I think humbug2 is taking his changes back from the latest XJ, the X351 which does have such abominations as the rotary gear selector switch.

 

Afraid I disagree about the exhuast Humbug, way too quite for a performance car, needs a V8 rumble (this applies to the Supercharged models, IMHO diesel models should be silent)

Forgot to add paddle shift to my original list.

 

I would suggest they make it more like the Bentley Mulsanne: A big aristocratic luxo-barge, with tons of power.

 

How about this, the Jaguar B99 concept ...
https://www.google.com/search?q=xj8+...k0aK-slwCCM%3A

 

That should've been the X351! I've always loved that concept. It has a wonderfully modern front and a very cool E-Type style rear but still maintains the classic overall lines of the XJ. Maybe one day they'll come to their senses...

 

That is gorgeous

 

They should have given the x351 this rear end.

 

I would have liked the following:

1. AWD capability. My XJ8L is next to useless in snow. Luckily I get only about 3 to 6 days of snow per year. However, Snowmeggadon buried my car for four days.

2. Better interface with iPhone music so I can just use my iPhone without having to buy the ACM which doesn't work all that well.

3. Fold down rear seat. My S-Type had that and it was really handy at times.

4. On board OBD II. My '90 XJ6 would display what error message trigger the CEL. Now I have to crawl under the dash to plug in my message reader which is a bit of a pain at my age.

5. Temperature be displayed even if the HVAC system was not engaged.

6. Ignition location changed so my knee doesn't hit the key fob.

 

They need to have another company provide the electronics- I have nightmarish electrical problems on my 2005 vanden plas-The radio speakers became intermittent then stopped altogether, half the time the airbag light stays on, daily it shows passenger door open - have to restart engine a number of times to clear. when it shows passenger door open, drivers power seat does not function. The air shock is leaking - fine in warm weather but when it gets cold the suspension drops, air compressor is worn out- expensive repairs - replaced both rear bearings and hubs last year now the front bearings and hubs are making loud noise - just one thing after another.....maybe it was built on a friday?

 

Agree with most all of the comments above, except for paddle shifters. I am old school so would prefer to retain the old school J-gate shifter.

My wish list is probably more superficial and has more to do with aesthetics and luxury refinement:

- would definately keep the exterior design of the X350/358 model. I don't like today's design.

- bring back the use of the Vanden Plas and Daimler trim package names. I realize that the equivalent trim levels today fall under the Portfolio badging, however, the VDP and Daimler names are legendary to luxury and refinement. For the Daimler, I might even bring back the concept of the fluted front grille and fluted rear trunk lid bezel.

- might also be interesting to see what a coupe-ish like concept variant could look like as an additional model. Kind of like the Mercedes-Benz version of the CL.

- a nicely integrated and leather trimmed pocket or storage compartment for a smart phone would also be nice. Although I can simply put my smart phone in the center armrest area, it's not as intergrated and my phone can tend to bounce around.

 

They can't do that as Tata doesn't own the rights to that name anymore...

But they should eliminate all the fake "R" trim lines.... They currently have:

SWB
XJ R-Sport
XJ R-Sport AWD
XJ Supercharged
XJR
XJL Portfolio
XJL Portfolio AWD
XJL Supercharged
XJR LWB

Way too many trim lines and very confusing names....

 

In addition to pkoko's list, I'd like to have:
- Improved lenses for Brighter driving lights
- brighter fog lights to help with visibility on really foggy dark nights
- rear legroom on standard wheel base cars
- flatter and slightly deeper boot
- foldable rear seats, even if in 60:40 split way
- rubberised cupholders to hold 500ml bottles neatly and securely
- additional cupholders on door sides
- in town driving mode engine control to shut down unnecessary cylinders & pistons to improve fuel economy
- thinning of front pillar to reduce excessive blind spots
- redesign of lower lip of front bumper where fog lights are housed
- improve passenger side wiper area coverage
- better brakes and handling around sharp corners when driving relatively at speed
- increase track width of rear wheels

 

That is what came to my mind!!

Thanks-
Mag

 

(1) movable/extendable sun visor
(2) standard lambs wool rugs
(3) aux-in and bluetooth
(4) softer, less slippery leather

 

Sounds like you want the soft-grain leather, standard on Sovereign (VDP) and Super V8 models

 

This is one problem I have with Jaguars. The flagship XJ should have uniform trims all the way and not separated into base 'entry-level' XJ, VDP, Portfolio, etc. You don't see Mercedes pulling this b.s. with their S-Class or Lexus with their LS... all have one trim with same quality wood, soft-grain leather, etc.

 

You obviously haven't looked at those manufacturer's websites. You can get a S-class with regular leather, nappa leather for $1800, upgraded nappa leather for $3500 and designer leather for $8000+. Lexus has executive package where leather is totally different and it is around 7-10k. Bmw also different grades of leather for the 7 series with similar price premium.

The XJ and S class have the most standard equipment in their class.

 

I just remembered something...I wish Jaguar would've brought back the old school horn sound that my Series III XJ6s had. It was so classically European sounding. Now all horns sound the same.

 

Another thing I noticed today. The outer driver side air vent is partially blocked by the steering wheel.

 

A V12 engine