2014 Jaguar XJ updates announced

The 2014 Jaguar XJ (pictured) gets a number of updates

Updates come along every year for cars as manufacturers look to keep up with the competition.

But the updates for the 2014 Jaguar XJ are perhaps more relevant this year with the arrival of the new Mercedes S-Class, as Jaguar try to keep the now ageing XJ an attractive offering. But Jaguar have concentrated more on the feel than the look of the XJ with its 2014 upgrades, so there are no real cosmetic differences.

Power plants also remain the same – the 3.0 litre diesel, 3.0 litre V6 petrol supercharged and the V8 Supercharged in two power levels – with not even a tweak to claim better mpg or lower emissions.

But there are changes under the skin with Intelligent Stop-Start now available across the range and tweaked to be able to “…shut down the engine when the car comes to a halt, and restart it in less time than it takes for the driver’s foot to move from the brake to the accelerator”. Which is great, unless you’re a left foot braker.

Jaguar has also fitted a separate battery for the Stop-Start so normal car functions still continue to use the main battery when the engine is stopped, with the engine kicking in if the battery drain is too much.

The biggest changes come for back seat passengers in the LWB XJ, with new airline style reclining seats – with massage function – which Jaguar has managed to drop by 13mm, adding a much needed extra bit of headroom.

The rear suspension has also been given a tweak in the LWB to improve comfort, there’s a new rear entertainment package with a pair of 10.2″ screens, leather-surfaced business tables (what used to be called picnic tables) and ‘Conversation Assist’ to aid easier chit-chat.

They are all nice updates for the XJ, although they’re perhaps a little ‘sticking plaster’ in nature as the S-Class appears to redefine the offerings in this sector.

But if you enjoy driving, the 2014 Jaguar XJ is still the pick of the bunch, especially if you buy with your heart.

By Cars UK