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Big Jag XJ Gets Sporty Facelift

You might never know from the way that it looks, but the Jaguar XJ sedan isa remarkably innovative vehicle. For one, the monocoque structure and body panels are made out of lightweight aluminum. The only other vehicle in the segment to offer this is Audi in its A8, but their approach was different. Audi used a space frame instead of an existing automotive frame type. Lightness was the key to the XJ; the vehicle it replaced was 60-percent less stiff and 40-percent heavier, so you can imagine just how much of an improvement the new design made. It was well-received by the media too, which proclaimed it to handle, steer and grip like a much smaller vehicle (namely the BMW 5-Series). This was all wonderful, but Jaguar clothed this advanced frame in the same suit and tie

The big Jag's facelift focuses mainly on modernizing the classic looks of the car. (Photo: Jaguar)

it wore over past generations.

The XJ therefore sits between old Jaguar – the S-Type and X-Type – which is all about classic heritage, and new Jaguar – XK Coupe, XF Concept – which focuses on Jaguar of the future, but is leaning a bit closer to“new Jaguar” now that it's received its mid-life facelift. The changes made include new bumpers, a new grille design with diamond mesh pattern, side sills, a rear spoiler, and XK-style vents, located right behind the front wheels. The extension of the grille into the

What do you think of the new grille and valance? (Photo: Jaguar)

bumper, with its gaping mouth and inset fog lamps does look sporty, but perhaps the better question is whether or not it's appropriate for the vehicle, even if that vehicle is the supercharged XJR. We're not entirely sure, and because styling is very much up to one's individual tastes, we'll leave the final verdict to you.

Inside, Jaguar has improved the XJ's comfort factor by making little changes that center around the car's seats. The front seats are brand new, featuring a different design that incorporates heating and ventilation; the latter a feature that most customers in hot climates are bound to appreciate. Those in back will also benefit from greater leg and footroom, as the new seat design has different, more commodious back seat cushions. The XJ

Changes aren't visible from here, but you'll feel them when sitting in front, or in back. (Photo: Jaguar)

also gets similar technology equipment as the sporty XK, including the latest in Bluetooth cell phone connectivity, and voice recognition via the JaguarVoice system.

The updated XJ, set to go on sale later this year, will be the vehicle to tide Jaguar's high-end customers over until 2010, when an all-new version of the vehicle will arrive. The rumor mill is already working at full-speed, spinning out all sorts of commentary on what the next XJ will be like. Aside from moving away from the retro design that has essentially gone unchanged in profile and shape for several generations, it will also feature the same powertrains from the upcoming XF midsize sedan. This means that the next-gen XJ might actually have the ability to blow by performance Maseratis, Audis and BMWs, and go knocking straight on the door of Mercedes-Benz's AMG-tuned S-Class sedans. That's exciting stuff, which as far as large Jaguar sedans go, comes around once in a blue moon.

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