2013 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ Supercharged

A new, supercharged V-6 and all-wheel drive join the lineup, as does an eight-speed automatic. All engines incorporate auto stop/start to save fuel in traffic. A limited-build Ultimate trim level, available only on long-wheelbase models, takes the XJ's already premium cabin to a level of luxury that's almost sinful.

The 2013 Jaguar XJ Series has several exterior features that make it aesthetically pleasing. Chrome vents on the sides feature the Jaguar emblem. In addition, there are LED taillights and uniquely styled xenon headlights exclusive to the Jaguar brand. These headlights feature a small cluster of LED lights for a more dramatic look. The 2013 Jaguar XJ Series comes standard with 19-inch painted alloy wheels. The XJL Ultimate comes with 20-inch painted alloy wheels, which are an available option on all other models. All cars have wide rear wheels meant to help with accelerating from a stop and grip on the road.

Each model of the Jaguar XJ Series is equipped with a large sunroof unparalleled in size by any other car on the market. The sunroof is able to push up and outward to ensure this does not interfere with the headroom of the passengers in the car. The sunroof features a powered sunblind along with privacy glass to ensure that no heat reaches the cabin. XJL models sit on a longer wheelbase than standard models, and they include the XJL Portfolio, Supercharged, Supersport, and Ultimate trims. The standard wheelbase models include the base XJ, Supercharged, and Supersport. Longer wheelbase models add to the overall price.

All models include front and rear sensors, automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a keyless entry system. There are eleven color options, most of which are pretty neutral. Exterior options include a heated front windscreen, sparkle silver alloy wheels, and a racing paint job.

The interior of the 2013 Jaguar XJ series is extremely luxurious and comes with a long list of options and standard features. There are an abundant 24 color options for the interior with 10 veneers to choose from and 12 colors of leather. Leather comes in three different grades depending on the model. One of the unique features of the XJ Series is the dashboard. At night, there is a halo blue color around the center console and the instruments cluster. Unlike most vehicles, the clock in the Jaguar XJ Series is an analog clock.

The standard fare for the interior also includes luxury features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power adjustable seating, heating in the seats, and a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel. Heating is included in the rear seats as well. Front seats feature four-way lumbar support. Also standard is a touchscreen navigation system, voice recognition and controls, and power windows and locks.

The standard audio fare is a 14-speaker Meridian sound system with satellite radio, HD quality, and optional integration with audio and media devices. This can be updated to a 20-speaker Meridian audio system. The XJL adds the Portfolio package, which adds 16-way powered front seats with massaging functions, climate control for the back seats, and the availability of a rear-seat comfort package. The rear-seat comfort package adds rear folding desktops, reclining rear seats, and lumbar support for the rear seats.

The 2013 Jaguar XJ Series features anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, and a blind-spot warning system. Emergency braking assist and electronic brake force distribution work alongside the anti-lock brakes for improved stopping and maneuvering ability. Also standard are driver and passenger front airbags, rear and front side airbags, head-restraint airbags, and side-curtain airbags. Also standard across all models is the adaptive cruise control. Other safety systems in place include cornering brake control and engine drag torque control. The Jaguar XJ Series also comes with a high-tech security system.

Lighting safety includes auto on/off headlights, auto delay-off headlights, and dusk-sensing technology. Headlights also feature self-leveling to ensure that the lights point in the right direction. Front seats feature whiplash protection technology in the headrests to reduce the likelihood of serious injury in the event of an accident. Overall, the Jaguar XJ provides an extremely high level of safety. Unfortunately, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have yet to conduct crash tests on the Jaguar XJ Series.

The 2013 Jaguar XJ Series comes in two engine sizes. The base XJ comes equipped with a 3.0-liter, V-6 engine that produces 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. All other models of the XJ Series are equipped with a large 5.0-liter, V-8 engine that produces variable amounts of horsepower and torque. The XJL's engine produces 385 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Supercharged models produce 470 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque. The Supersport, XJL Supersport, and XJL Ultimate feature engines that produce 510 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. All models come standard with an eight-speed, automatic shiftable transmission. Estimated fuel economy for the base XJ is 18/28 mpg city/highway. The XJL Portfolio gets an estimated 16/24 mpg city/highway. All other models are estimated at 15/23 mpg city/highway.

As expected, the Jaguar XJ Series performs extremely well. An upgraded suspension makes the Jaguar XJ Series feel like it's not even touching the ground. The XJ Series is extremely agile and handling is responsive. The smaller V-6 engine that is now available helps save on fuel, but the differences are almost unnoticeable between this and the larger engines.

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