Celebs unveil new Jaguar XJ saloon

Jaguar unveiled the all-new XJ saloon yesterday evening (July 9th) during a party at the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea. The launch was hosted by American chat show king and car fanatic Jay Leno, but no amount of celebrities, including Elle MacPherson, could distract from the radical new Jag when the covers were pulled.

There are hints of the XF saloon at the front end, but the similarities end there. Jaguar sees the XJ as a very sporting luxury saloon and has revealed a look that will certainly divide opinion, especially the rear end with its tall, slightly raked taillights and minimalist detailing.

In the cabin Jaguar has revived the warm blue lights to accent buttons and other controls and has used details like circular air vents and sweeping wood across the fascia to blend modern and old-school Jag luxury. The result is both ultra high tech and warmly inviting.

Three engines are available to power the new XJ and there are four trim levels. Starting the range is a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine - the new unit found in the XF Diesel S saloon - generating 238bhp and returning 40.1mpg while emitting 184g/km of CO2. A diesel-engined XJ in basic Luxury spec will cost £52,500. Premium Luxury is the next rung on the XJ ladder, followed by Portfolio, both of which can be specified with a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine too. Finally, topping off the range is a supercharged version of the same V8 unit, generating 470bhp and only available in SuperSport trim. That will cost £85,000 - or £88,000 in long-wheelbase form. In fact, all versions can be specified with a longer wheelbase, which adds 12.5cm of rear legroom in exchange for an additional £3,000.

One technological highlight is the high definition touch screen display that can be split to allow the passenger to watch TV while the driver follows satnav instructions. Jaguar calls the cabin a 'state-of-the-art living space'.

It should drive well too, with a lightweight aluminium construction, clever adjustable air suspension and a quick steering rack for sharp cornering. It's available to order now, with first deliveries starting early in 2010.

Mark Nichol