2010 Jaguar XJ vs 2010 BMW 7 Series

2010 Jaguar XJ

The XJ got an extensive update and new design for 2010.  Its styling is radically different and far more modern than the previous model.  The XJ is available in XJ, Supercharged and Supersport trim levels, along with a long wheel base version of each.

XJ Power

The base XJ is powered by a 385 horsepower 5.0L V8 while the mid-level Supercharged model adds a supercharger to boost horsepower to 470. The customer order only Supersport model sits atop the line, and is powered by a 510 horsepower version of Jaguar's supercharged 5.0L V8. All XJ models will use a six-speed automatic transmission.

2010 Jaguar XJ Design

The new XJ takes some cues from the Jaguar XF, with a similar front end and cabin space. From the side, the XJ takes a vastly different approach as the shape reaches the C-pillar, which does not sweep in the same style of the XF. Inside, the new XJ features a unique, wrap-around dash, complete with plenty of wood and leather accents. A large LCD screen is front and center while rounded air vents give the XJ's cabin an air of sportiness.

Jaguar Technology

JaguarDrive, Jaguar's push button ignition and gear selector, is also included in this contemporary model. Technical features of the 2010 XJ include an air suspension, Jaguar's continuously variable damping Adaptive Dynamics system and Active Differential Control. Fuel economy for the XJ is respectable compared to past models, getting an average 19 mpg, and 18 mpg in supercharged form.

XJ Trims

All XJs get a long list of standard amenities, features, and technology. The base XJ includes an all new panoramic roof with electronically controlled blinds, 19" Aleutian Alloy wheels, Jaguar 600W Premium sound system, Dual Zone climate control, and softgrain leather upper fascia. The Supercharged gets the specifications of the XJL, along with a 470 hp supercharged engine. Standard on the Supercharged is the panoramic roof, 20" Kasuga alloy wheels, a choice of eight interior color combinations, and rear business trays in the long wheel base version.   The Supercharged is available by special order only. The Supersport matches performance of 510 hp with high quality build and materials. The Supersport is powerful and exclusive. It also includes a panoramic roof with electric blinds.  The Supersport gets Xenon headlamps, Jaguar SmartKey System, a Bowers & Wilkins Hard Disk Drive and Media Hub, a rear seat entertainment system, a choice of five exclusive veneers, a full color, touch-screen HD Navigation system, and much, much more.

2010 BMW 7 Series

The 2010 BMW 7 Series gets its first major redesign since its controversial restyling in 2002.  BMW will be offering new features including a recently developed twin-turbo diesel engine, the M Sports package, and xDrive. xDrive is the company's all-wheel system and is already available on the the 3er, 5er, and X models.  xDrive will be mounted to the V8 powered 750i and 750Li.   xDrive is an electronically controlled system that will spread out 407 horsepower across each wheel at appropriate points.  Front-to-rear power will be split at 40:60, but in turns the xDrive sends as much as 80% of available power to the rear axle.

Series 7 Power

Both versions of the 2010 7 Series (regular and long wheel base) will be powered by a new twin-turbo V8 and an output of more than 400 horsepower is likely, as the current engine already makes 360 horses while the M3's V8 pumps out 415. A six-speed automatic transmission will continue to send the power to the rear wheels. The BMW 740d, which will go on sale in the fall, will feature a brand new straight-six diesel engine.  The all-aluminum engine features BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, and produces a maximum 306 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque. 

Design of the 2010

The new 7 Series is not considerably bigger than the current 7 Series, but the wheelbase is expected to grow an inch or so to open up more passenger space. There will be a long-wheelbase version as well, and it may get a few unique styling details to put a little distance between it and the standard model.  The inside of the 2010 7 Series is similar to the previous model.  Big analog gauges are used in the instrument cluster and there's a sizable information screen front and center on the dash.

M Sports Package

This is a special package available where the customers will be able to choose between the new Carbon Black Metallic exterior paint, or the already-offered six other paint options.  Aside from the aero kit, the M Sports Paackage includes double-spoke, light alloy, 19-inch M wheels, with the option to move up to 20-inchers.  BMW Dynamic Drive, leather sports seats, a M-badged multi-function leather steering wheel, and anthracite roof liner are also included.  The interior of these cars will be lined with aluminum, except in the case of the 760i and 760Li.  These two cars receive an alcantara anthracite roof liner with wood trim.

Conclusions

The 2010 Jaguar XJ and the 2010 BMW 7 Series are two very fast, well built, redesigned and improved luxury sedans.  No matter the trim level, the XJ promises to be one serious sports sedan. Thanks to its light-weight aluminum construction - Jaguar says the XJ is at least 300 pounds lighter than the competition - even the base model XJ can go from 0-60 in 5.4 seconds. That figure drops to just 4.9 seconds for the Supercharged model, with the range-topping Supersport model making the same sprint in 4.7 seconds. The base XJ tops out at 121 mph while the supercharged models have free reign all the way up to 155 mph.  The BMW 750i effortlessly accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 5.1 seconds. For pricing the 2010 XJ is as follows: 5.0 Liter V8:$72,500, XJ Supercharged: $87,500, XJ Supersport: $112,00, XJL(long wheel-base) 5.0 Liter V8: $79,500, XJL Supercharged: $90,500, and XJL Supersport:$115,000. The 2010 BMW 750i comes in at $80,300, while the long wheel based BMWLi starts at $84,200. The Jaguar XJ is a bit faster, and priced slightly lower, but overall these two amazing sport sedans face off squarely.