Jaguar has extended the XJ saloon range with the addition of a new, long wheelbase version of its luxury sporting flagship.

The New XJ Long Wheelbase (LWB), unveiled at the 2004 New York Motor Show, not only provides greater room for rear-seat passengers but also offers a choice of seating configurations, new trim and specification options and a variety of communications and multi-media equipment packages.

The advantages of the New XJ Long Wheelbase do not compromise the excellent dynamic abilities and performance of the standard wheelbase car. Weighing just 24kg more than the standard wheelbase model, the XJ Long Wheelbase posts fuel economy, emissions and performance figures equivalent to the standard wheelbase models. And remember that, in standard form, the new XJ is some 200kg lighter than the previous generation XJ and around 100kg lighter than its nearest rivals. This weight advantage is even more noticeable among the long wheelbase models, with the new XJ LWB easily lightest in class.

Combined with the agility and driving dynamics for which the new XJ saloon is already renowned, this makes the new long wheelbase Jaguar as impressive from the driver‘s seat as it is from the rear passenger seat, giving owners the best of both worlds according to their mood or requirements.

“The New XJ Long Wheelbase isn‘t a stretched version of the standard car – it‘s a fully integrated model in its own. That‘s one of the main reasons the driving experience is so close to the other models in the XJ range, and why owners will enjoy being at the wheel as much as sitting in the rear seat.“

Like the latest generation of the standard wheelbase XJ, the New XJ Long Wheelbase shares all the advantages of advanced aluminium construction, including light weight, and significantly improved body strength, comprehensive safety features, refined performance, superb driving dynamics. The wheelbase and overall length of the new long wheelbase car have increased by 125mm (5 inches) and the rear roofline is subtly raised by 7mm (0.28 inches).

The New XJ Long Wheelbase is constructed using an extended version of the innovative aluminium monocoque introduced last year when the standard wheelbase model (SWB) was launched. The additional body length is incorporated behind the B-pillars, the longer rear doors giving the long wheelbase car an integrated and graceful appearance as well as aiding passenger entry and exit.

“A Jaguar XJ with an interior package that more than matches rivals may surprise some people but this new long wheelbase model sets new standards across the board. The cabin is a truly spacious and relaxing place to be and the generous interior dimensions really reinforce this.“

With the longest wheelbase and overall length in the premium segment, the New XJ LWB is comparable with the best-in-class for rear accommodation, offering a substantial 999mm of legroom and fully class-competitive headroom.

Depending on specification and customer preference, there is a choice of four optional rear-seat configurations, including fixed or power-adjustable bench layouts and individual powered and heated rear seats separated by a centre console with additional storage space.

Burr walnut-finished Business Trays that fold down from the front seat-backs – and are big enough to hold a notebook computer – maximise comfort and convenience for passengers who need to work in the car. There is also the facility to incorporate 6.5-inch display screens in the head restraints of the front seats, with rear-seat multi-media options including iPod, MP3 player and DVD connectivity. Communication possibilities include a telephone conference call facility for front and rear passengers, while rear-seat passengers can specify voice-activation for the four-zone climate-control system, with individualseat-to-seat settings.

Dependent on market, the New XJ Long Wheelbase offers the same choice of powerful, refined and efficient V8 petrol engines as the standard wheelbase car. The naturally aspirated 3.5 and 4.2 litre V8s and the range-topping 400bhp (298kW) DIN supercharged 4.2 litre V8 are all matched to Jaguar‘s advanced ZF six-speed automatic transmission.

The XJ saloon‘s elegant lines are enhanced by the increased length - the subtle increase in roof height ensures that the visual profile remains pure XJ. A range of new front grilles (depending on model, and shared by the SWB) plus the adoption of bigger, 18-inch diameter alloy wheels as standard (with 19 - and 20-inch options) confirm the luxurious, dynamic, distinctively Jaguar character of the long wheelbase version.

“The long wheelbase models add another dimension to the XJ line-up. The New XJ was designed from the outset to be available in long wheelbase guise and that is why the car seems natural in its styling and feel. The extra length also has the effect of visually lowering the car, giving it an even sleeker appearance.“

Despite the increase in length, the XJ Long Wheelbase remains compact enough to fit into a normal-size garage, and can easily cope with the tight spaces of multi-storey car parks – its turning circle is just 34cm (13 inches) wider than that of the standard wheelbase XJ saloon.

Dynamically, too, the New XJ Long Wheelbase is virtually indistinguishable from the standard wheelbase car. The aluminium monocoque shell retains its exceptional stiffness and light weight, while spring and damper settings and suspension mounts and bushing have been revised to give the XJ LWB the same highly acclaimed level of ride, handling balance and steering feel as the standard wheelbase model. The revised suspension mountings also reduce transmitted noise levels and improve overall refinement.

The XJ LWB includes a full list of active and passive safety features. Jaguar‘s Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.) combines dual-stage driver and passenger airbags with seat-occupation sensing, side-impact chest airbags in the front seat bolsters, front and rear side air curtains, anti-whiplash seat design and ISOFIX rear child seat attachments. The XJ LWB has four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), traction control and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) as standard. High levels of security are also incorporated, with transponder-operated remote double deadlocking and automatic drive-away locking.

These features, together with low repair costs (thanks to careful design and a bolt-on front end) give the XJ LWB very competitive insurance ratings.

This New XJ Long Wheelbase offers additional space, luxury and convenience without compromising style, driving pleasure or ownership costs.