Picking a car in the full-size luxury segment would be a hard choice. There are so many impressive vehicles: Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, to a name a few. We love each of the aforementioned cars. If it were our money though, we’d probably have to pick “none of the above” by opting for the Jaguar XJ.
It oozes style and class, and is more exclusive than each of those cars. Particularly sumptuous and uniquely British interior has us won over. It is so luxurious. Now the XJ has just gotten even more so, thanks to the Ultimate Edition, which is being launched in Beijing. Ultimate Edition is one of the components of a push by Jaguar at the upper reaches of its model range.
We’ve told you the Chinese are all about their chauffeur-driven luxury sedans, and as such, the XJ Ultimate Edition is all about the back seat. What an interior! The Ultimate Edition ditches the traditional rear seat bench for two “individually-tailored” rear seats covered in semi-aniline leather. They include all the control and comfort you could ask for, with power adjustment and recline, lumbar support, a massage function (!) and climate controls.
In between the passengers is a prominent center console covered in leather and featuring phosphor blue LED accent lighting. The experience is tailored for the on-the-go business customer. There is a button-activated business table made from solid aluminum and piano black trim. In the seat backs for each passenger are iPads with keyboards and dedicated leather-trimmed charging docks. Of course, there is also rear seat screens and wireless headphones.
Machined aluminum, Herringbone wood veneer and special blue LED lighting round out changes to the interior. On the outside, “discreet” badging and 20-inch “Maroa” wheels are the only differentiators. Under the skin, Jaguar has reconfigured the suspension to “optimize rear ride comfort.” The XJ Ultimate Edition is powered by the British brand’s 5.0-liter V-8 making 510 horsepower. 30 examples are destined for the U.S, all finished in Black Amethyst and priced from $155,000.
