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| Jaguar XJ Ultimate |
The Jaguar XJ brought a fresh breath of air to the Jaguar brand. Its overall feline looks, luscious interior and amazing handling capabilities made it the must have feline on four wheel. However compared to its rivals, the XJ always seemed to lack something. It has the comfort, the style and the performance but all it missed to complete the picture is sheer luxury. Jaguar has noticed the problem and I am glad to report that the luxury aspect has been filled.
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| Most luxurious feline on four wheels |
The new XJ Ultimate is the most luxurious Jag ever made. Based on the XJ long-wheelbase model, the new ultimate is by far the best looking of all the XJ models. To ensure that one does not confuse it with a normal XJ, Jag engineers have given the overall exterior of the car some few twitches that help to instill its luxurious nature. At the front the grill and headlamps, that feature the J-shaped LED running lights, remain unchanged. The front air intakes have been reshaped and chrome-finished to match with the front grille.
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| 20 inch Maroa forged paws |
Its paws are 20-inch Maroa forged wheels. They are unique to this model and can be distinguished by their unique dual-tone colour scheme. A dark grey finish is applied to the inner surfaces of the spokes which contrasts with the bright, polished surfacing on the outer edges.
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| Oval shaped exhaust tips at the back |
At the back the claw like rear LED headlamps remain as they are with all XJs. Below the rear lights are new oval exhaust pipes finished in polished stainless steel to match with the chrome-finished front air intakes.
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| ‘Ultimate’ logo on the front fenders |
A chrome strip is visible at the bumper as the word ‘Ultimate’ is visible below the XJ logo. The ‘Ultimate’ badging is repeated in the power vents set into the front fenders.
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| Open the door to an amazing sight that only Jaguar can provide |
Under the bonnet is 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol heart married to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine has an output of 503 hp. Air suspension ensures that occupants travel in comfort at any surface. It can also be ordered with a supercharged 3.0 liter V6 petrol or diesel engine. Both V6 engines come with a start and stop system and have a rear wheel powertrain configuration.
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| Refined cockpit |
Open its doors and one is treated to a sight only Jaguar can provide. Unique crafted wood panels run from the doors to the front of the car. A Herringbone pattern runs from the doors to the front of the car. A clock, unique to the model, is mounted in the dashboard.
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| Unique rear leather seats |
The clock has a brushed aluminum face with an overall bright finish. Private jet leather is visible all-round the interior. At the back are two unique and individual seats designed specifically for this model. The custom made seats are covered in semi-aniline leather which offers a more solid finish.
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| Office, entertainment lounge or home…on wheels of course |
The seats feature winged headrests, powered recline and four-way lumbar adjustment functions to allow passengers to achieve the best seating position. The comfort levels offered by the seats are enhanced through the inclusion of on-demand massage, heating and cooling functions. The occupant positioned behind the front passenger seat is also provided with a stow-away button that automatically moves the empty front seat forward to boost the overall leg room.
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| Plenty of room to dine |
The seats are divided by a center console running along the length of the car. It’s fully trimmed in soft-grain leather, piano black finish and chrome. At the touch of a button a table made from a solid piece of aluminum, with a gloss black and chrome finish, rises up.
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| Solid aluminum table |
It can then be pivoted into position in front of whichever passenger requires its use. The rising table also reveals a pair of champagne glasses that are lit by phosphor blue ambient lighting. Between the two rear seats is a hidden champagne chiller. This holds one standard sized champagne bottle which, when the cabinet door is opened, is effortlessly presented forwards to the passengers. The champagne is kept perfectly chilled at the optimum temperature range of 7°C to 10°C.
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| Champagne chiller |
To keep occupants entertained there is a 15-channel amplifier, 20-loudspeaker system from Meridiandesigns. The system’s digital sound processing technology allows every person traveling in the XJ Ultimate to enjoy a musical experience that places them in the center of the sound field.
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| Standard third generation iPads |
In addition to the amazing audio system, there are two third generation iPads that come with wireless keyboards. The Ipads are housed within a leather trimmed docks in the rear of the front seats. They are automatically charged whenever the ignition is on. The wireless keyboards allow rear occupants to use the iPads without removing them from their housing.
The XJ Ultimate is an amazing car. At a price of $ 150,000 or Kshs. 12.4 Million (excl. taxes) its probably the best priced luxury saloon in the market.