Jaguar is supposedly working on a second body style for the next-gen XJ model which is targeted mostly for the Chinese market.
The first one will be a follow-up to the existing model and the second body style will come without the sloping roof in order to provide more space inside the cabin. Apparently the reason for this development is to better meet the demand of Chinese customers who prefer more comfort rather than aesthetics. This approach to comfort is confirmed when looking at the numerous long-wheelbase versions of premium sedans the Germans have been launching in the past few years.
Not much information about the next-gen XJ is available as of now but it could receive a plug-in hybrid variant judging by the research vehicle that was presented last year. The car that was earlier presented had a turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0-liter engine, a 94 HP (69 kW) electric motor and a lithium-ion 12.3 kWh battery pack. This led to a combined output of 334 hp (246 kW) and the car can accelerate to 0-62 mph (0-100 kmph) in just 6.5 seconds and also has an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph (250 kmph).
The car was also able to travel on electric power upto 25 miles (40 km) and once the range-extending gasoline engine was activated the special XJ returned 73.5 mpg US (88.3 mpg UK or 3.2 liters / 100 km), resulting a range of 679 miles (1,092 km). These numbers will be improved as the next-gen XJ will probably be lighter while the hybrid powertrain will receive several tweaks.
The next gen Jaquar XJ is expected to hit the markets in the year 2016 but there is on confirmed news on whether the second body style will be exclusively for China or would be sold around the world.
