To show off just how large the new XJL model is, Jaguar devised a drone race in and around the new model with two of the world’s best drone pilots.
The XJL is the new long-wheelbase version of the luxury saloon, with Jaguar’s director of design Ian Callum saying: “Quality and comfort are always at the forefront of our minds and this is especially true for the Jaguar XJL.
“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 course was set up inside the legendary venue Alexandra Palace, London, with gates in the shape of the XJL’s larger doors and three versions of the new model used as obstacles.
With the drones hitting speeds up to 60mph, it was a test of both skill and speed to navigate the course, with the winner getting a lift home in the new XJR575 super saloon.
Sitting in the back of the XJR575, both the pilots used their high-quality headsets and control units to navigate the blue and red gates, with Brett Collis – driving the blue drone – coming out on top.
Following the race, Collis said: “I’ve been racing drones in competition for years, but this is a first for me.
“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.”
Collis got a lift home in the 5.0-litre, supercharged V8-powered XJR575, which has 567bhp and is the flagship of the large saloon’s range. It has a 0-60mph time of 4.2 seconds and an impressive top speed of 186mph.
XJL models start from £62,995, with the sporty XJR575 having an initial price of £93,710.
