Auto - State Of Grace
Fantastic sports cars, tough SUVs, and adventure vehicles…they all have a place in your garage. But there is always something – in fact, more than something – to be said about a stately luxury sedan, even in today’s modern age of future shock. All of these exquisite models are certainly chauffeur-able, but why let someone else have all the fun?
While the British automaker has underplayed its iconic sedan of late, this new model of Jaguar’s classic flagship is expected to arrive in a disruptive all-new, all-electric package based on the company’s Type 00 experimental prototype. Production will reportedly commence in the second half of the year, and details are still thin on the ground. It is even up in the air if this new model will ultimately be called an XJ, but it will certainly fill that role in the carmaker’s stable. The looks of the final product may cause some controversy (the pictures here are of the Type 00 two-door prototype), as the overall approach is new, modern, and technical, but early sneak peeks have evidenced some more classic XJ design cues that might soften the Type 00’s appearance. That said, it promises to give Jaguar’s signature comfort and luxury along with its new – likely distinctive – good looks and cutting-edge power source. Performance over the existing XJ is expected to be enhanced by the addition of all-wheel drive as the electric motor architecture places power at both the front and rear of the car. If everything goes according to plan, you can expect an impressive range of 478 miles and, reportedly, ultra-fast charging will be supported. Along with the new engine technology, the notoriously luxurious XJ interior will (in all likelihood) receive a significant technical redux, becoming a showcase of innovation, with high-resolution digital instrument clusters, a user-friendly infotainment system, and intuitively placed controls. The debut will represent a watershed moment in luxury EVs.
This year’s Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC stands as an exquisite testament to old-school fueled motoring. Powered by a hand-built 6-liter V12 biturbo power plant paired with a lightning-quick nine-speed 9G-Tronic transmission, the 621 horses (provided to all four wheels in this 4MATIC execution) give you a 4.5-second 0 to 60 mph giddy-up behind 664 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 to 4,000 rpm. Thrilling performance aside, you can expect superb five- or optional four-passenger comfort and luxurious amenities, including a Mercedes staple – heated and ventilated 12-way power front seats with massage, contouring, and memory functions; expansive rear seats get similar executive options (even the arm rests are heated). Interior LED ambient lighting is programmable from relaxation to active modes, and the front of the cabin features energizing kinetic haptic “shakes” to keep you engaged and alert behind the wheel. And that’s only the start of the luxury options list.
While BMW’s flagship sedan is available in a raft of powering options and executions, the 2025 i7 M70, with that tell-tale “M” performance classification, offers a fully-electrified luxury sedan with punch. Dual high-performance electric motors produce 650hp and a superb 749 footpounds of blistering torque. Top speed is rated at 130 mph, with a neck-snapping 0 to 60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds. Range is a respectable 285 miles for a beast that provides this level of performance (as well as full-time xDrive all-wheel drive). With an optional two-tone exterior paint execution, this car makes a statement even when it’s standing still. An uncannily luxurious interior, however, tames the beast. Expect all of the finishing, leather, and touchpoint options you’d expect from the carmaker, along with the latest BMW enhancement technologies like an illuminated grille, parking assist, 360-degree camera views, and Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof, to name just a few.
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