Jaguar updates XJ range of all-aluminium executive sedan

Hot on the heels of last week's new BMW 7 Series reveal, the Brits have struck back with Jaguar's latest XJ luxury offering.

The all-aluminium executive sedan has been given a refresh, with key highlights including a larger front grille, new LED headlights and rear lights for the outside, while a new InControl Touch Pro 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is part of an impressive audio/visual cabin setup.

Propelling the stylish luxobarge is a revised 3.0-litre V6 diesel upping power from 202kW to 220kW and torque from 600Nm to 700Nm, meaning the 0-100kmh dash is dispensed with in 6.2-seconds.

The rear-wheel drive XJ range also keeps the same supercharged 3.0-litre V6 and 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines as the old model, peaking at 404kW and 680Nm in the range topping XJR and helping it to 100kmh in just 4.6 seconds.

Eyebrows raised? Such acceleration puts it on a par with a Porsche 911 Carrera, yet you won't find a metre of rear leg room, 10.2-inch HD screens and folding business tables in the back of your 911. Rule Britannia.

The new XJ range consists of Premium Luxury, Portfolio, R-Sport, XJR and Autobiography models. The latter is new for the 2016 model year and is available with long-wheelbase body only, and comes with quilted semi-aniline leather seats, leather headliner, rich oak inlay veneer, 20-inch wheels and chrome front bumper air intakes.

The other newbie is the R-Sport with its three-piece front splitter, rear spoiler, gloss black finishes, 20-inch wheels, sports seats and R-Sport steering wheel.

The updated range also includes a new electric power-assisted steering system which Jag says improves responsiveness and driver feedback; plus there are more driver assistance goodies including the XJ being able to steer iteself into a parking space.

The XJ range starts from $199,990 before on-roads and hits showrooms on November 1 2015.