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When it comes to large luxury sedans in the U.S., six-cylinder engines are rarely on the options list. BMW quietly introduced a six-cylinder 7 Series last year, while Audi did the same with its A8 just this year.
Jaguar isn't being so coy about it. The new XJ 3.0-liter is an integral part of the company's engine development strategy. The new supercharged V6 will also go into the XF midsize sedan and the highly anticipated F-Type sports car due out next year. It's not overreaching to say that this new V6 will become the bedrock on which the Jaguar range is founded for years to come.
In the case of the 2013 Jaguar XJ, the new engine is part of a raft of subtle change for the 2013 model year that includes revised suspension settings and upgraded infotainment systems. In combination with the introduction of a new all-wheel-drive version, Jaguar is hoping to get the XJ onto shopping lists that may not have even considered the brand an option before.
A New but Familiar Engine
The new V6 is effectively a cut-down version of Jaguar's familiar 5.0-liter V8. The loss of two cylinders has been accompanied by a reduction in capacity from 5,000cc to 2,995cc. To compensate for its reduced displacement, a twin-vortex Roots-type supercharger has been mounted in the "V" of the engine that features an electronically managed boost control, which Jaguar claims increases the operating efficiency by up to 20 percent.
The engine is further enhanced with dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT) and spray-guided direct injection (SGDI). Together with front and rear balancer weights, Jaguar's engineers aimed to ensure that the V6 matches the refinement of the V8.
In performance terms, the supercharged V6 still gives something away to the free-breathing V8. Despite having the highest specific output (125 horsepower per liter) of any of Jaguar's engines, its peak power of 335 hp at 6,500 rpm is still 45 hp down on the V8. The V6's peak torque of 332 pound-feet is available at 1,750 rpm, but comes up 48 lb-ft down compared to the V8.
Power Where You Need It Most
These figures, though, tell only half the story. The introduction of an eight-speed ZF automatic (now common to all XJs) has made the performance more accessible, while also increasing the fuel efficiency. Eighth gear is so tall that at the legal limit, the engine's barely ticking over. Its EPA ratings have climbed to 18 city/28 highway mpg, which is pretty respectable for such a large sedan.
On paper, the 0-60-mph sprint time increases from 5.4 to 5.7 seconds from V8 to V6, but in the real world, you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the two. The throttle response is good, if not quite as rabid as the V8's, and there's plentiful torque available throughout the rev range.
It sounds good, too. Almost inaudible at a standstill, its smooth timbre rises through a gentle crescendo until the upshift at around 6,500 rpm. It's just loud enough to justify the XJ's "sport sedan" aspirations without compromising its luxury pretensions. No doubt the exhaust in particular will enjoy a major retune before this engine debuts in the even sportier F-Type.
A More Refined Ride
When the XJ was originally launched, there was some criticism of its low-speed ride quality. In our original test we wrote, "It's a surprise to discover that this XJ does not soak up low-speed city bumps with quite the velvet pliancy of its ancestors, many of which were exceptional." We were not alone in our verdict and Jaguar has responded by retuning the spring and electronic damper rates across the range. Not surprisingly, it's claiming an improvement in the ride quality without compromising the XJ's handling.
The engineers softened the setup of the standard mode, while retaining the firmer damper settings for the driver-selectable Dynamic mode. On our U.K. test route around Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, there was evidence of a modest improvement in the low-speed ride, but it would be wrong to suggest the XJ now rides with the cushioned aplomb of a Mercedes S-Class.
Journey out on to the country lanes, though, and the big Jag displays an agility that even the Merc can't match. Switch to Dynamic mode, shift using the steering-wheel-mounted paddles and the 2013 Jaguar XJ does a decent impression of a sport sedan. Indeed, the V6 does such a good job that we'd question whether it's really necessary to pay an extra $8,000 for the V8. This is a nicely balanced, usable car, not an underpowered entry-level model.
Additional Upgrades
The rest of the XJ's changes reflect little more than the car's natural evolution over time. There are upgrades to the satellite navigation system to offer additional points of interest and it's now happy to guide you in Arabic, should you so desire.
