So what exactly do you get for that princely sum? Plenty, it turns out. Highlighting the growing importance of emerging markets to Jaguar’s growth strategy, most of the enhancements are to the rear seat area, where most ultra-luxury cars are chauffeur-driven. The rear compartment receives two third-generation iPads, a champagne chiller and two bespoke champagne flutes hidden beneath a power-actuated rear business table, twin headrest-mounted screens with wireless headphones, and dual power-adjustable rear seats. In addition, the rear passenger situated behind the front passenger seat (which will vary by market, by right or left-hand drive) also have a hidden switch at their disposal to move the front seat forward for added legroom. Whether or not the feature is disabled if the front seat is occupied was not mentioned. If that doesn’t sound enticing enough, the rear seats also feature four-way lumbar adjustment, and massage, heating and cooling functions.
The rear-seat entertainment system can display content from the built-in DVD player, a digital TV tuner, or from an external media player. Both the climate control and entertainment options can be controlled by a wireless remote housed in the rear center console. The dual rear iPads get their own leather-trimmed docking stations and wireless keyboards, with integrated charging when the ignition is turned on.
In terms of the interior details that apply to the entire cabin, the Ultimate features a ‘bespoke’ Herringbone pattern wood veneer trim with a piano black accent, inspired by classic wooden-hulled power boats. Although the XJ Ultimate will be offered exclusively in the U.S. market in a Black Amethyst paint color, buyers will have a choice of ‘Jet’ black or ‘Ivory’ white seating and lower trim interior colors, with ‘Mineral’ colored upper surfaces. Although the default emblem on the dashboard reads “Ultimate,” Jaguar/Land Rover’s newly-designated ETO (Engineered to Order) division will customize it to the buyer’s wishes. Finally, the Ultimate dashboard is finished off with a unique brushed aluminum clock face with embossed details and a spun finish.
The XJ Ultimate is powered by Jaguar’s 5.0-liter direct-injected V-8 producing 510 hp, and mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The Ultimate will be offered exclusively in the long-wheelbase configuration, and features a specially-tuned rear suspension to optimize the comfort of rear-seat passengers.
The aforementioned ETO division, which was previously also responsible for the Jaguar XKR-S and Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate, is being given an expanded role, focusing more on bespoke personalization options, and armored and specialty vehicles.
