Speed and beauty are the essential elements of every car Jaguar has ever built. Drivers and passengers connect to those elements through the vehicle’s driving environment – in the case of the new 2012 Jaguar XJ flagship, a realm of technological sophistication, exemplary materials and bespoke craftsmanship. In a way other brands in the premium luxury segment simply can’t equal, the Jaguar XJ interior balances absolute comfort at any speed with total engagement in the driving experience.
When the new XJ was introduced for the 2011 model year, Jaguar Design Director, Ian Callum, told the automotive press that he and his team recognized the importance customers place on personalizing vehicles in this segment, likening it to a need to “design your own personality into the car.” To that end, Callum said, “We are offering the most eclectic mix of color, wood and trim” on the XJ. Demonstrating how important customer preference is to Jaguar, the 2012 XJ sedan offers a new interior color combination available on the Portfolio trim based solely on buyer feedback -- ivory seating with contrast jet stitching and a choice of headliner in ivory or jet suedecloth.
In all, Jaguar offers 20 interior color themes across the XJ range. Comprising that exclusive lineup are the base XJ, the long wheelbase XJL Portfolio, the Supercharged and the Supersport – the last two available in either standard or long-wheelbase.
The XJ line offers a choice of 10 elegant veneers, including genuine woods ranging from Burl Walnut and Satin Elm to Figured Ebony and Rich Oak with laser-etched inlays. Piano Black and Carbon Fiber also make the list of available trims.
Depending on the model, standard leather upholstery is available in 11 colors and three fine grades – Soft grain, Semi-Aniline and Semi-Aniline Tipped. As expected, leather surrounds you in the XJ cabin, covering such surfaces as the seats, armrests, center console, instrument panel and the tops of the doors. Run your hands over the seats to appreciate the craftsmanship behind the twin-needle stitching that adorns the seams. Inspect the panels on each of the doors and you’ll find storage spaces deigned to resemble hand-stitched designer briefcases. Again, depending on the model, headliners come in a variety of finely textured surfaces, including suedecloth and soft grain leather.
Front seats feature 16/12-way power with heating and cooling. Rear seats are also heated, as is the steering wheel. Cooling for the rear seats and a massage function for the front seats are either standard or an available option based on which XJ model you choose. Absolute comfort is also served by standard four-zone automatic climate control (dual-zone on the XJ) with separate vents and controls for rear seat passengers.
Technology highlights include steering-wheel-mounted switches that control the entertainment system as well as cruise control. You can also use them to operate the InteractiveVoice™ recognition feature. Mounted inside the instrument binnacle is a 12.3-in Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) screen, which features virtual avatars that mimic traditional analog gauges. The tachometer fades when you access driver-input menus via voice command or when warning messages appear. Put the transmission in Dynamic mode, and the dials take on a red hue while the gear position indicator glows bright red as you dip into the throttle.
Take your XJ for a drive under the dome of a starry night sky and Phosphor Blue Halo lighting appears to accent the door panels and center console. For 2012, the Illumination Package -- featured as standard equipment on the Supersport model -- is now available on all versions of the XJ. The package adds lighting accents to the air vents, sill plates and trunk latch.
Also new for 2012, the Executive Pack available on the long-wheelbase XJL Portfolio is aimed at buyers who need to conduct business on the move. Effectively turning the extended rear-seat area into an office space fit for a CEO, the Executive Pack includes such highlights as fold-down business trays, premium floor mats, wood/leather steering wheel and an electric rear sunblind.
The ultra-exclusive XJL Supersport boasts a new Rear Comfort Pack for 2012. Taking full advantage of the additional five inches of leg room, the Rear Comfort Pack provides four-way lumbar support and massage for the rear seats as well as power recline for the back rests. You also get the added comfort of winged headrests and footrests, while the front passenger seat can be stowed forward to boost leg room even further.
Commenting on the new 2012 Jaguar XJ, Design Director Ian Callum pronounced it the ultimate premium flagship in terms of comfort, design and refinement. He then added, “The bespoke interior changes we have incorporated for the 2012 model make it an even more special place to drive or be driven.” Come experience the ultimate driving space for yourself by contacting us to schedule a test drive.
