Press Release
THE CONCEPT
"Any good car design - indeed the design of anything of value - should tell a story. The new XJ does that, with a visual hierarchy and clarity of intent. We took inspiration from classic Jaguars like the Mk2 and original XJ and created a Jaguar for the 21st century with pure, sensual forms."
Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars
The all-new XJ's distinctive lines mark the next bold evolution of Jaguar's new design language. The striking elongated teardrop shape of the side window graphic establishes the car's streamlined profile, and is balanced by a dramatic lower swage line emanating from the front wheels that reinforces the vehicle's forward stance. The new XJ's sleek lines are complemented by a taut waistline, which further accentuates the impression of length and elegance and creates a natural tension as it fades from the front arch into the middle section of the car before reappearing as a strong haunch towards the rear.
Bold, confident face
The face of the XJ is confident, with a wide front track and short overhangs contributing to the finely judged proportions. The nose of the car follows Jaguar's new design language, with a bold and assertive treatment: the powerful mesh grille and slim xenon headlamps creating a strong road presence.
The strong, muscular lower half of the car is contrasted with the slim and graceful quality of the roofline, which takes inspiration from the original 1968 XJ saloon. The wrap-around rear screen reduces the visual weight of the pillars, and gives the impression of an exotic ‘floating' roof.
And the new XJ doesn't just look sleek and streamlined: it is, alongside the XF, the most aerodynamic Jaguar ever. The car has a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.29, and, equally importantly, outstanding high-speed stability.
A key factor in achieving this highly efficient aerodynamic performance was the extensive use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to refine the shape long before the car ever saw a wind tunnel. Taking the process pioneered on the XF programme to a new level of sophistication, more than 400 detailed CFD studies were performed during the initial design phase.
Every area of the new XJ - from the outer skin to the composite undertray to the fine grille meshes of the cooling system - was optimised using this process. Key areas included the profile of the rear decklid, which was engineered to ensure that the airflow was controlled without the need for a spoiler. As well as reduced drag and impressively low wind noise, the overall shape achieves aerodynamic loads that are carefully balanced between front and rear axles to ensure optimum handling balance and high-speed stability.
Dramatic LED lights
The rear end is notable for its pure, sculpted shape, with a conscious absence of unnecessary ornamentation. The sheet metal of the rear panel retains its pure form, with a single leaping Jaguar motif making a strong, confident statement. The LED light clusters wrap stylishly over the rear wings, and feature three dramatic red, vertical strips.
Architectural interior design
The overriding impression from the interior is a sense of personal space, a feeling enhanced by the clean, simple form of the leather-wrapped instrument panel sitting low across the vehicle. At the sides of the cabin, a bold architectural wood veneer sweeps forward from the doors to meet at the front of the car, emphasising the new XJ's powerful, dynamic character. This linear, modern use of wood helps to create a truly welcoming environment.
The panoramic glass roof has been from the outset an integral part of the design concept of the all-new XJ. It enables a lower, more streamlined roofline, and also dramatically enhances the feeling of light and space within the car. The roof's opening mechanism slides the glass upwards and outwards, so that headroom is never compromised. A dark tint and reflective coating prevent the interior from overheating under strong sunlight, while twin electric blinds provide another level of privacy and sun screening.
