2010 Jaguar XJ Interior, Engine, and Specs

The interior features the XF's "handshake" gearshift knob, which withdraws out of sight until rendered for use. There's a 3D virtual instrument cluster, an eight-inch high-definition touch screen for navigation, interactive voice control, and a media hub with DVD audio and video with a hard-disc storage system and high-fidelity audio with an optional 1200-watt, 15-channel Bowers & Wilkins amp, 20 B&W speakers, and Dolby Pro Logic II 7.1 Surround-Sound.

A four-zone climate control and heated/cooled seats with massage and adjustable bolsters come standard. The long-wheelbase XJ adds five inches of rear legroom and a rear-seat entertainment system with wireless, digital headphones. There are two Apple iPhone-style infrared wireless remote controls for the rear-seat passengers, as well.

The XJ's adaptive seatbelts cinch up under emergency braking, and the belts are tied to the adaptive dynamics and the stability control systems. It's swathed in typically supple Jaguar leather and a wide choice of wood or metal interior trims.

All this is wrapped in a very light, rigid aluminum monocoque bodyshell that makes the standard-wheelbase '10 XJ lighter than the shorter, steel-bodied XF. Body panels consist of up to 50-percent recycled aluminum, and Jaguar has set a goal of 75-percent recycled aluminum. The XJ is up to 570 pounds lighter than its competition, which of course includes the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Audi A8.

Xenon headlamps are standard, and all other exterior lighting is LED -- no bulbs. The front lights are adaptive, with optional intelligent high beams.

The 5.0-liter, 385-horsepower V-8 is standard, with supercharged 5.0-liter V-8s of 470 horsepower and 510 horsepower optional. Transmission is a six-speed sequential automatic with paddles and adaptive shifting. Rear air suspension is standard, and Jaguar's CATS adaptive dynamic suspension is available. North America won't get the 3.0-liter diesel V-6. Jaguar says it has no plans for an R version, although it leaves open the possibility for more power and sport.