The dashboard sweeps across the whole car in a fairly high position. Three gauges are clustered in front of the steering wheel. The center stack features a seven-inch LCD touch screen for managing climate, audio and navigation functions. Jaguar has made the controls as easy to operate as possible and has avoided the temptation to include a host of gee-whiz computer controls. Unlike other cars in this class, the XJ does not demand careful study of the owner's manual to turn on the radio or adjust the climate.
The adjustable foot pedals can be moved up to 2.5 inches at the touch of a switch. Coupled with the 12- or 16-way adjustable front seat, they allow any size driver to find a perfectly comfortable seating option.
The Vanden Plas gets a plusher interior with softer leather, lambs wool carpets and a power rear window blind. The front seats have 16 positions instead of 12. The XJR and Super V8 get a sportier interior with seats offering extra support. They also have less wood trim.
Today's XJ8 and XJR feature roomy cabins. The long-wheelbase versions take advantage of the car being lengthened by five inches behind the B-pillars (between the front and rear doors) for increased rear seat room. The rear seatback reclines. Plus there's a switch provided for the person riding in the right-rear seat to power the front passenger's seat forward. This allows plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy such things as wooden picnic trays that flip down from the backs of the front seats. The Super V8 Portfolio's cabin is distinctive for having two bucket seats in back, separated by a large center console that houses storage areas as well as the controls for the rear climate system.
The rear seat entertainment system features two 6.5-inch LCD monitors embedded in the back of the front seat headrests. A comprehensive control panel located in the rear center armrest operates them independently from the front and from each other. One person can be watching a DVD while the other can watch input directly from a video game or camcorder.
