2014 Jaguar XJ Gets Mild Price Hike, New Tech Gear

Jaguar announced a mild price hike to most of its flagship XJ sedan line for the 2014 model year.

Most of the XJ sedans will carry a base price $1,000 higher than last year, but the increased price comes with a list of changes and upgrades. The naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 previously offered on the XJL Portfolio will be replaced by the 3.0-liter supercharged six-cylinder, meaning all models now come strapped with a blower regardless of which engine is used.

All XJ models now come with standard soft close doors and available massage functions in the seats are also enhanced. The optional rear-seat entertainment entertainment system is also new, and the brand is also offering updated interior trim.

Last year’s Supersport model, which came with a 510-hp version of the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 is replaced by the new XJR as the brand’s high-performance flagship model. With it, the car brings the same 550-hp blown V8 found in the new XFR-S, which is limited to 100 units and also debuts for the 2014 model year.

Jaguar puts an emphasis on offering refined limousine comfort in the XJ; especially in the extended wheelbase models. Part of that comes from sound deadening, which can impede conversations between the front and rear. New for the incoming model year, Jaguar is offering a sound system with technology to combat that.

The optional 1,300-watt, 26-speaker system includes something the brand calls “Conversation Assist.” It’s a system that uses microphones to channel passenger voices through the speakers for more “comfortable conversation” assuming impolite subjects are kept at bay. In other words, Jag’s loudest stereo is meant to make it easier to hear someone talking.

Other updates include new colors and wheel options as well as ethanol certification for both the six- and eight-cylinder engines.