2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate - 2012 Beijing Auto Show

This ultra-swag Jag takes a back seat to no one.

As Chinese captains of industry prefer to be chauffeured around rather than driving their own cars, it comes as no surprise that the served as the launching pad for the XJ Ultimate, a long-wheelbase handcrafted that's all about coddling the rear seat passengers.

2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate

For starters, the rear seating area is divided by a full-length, leather-trimmed console. The individual power seats themselves are trimmed with premium leather and, naturally, have built-in heating, cooling and massage functions. But the real hedonism starts with the press of a button, when a small table—machined from solid aluminum and edged with piano black trim—levitates from the center console. It can swing to either side on its pillar, and raising it reveals a flocked storage compartment beneath that contains a pair of bespoke champagne flutes, dramatically lit with a phosphor blue glow.

2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate

We all know that where there are champagne flutes, champagne is likely to be nearby. So a large bottle of Moët & Chandon (sold separately) can be chilled in a compartment between the seats, and when this cabinet is opened, the bottle presents itself, lit up with the same theatric blue.

2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate

The XJ Ultimate also gets special trim materials inside: Herringbone ebony wood—mirror-image upper and lower halves, divided by a strip of piano black veneer—set off with aluminum accents.

2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate

That's Entertainment...

The Ultimate's 15-channel 20-speaker surround-sound system by Meridian ought to please the most discerning audiophiles. And each rear occupant has a full complement of electronic wizardry built into the seatback ahead—an iPad and keyboard set in a leather-trimmed dock, and entertainment screens in the headrests with audio provided by wireless headsets. To make the environment more conducive to easy listening, the Jag's air-sprung rear suspension has been reworked for a softer ride.

2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate

The chauffeur isn't neglected, however, with a 510-bhp supercharged V-8 paired with an 8-speed automatic at his disposal. The XJ Ultimate's exterior treatment is consistent with the interior opulence, with bold 20-in. "Maroa" wheels, reshaped chrome-edged front intakes, and exhaust finishers that echo the front intake treatment.

Only 30 XJ Ultimate models will come to the U.S. in a sole exterior color, Black Amethyst. They're available in late 2012, priced at $155,000.