves.

New higher quality materials line the interior is a finicky touch screen controls all media in the XJ. The base 5.0-liter V-8 engine makes for complaints with 385 horsepower and up to 510 horses to go with the supercharged model.

Body style: Sedan

Engines: 5.0-liter V-8, 5.0-liter supercharged V-8

Transmission: six-speed automatic

Models: Base, Supercharged, Base/Supercharged Long Wheelbase Supersport

Jaguar's flagship gets minor changes for the 2012 model year, as a rear-seat entertainment system for the XJ long wheelbase XJL Supersport and get back chairs and have a massage function.

After going through a facelift in 2010, the 2012 version carries on the new look with minor modifications to the front and back. The base XJ rolls on 19 inch wheels and maneuvers over bumps with a self-leveling suspension and drive settings that adjust to road and driving conditions. Automatic windscreen wipers, panoramic sunroof, and keyless ignition / entry are also standard. An Executive package adds features such as chrome mirror covers. The XJ-supercharged version gets a differently tuned suspension and rolls on 20 inch wheels.

The XJ has a wealth of features, including leather interior and chrome with wooden trim. Ice-blue illumination backs the instrument cluster accents and other buttons. A touch screen is the starting point for controlling infotainment system of the XJ, but it occasionally runs. Wrapped with leather seats are both heated and cooled rear seats are heated and controls in the trunk with an average of 15.2 cubic feet.

The standard 5.0-liter V-8 is responsible for motivating the rear-wheel drive XJ along with the rest of Jaguar's fleet. The V-8 engine is rated at 385 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. EPA estimates the XJ's fuel economy at 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway with the XJL getting slightly less. The supercharged model gets a 5.0-liter V-8 which churns out 470 horsepower and the Supersport tops that with an even beefier V-8 that produces 510 horsepower. Jaguar claims the Supersport will get up and go from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

Safety features for the 2012 XJ include front and side airbags and side curtain airbags for both front and rear seats. Traction and stability control are also standard safety features along with anti-lock brakes, a blind spot warning system, and active head restraints. Optional safety features include an emergency brake assist and a forward collision alert system which is included with the adaptive cruise control.

Base: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway

Base/Supercharged LWB: 15mpg city/23 mpg highway

Supersport: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway