Spy shots: Next-gen Jaguar XJ disguised as BMW prototype

Jaguar is taking a big step and consequently a big risk with the upcoming XJ grand luxury saloon. Now Jaguar is only months away from revealing its next-generation XJ saloon, which is scheduled to debut on July 9th at a special presentation in London before going on sale by the end of the year. Speaking at the Shanghai Motor Show last month, Jaguar Mike O'Driscoll released some new details about the upcoming flagship, including an official teaser, and now we have new spy shots of the upcoming saloon.

Interestingly, Jaguar has attempted to disguise the prototype as a BMW, even adopting the same psychedelic camouflage material as its German rival. Despite the attempted trickery, this latest prototype is the most revealing yet, clearing showcasing the new profile of the car and a few styling details.

The new XJ will be the first model to feature the next-generation of Jaguar's aerospace-inspired aluminum body architecture, and it will be available with the carmaker’s latest 3.0L V6 turbodiesel and 510hp 5.0L supercharged petrol V8. A plug-in hybrid variant is also rumored to be launched one year after the regular model, though no confirmation has been made on this yet.

As indicated by the previous teaser, Jaguar designers have focused on alleviating many of the current XJ’s criticisms – namely the outdated styling and lack of engine options. One insider who had seen concept sketches for the car described it as looking like the C-XF’s features had been draped over an Aston Martin Rapide.

Previous spy shots revealed that the headlights will likely share some traits of the company's highly regarded XF sedan, though the rear could get fully-modern LED units of a unique design, possibly sharing hints of the Bentley Continental GT Flying Spur – one of the cars Jaguar would eventually like to rival with its new XJ.

High-tech features inside are said to include pressure sensing buttons, combined with backlit glass panels and the retracting transmission selector knob used in the XF.

Jaguar will start accepting orders for the new XJ in July with the first deliveries scheduled to begin early next year.