There's also a change in the brand responsible for the top-end audio systems. Having made such a song and dance about Bowers and Wilkins, Jaguar has changed supplier. The top-of-the-range, 825-watt, 20-speaker system is now the work of Meridian. It sounds terrific, although we'd never really questioned the quality of the old B&W system.
Is This the Future?
The 2013 Jaguar XJ is not going to overtake the Mercedes S-Class as the default luxury sedan for the ambitious executive. Jaguar isn't ready to play that game just yet. At this point, the company is merely trying to insert the XJ into all the proper segments.
The addition of the less expensive and more efficient XJ 3.0 is one step in that direction. Adding optional all-wheel drive is another. The rest of the work is left to the performance and aesthetic appeal of the XJ, and it delivers readily on both counts.
The modest deficit in performance relative to the V8 is offset in our eyes by the efficiency gains. And given that even the most powerful of sedans in this class are too big to be considered truly sporty, the drawbacks to V6 power come down to prestige more than anything else. If you can get beyond that, the 2013 Jaguar XJ V6 is every bit the luxury sedan that Jaguar promises.
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
Is the 2013 Jaguar XJ a good car?
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How do people like the 2013 Jaguar XJ?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2013 Jaguar XJ and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2013 XJ 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2013 XJ.
Vehicle
XJL Portfolio 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A)
Review
UPDATE: This is still my favorite of all the cars I've owned. It is rock solid and quiet at cruise speeds, corners superbly, and is very reliable. Inept dealer service has been the only drawback - having to return to the dealer 4 times to reset the service indicator warning. Simply the best car I've owned. After many Mercedes, I grew tired of their mundane interiors, and lately their Rube Goldberg exterior styling. The interior is measureably more luxurious and inviting than any Mercedes we've owned. The doors close with a solid "thunk"' reflecting the quality. Instrumentation is straightforward, and the audio quality is far beyond anything we've heard from Mercedes. Despite the negative reviews of the audio/navigation system, we've found this system much more user friendly, and programs easier than Mercedes clunky system.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2013 Jaguar XJ
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What options are available on the 2013 Jaguar XJ?
Available Jaguar XJ 2013 Submodel Types: Sedan, XJL Supersport
Available Trims: XJL Portfolio, Base, R-Sport, XJL Supercharged, Supercharged, XJL, Vanden Plas, XJL Supersport
Exterior Colors: Ultimate Black Metallic, Polaris White, Ebony, Dark Sapphire Metallic, Indigo Blue Metallic, British Racing Green Metallic, Cashmere Metallic, Rhodium Silver Metallic, Stratus Grey Metallic, Ammonite Grey Metallic, Caviar Metallic, Lunar Grey Metallic, Ingot Premium, Carnelian Red, Carnelian Red Metallic, Azurite Blue Metallic, British Racing Green, Caesium Blue Metallic, Glacier White Metallic, Liquid Silver Metallic, Osmium Blue Metallic, Storm Grey Premium, Tempest Grey Premium
Interior Colors: London Tan premium leather, Jet leather, Cashew leather, London Tan leather, London Tan w/Jet Stitching leather, Ivory leather, Cashew w/Truffle Stitching premium leather, Jet w/Ivory Stitching premium leather, London Tan w/Jet Stitching premium leather, Jet w/Ivory Stitching leather, Cashew w/Truffle Stitching leather, Jet premium leather, Ivory w/Oyster Stitching leather, Navy leather, Ivory w/Jet Stitching premium leather, Dove leather, Charcoal premium leather, Ivory w/Jet Stitching leather, Ivory w/Oyster Stitching premium leather, Ivory w/Truffle Stitching leather, London Tan w/Navy Stitching leather
Popular Features: Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Bluetooth, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Heated seats, Leather Seats, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Navigation, Parking sensors, Power Driver Seat, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Sunroof/Moonroof, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, Upgraded Headlights, Aux Audio Inputs, Back-up camera, Blind Spot Monitoring, USB Inputs, Cooled Seats, AWD/4WD, Keyless Entry/Start, Mobile Internet, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, 360-degree camera, Upgraded Stereo, Rear Entertainment System
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 8 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (required), flex-fuel (premium unleaded required/E85)
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, rear wheel drive
