Jaguar is updating the big XJ saloon for the 2014 model year, and the updated standard models now go hand-in-hand with the spectacular new XJR super-saloon that we tested last week. There are no major mechanical changes to the 3.0-litre diesel, 3.0-litre supercharged petrol or 5.0-litre V8 (supercharged and naturally aspirated) engines, but the standard-fit eight-speed automatic gearbox gets a new tweak that allows it to restart the engine during the stop-start wind-down phase, if for instance, the traffic in front of you moves off just as you've come to a stop. There's also a new cornering system that holds onto a gear for longer if it detects that you're in a long corner and an upshift would spoil your fun.
There are some minor changes to the rear suspension too, which Jaguar claims will aid rear seat comfort, and there are now 'soft-close' doors that do the final part of the latching for you.
In the cabin, rear-seat passengers in the long wheelbase version can now have airline-style reclining seats (with massage function, naturally), while there's now the option of 10-inch touchscreens mounted in the headrests to allow those reclining in the back to control their own infotainment systems. It's controlled by a remote in the rear armrest that also manages the rear heating and seat functions.
Anything else?
The bass-tastic Meridian 1,300-Watt sound system has a clever function called conversation assist, which uses a microphone above each seat to enhance and amplify the voice of the person sitting there, allowing them to be more easily heard by the car's other occupants. Your own personal in-car PA system? We like...