Jaguar XJ hunted down by advanced DRONE (video)

Jaguar has released a video showing a Jaguar XJ being chased down by an advanced drone in China, demonstrating drone and car abilities.

The Jaguar XJ is a fine car, but it’s getting rather old and has been somewhat left behind by the latest iterations of the Mercedes S Class and BMW 7 Series.

In fact, the XJ has more or less been left behind by the new Jaguar XF too – which is actually just as big – but it still has going for it what it always did: for such a big car it is remarkably agile and dynamic.

So to give the XJ a few minutes in the marketing sun, Jaguar has taken an XJ off to China and pitted it against a very advanced drone in a kind of ‘cat and mouse’ chase, with the drone hunting down the XJ through a shipping container yard, down wide tree-lined roads, through pit garages and in underground car parks, demonstrating the XJ is nimble and chuckable – and that the drone can keep pace.

Stunt driver Mark Higgins, who drove the XJ, explained:

Drones are becoming increasingly integrated into society and they can do some amazing things these days, so when Jaguar offered up the XJ and all its technology to go up against one of the world’s top drone pilots, I jumped at the chance.

The Jaguar XJ is designed for the luxury executive market, but it is still a dynamic drive and very capable in all environments. So this was an exciting challenge to use it in. It was certainly up to the chase, and we found some fun ways to evade the drone!

Jaguar see this as a demonstration of the XJ’s capabilities, and point to some of the similar technologies advancing quickly in the drone and the Jag, like the autonomous circling and 360 degree camera in the drone and the sensors and on-board cameras on the XJ.

Jaguar’s Ian Hoban said:

Technology plays a significant part in new Jaguar vehicles these days – from driver assistance systems to telematics and infotainment. This race was an entertaining way to showcase our current technology of 360-degree cameras and sensors on the XJ.

In everyday situations, cameras and vehicle sensors bring an added reassurance to the driver, making it easier to manoeuvre and park. Our new systems are all about enhancing the driver experience and making it more relaxing, enjoyable and safe.

And, of course, it was all great fun to do.

Jaguar XJ v Advanced Drone ‘Cat & Mouse’ video