The sloping roof may give the XJ a sleek look but it has come at the cost of space for rear-seat passengers.
Jaguar remains divided on whether to stick with this dramatic look for the next generation of its flagship sedan or switch to a conventional three-box shape that maximizes interior space.
According to Edmunds, Jaguar’s solution is to go with both options; that is, to build two distinct versions of the next XJ.
The reason behind the decision is said to be the divergent tastes in Jaguar's global markets, particularly between those of China and the U.S.
In China, it’s common for luxury sedan owners to ride along in the back seat and have a chauffeur deal with the driving duties. It’s because of this reason that rear-seat space is crucial.
In the U.S., it’s the dramatic, almost fastback look that makes the XJ stand out, and returning to the rather dull look of the previous-generation XJ is unlikely to be a popular move among Jaguar’s ranks.
Not much else is known about the next XJ, though Jaguar has previewed a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that is expected to feature in the car. A lightweight aluminum chassis will remain, and combined with the hybrid system could see the new luxury sedan return a fuel economy in excess of 70 mpg.
