Jaguar adds range of enhancements to 2018 Model Year XJ

Jaguar has announced a range of enhancements to its XJ luxury sports saloon. The 2018 model year (MY18) updates include the introduction of the XJR575 performance flagship model, a host of technology upgrades and the addition of the latest intelligent safety features.

The new XJR575 is the most dynamic derivative in the lineup and delivers 567bhp and 700Nm of torque for effortless acceleration and refinement. The 25bhp uplift in power is delivered by Jaguar Land Rover's 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine, which powers the luxury sports saloon from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds and to a top speed of 300km/h.

Available in the standard wheelbase bodystyle, the XJR575 reinforces the XJR's standing as Jaguar's fastest XJ saloon. Customers will be able to choose between two bespoke exterior colour finishes - Velocity Blue and Satin Corris Grey - created at the Special Vehicle Operations' state-of-the-art Oxford Road facility.

Tailor-made exterior details include a rear spoiler, side sills, front bumper and lower air intakes featuring Gloss Black surrounds. Updated XJR575 exterior badging and twin-bonnet louvres mark the vehicle out from the rest of the range while 20-inch Farallon gloss-black wheels with red-painted brake calipers are the final dynamic flourish. Inside, the XJR575 features bespoke embossed tread plates, 575 intaglio, as well as diamond-quilted seating available in Jet/Jet and Ivory/Jet colour options and finished with additional 575 branding.

For MY18, the XJ features a number of technology upgrades, which enhance connectivity with 4G Wi-Fi capability, allowing occupants to stay online on the move with as many as eight devices. In addition, the central console now features a larger 10-inch touchscreen. As well as giving customers greater clarity, the bigger screen functions like a smartphone, allowing occupants to pinch and zoom when using satellite navigation and create custom homepages for shortcuts to favoured features.

Jaguar's saloon car lineup promises strong safety credentials and the MY18 XJ features the latest intelligent safety technologies. Forward Traffic Detection is designed to assist drivers when forward visibility is restricted.

Lane Keep Assist is able to determine the car's lane position and monitor steering inputs. If the vehicle drifts out of its lane without indicating, the system applies gentle steering torque to correct the movement and prevent the unintended lane change.

In addition, Driver Condition Monitor is able to identify periods of little or no steering activity followed by sudden or excessive inputs - a clear indication of driver fatigue - and display multi-stage visual warnings to prompt the driver to take a break.

The pedestrian safety bar is raised further by Jaguar's advanced Autonomous Emergency Braking, which provides superior functionality with the introduction of Pedestrian Detection. The system operates from 5-60km/h and uses an advanced forward-facing stereo digital camera to spot hazards, automatically applying the brakes when the risk of a collision is detected.