2016 Jaguar XJ gets 700Nm V6 diesel

Call it that awkward moment when a V6 diesel knocks on the door of its V8 brother only to boast it can now produce pretty much the same torque.

In what is becoming the month of limousine releases – following last week’s all new BMW 7 Series – the updated Jaguar XJ boasts a 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 that makes a monstrous 700Nm as well as 220kW.

Outputs rise significantly from the pre-update 200kW/600Nm and Sir’s sprint to 100km/h is reduced by two-tenths to 6.2 seconds. Consumption falls from 6.1L/100km to 5.7L/100km, thanks partially to a new electro-mechanical power steering system.

The XJ oiler also exceeds the 195kW/620Nm made by the brand new 730d with the same capacity diesel engine, though the BMW is 0.2L/100km thriftier and a tenth faster because it is around 100kg lighter.

Jaguar doesn’t plonk its V8 diesel into the XJ and probably for good reason when the 4.4-litre twin-turbo unit in the Range Rover makes 250kW/740Nm, though you can now also get the XJ V6 diesel in the RR Sport.

Styling-wise the 2016 XJ is a case of spot the difference – note the more upright grille and new full LED headlights with ‘double J’ blade daytime runners. If you want to pump that radio station inside, there’s also a new 26 speaker, 1300-watt Meridian sound system with which to enjoy 1990s alternative tunes.

A brand new InControl Touch Pro infotainment system with both iOs/Android connectivity also replaces the laggy old system, and there’s plenty of new technology including auto park assist, adaptive cruise with queue function that stops and moves with traffic and 360-degree camera.

The updated XJ is due locally in Australia in November, priced from $199,000.

In addition to the entry-level diesel, you can also select the carry-over 250kW/450Nm 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol, and 375kW/625kW or 404kW/680Nm 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol versions.

Five grades will be available – XJ Premium Luxury and XJ Portfolio in V6 diesel or petrol, XJ R-Sport in V6 petrol only, XJR in 404kW V8 trim and XJ Autobiography with the 375kW V8.

Jaguar says the Premium Luxury interior features last year’s Portfolio trim, and for those who don’t want to go the full hog with the XJR there’s the new R-Sport – it gets 20-inch wheels, a three-piece front splitter, deep side sills, side power vents and a rear spoiler, as well as sports seats, R-Sport tiller, ‘Jet’ headliner and piano black trim inside.

The supercharged V6 wouldn’t be our pick, though, and that torquey baby V6 may possibly even be tempting over one of the V8 petrols. Possibly.

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