Jaguar launches a diesel version of its top-shelf XJ saloon

JAGUAR has joined Audi (and beaten Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus) in offering a diesel version of its biggest and most expensive passenger sedan.

Available now and priced at $154,900 ($5000 more than 3.0-litre petrol V6-powered XJ6 but a big $25,000 less than the long-wheelbase XJ8, which is motivated by a 4.2-litre petrol V8), the XJ6D is fitted with the same engine that became available in the S-Type large sedan last year.

At $101,490, the S-Type Diesel Luxury sedan diesel carries a $1500 premium over the similarly specified S-Type 3.0 V6 Luxury ($99,990).

Direct competitors for it are the similarly priced Mercedes-Benz E280 CDI ($101,500) and Audi A6 3.0 TDI quattro ($101,700), along with BMW’s 530d ($114,500) and even the petrol-electric Lexus GS450h ($121,990).

However, Australia’s only other diesel-powered German limousine is Audi’s A8 4.2 TDI quattro, which packs a 243kW/650Nm oil-burning V8 punch and is priced at $210,000.

Mercedes-Benz continues to evaluate the S320 CDI, which is powered by a 173kW/540Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 and claims 0-100km/h acceleration of 7.5 seconds - just two-tenths more than the petrol V6-powered S350. Combined average fuel consumption is a claimed 8.3L/100km.

A twin-turbo version of the single-turbo iteration that motivates Land Rover’s Discovery TD6, the 2.7-litre turbo-diesel V6 found in both the S-Type and now the XJ is also seen in Peugeot’s 407 range, because it was co-developed by Land Rover and Jaguar owner Ford with France’s PSA Peugeot-Citroen.

In the aluminium-bodied XJ6D (and the S-Type TDVi, as both models are known as in the UK), it develops 152kW and 435Nm of torque to offer 0-100km/h acceleration in 8.2 seconds and average fuel consumption of 8.1 seconds. That makes it slightly slower but slightly more frugal than the forthcoming S320 CDI. Top speed is 235km/h.

Apart from its industry-first electronically-controlled active engine mounts, which are claimed cancel 90 per cent of engine vibration at idle and best-in-class refinement, the engine features a Catalysed Diesel Particulate Filter (CDPF) and meets Euro IV emissions requirements.

As with all XJs, the diesel features electronically-controlled self-levelling air suspension and Jaguar’s Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) variable damping as standard.

However, the XJD also comes with the same acoustic laminated glass that will become standard across the XJ range when a largely cosmetically upgraded 2008 model range arrives later this year.

The revised XJ range was revealed at the Geneva motor show in march (see separate story), while local XJ6D pricing was announced at the Brisbane motor show in February.

"The new 2.7-litre twin-turbo XJ Diesel is one of the most technologically advanced cars Jaguar has ever made, and creates a unique position in the Australian marketplace for Jaguar with a premium luxury diesel vehicle," said Jaguar Australia general manager Dorian Lapthorne.

2007 Jaguar XJ pricing:
XJ6 3.0 V6	$149,900
XJ6D 2.7 V6	$154,900
XJ8 4.2 LWB	$179,900
XJR Supercharged 4.2 V8	$219,900
XJ Super V8 LWB	$234,900

Read more:

Jag flagship gets a lift

Jaguar confirms turbo-diesel for XJ sedan

Top-shelf diesels here soon