2018 Jaguar XJ: Flagship Luxury Sedan Gets Performance Boost & Tech Upgrades
Revolutionizing British Luxury: The 2018 XJ Transformation
Jaguar's flagship XJ sedan (or "saloon" in British terminology) received substantial enhancements for the 2018 model year, blending cutting-edge technology with exhilarating performance. MotorVero's comprehensive analysis reveals how these updates elevated Jaguar's premium offering in the competitive luxury sedan market.
Key Updates at a Glance:
- New XJR575 performance variant with 575 horsepower
- Redesigned 10-inch touchscreen infotainment with smartphone-like interface
- Advanced driver assistance systems including fatigue monitoring
- Exclusive design elements for the high-performance model
- Enhanced luxury materials throughout the cabin
Interior Innovations: Where Technology Meets Tradition
The 2018 XJ's cabin represents Jaguar's most significant technological leap forward, particularly in human-machine interface design. The centerpiece is an all-new 10-inch capacitive touchscreen that redefines how drivers interact with their luxury vehicle.
Smartphone-Inspired Infotainment
Jaguar's latest InControl Touch Pro system delivers:
- Customizable home screens with widget-based layout
- Drag-and-drop functionality for personalized configurations
- Multiple page support for organizing numerous functions
- High-resolution graphics with smooth animations
- Voice command integration with natural language processing
This system represents a 37% improvement in response time compared to previous iterations, according to Jaguar's internal testing. The interface also supports over-the-air updates, ensuring long-term relevance in our connected age.
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Advanced Safety: Protecting What Matters Most
Jaguar equipped the 2018 XJ with innovative safety technologies that anticipate potential hazards while respecting driver control.
Driver Condition Monitor
Standard on rear-wheel-drive models, this system analyzes:
- Steering input patterns
- Pedal application consistency
- Lane positioning accuracy
- Time since last break
When fatigue is detected, the system provides visual and audible prompts suggesting rest breaks, potentially preventing accidents caused by drowsy driving.
Blind Spot Assist with Steering Intervention
This advanced feature goes beyond traditional blind spot monitoring by:
- Detecting vehicles in adjacent lanes using radar sensors
- Applying gentle counter-steering if an unsafe lane change is attempted
- Maintaining driver override capability for emergency maneuvers
- Providing haptic feedback through the steering wheel
According to Euro NCAP testing, such systems can reduce lane-change accidents by up to 42%.
XJR575: The Pinnacle of Performance
For 2018, Jaguar introduced the XJR575 as the new range-topping performance variant, delivering supercar-rivaling power in a luxurious four-door package.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 |
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Horsepower | 575 HP @ 6,500 RPM |
Torque | 517 lb-ft @ 3,500 RPM |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
0-60 mph | 4.2 seconds (estimated) |
Top Speed | 186 mph (electronically limited) |