(September 19, 2017) LONDON — Jaguar has staged a unique drone race in London to demonstrate the space and refinement found in its full-size luxury sedan, the long-wheelbase XJL. High-speed drones piloted by professional racers flew through three cars during the race at Alexandra Palace, on a course marked out with 13 gates the same shape as an XJL rear door.

Travelling at speeds of up to 60 mph, the drones navigated their way through the door-shaped gates lit in Phosphor Blue and Red to highlight the interior ambient lighting options found inside the cabin of the Jaguar flagship.

“I’ve been racing drones in competition for years, but this is a first for me,” said Brett Collis, the victorious drone pilot. “The course was a great test, but the fact we were able to go at such speeds proves how much space the doors of the Jaguar XJL gave us. Despite having to fly through the cabin we were still pushing the drones to their top speeds.”



The ease with which the drones flew through the cabin of the XJL is testament to the extra five inches of rear legroom over the standard wheelbase XJ.

Perfectly suited to those seeking comfort on the move, the XJL boasts an exquisite interior and sporting agility that makes for a commanding presence inside and out. This is thanks to available features such as airline style reclining seats with massage function, increased headroom, fold-out tables and specially tuned rear suspension that enhances ride comfort.

Allied with three available gasoline engines in the U.S. market, including a 3.0-liter 340 hp supercharged V6 and a pair of available 5.0-liter supercharged V8s producing 470 and 575 hp respectively, owners can rest assured in the performance of whichever option they choose while enjoying the comfort inside the cabin.

Full of technology, the XJL shows new levels of connectivity and offers an effortless driving experience with features that include full LED headlights, available all-wheel drive and All Surface Progress Control (ASPC), as well as the latest InControl Touch Pro infotainment system.

“Quality and comfort are always at the forefront of our minds and this is especially true for the Jaguar XJL,” said Ian Callum, director of Design at Jaguar.

“The long wheelbase gave us the space to create a passenger experience that is second to none. We might not have designed it with drone racing in mind, but it’s a fun way to demonstrate the spacious environment we’ve created.”

The drone pilots flew their craft while sitting in the back of the performance flagship for the XJ range — the new XJR575 — which boasts a power output of 575 hp and acceleration from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.Available exclusively on long-wheelbase specification, the XJR575 offers effortless refinement alongside its acceleration, the Jaguar Land Rover 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine produces 517lb.-ft. of torque.

In the U.S. the 2018 XJ will go on sale this fall and is priced from $75,400 for the standard wheelbase model and starts from $84,500 for long wheelbase variants.