Jaguar Australia has just announced the market entrance of the much-awaited Jaguar XJ. The flagship model is perhaps the biggest, most prestigious and expensive vehicle from the company’s lineup.

The new model is offered in both its standard wheelbase form (SWB) and long wheelbase form (LWB) in most of the range, from Premium, Portfolio to Supersport. A number of engines are also available per variant. The Supersport variant however, only comes as a supercharged V8.

A striking characteristic of the new XJ is the modern glass roof design. It creates a refreshing atmosphere for passengers and gives the roofline a distinctly sleeker appearance. The interior is similarly updated, featuring chrome accents, leather upholstery, black inserts and intricate detailing.

In-car entertainment is on par with Jag’s luxury standards. The Jaguar XJ Portfolio and Supersport models are fitted with a 1200-Watt Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system and a dual-view eight-inch LCD screen. The screen allows the driver view satellite navigation information, at the same time as other entertainment features.

Buyers may choose between the 3.0 litre turbo diesel V6 engine, 5.0 litre V8, or 5.0 litre V8 Portfolio or Supersport engines. The foremost version offers the best fuel economy, with consumption results of 7L/100km and emissions of 184gm of CO2 per kilometre. Alternatively, the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 delivers an impressive 375kW of power. A detuned version of this same engine is offered for the Portfolio variant, delivering a lower 346kW. The notorious aluminium body structure weighs 150kg less than its nearest rival and further enhances the drive.

The XJ is currently available for sale, starting at $198,800 for the lower-spec variants and excluding on road costs.

XJ 3.0D SWB Premium Luxury $198,800?XJ 3.0D LWB Premium Luxury $206,800?XJ 5.0 V8 SWB Premium Luxury $251,000?XJ 5.0 V8 LWB Premium Luxury $259,000?XJ 5.0 V8 SWB Portfolio $274,800?XJ 5.0 S/C SWB Portfolio (346kW) $311,000?XJ 5.0 S/C SWB Supersport (375kW) $354,800?XJ 5.0 S/C LWB Supersport (375kW) $367,800