It's been five years since Jaguar->ke39 introduced the current-generation XJ, and the large sedan is finally getting its first update. Paraded on public streets during testing since November 2013, the XJ is inching closer to production, as a brand-new batch of spy shots reveal . So what has been Jaguar up to these past six months? Nothing much really, as the sedan is only getting a mild facelift, but the updated XJ is starting to take shape.

Photographed while tackling the iconic Nurburgring->ke999 track at blistering speed, the executive four-door has yet to ditch the black-and-white camouflage covering its front and rear fascias. However, we now have a few small details to ogle at before this Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8->ke1089 fighter makes its way onto showroom floors. Are these new updates extensive enough to jeep the XJ fresh for a few more years with a brand-new S-Class on the market and redesigned BMW 7 Series underway? Stick around to find out.

Click past the jump to read more about the revised Jaguar XJ.

Spy Shots

Identical to its pre-facelift sibling at first glance, the sedan seen lapping the Nordschleife course gains an identity of its own once we take a closer look. The first things that catch the eye up front, besides the annoying sheet of camouflage covering the nose, are the brand-new headlamps. The XJ has been spotted numerous times the past eight months, but it's the first time it is wearing its updated lights. Although the units retain their overall shape, the plastic covers host a revised configuration that seems to match Jaguar's new design language, which is set to debut on the XE->ke3138 sedan later this year. In fact, the entire front fascia look similar to what we've seen in the XE teaser, with all the details complemented by a mildly modified front grille.

Updates continue around back and on the sides. Sharper lines, a more defined crease in the bumper, reshaped exhaust pipes, and slightly revised chrome ornaments indicate the XJ is becoming a tad crisper. Moving onto the wheels, this sedan is riding on the same twin five-spoke rims offered with the current Sport Pack. It may not mean much because we're not not looking at a production model, but it may be an indication that Jaguar is testing a sportier XJ as it tries to give the range-topping BMW 7 Series and Audi A8 a run for their money.

Powertrain details are still scarce as of this writing, but we expect the facelifted XJ to benefit from the same units, albeit with minor modifications for slightly improved fuel economy. The range will begin with the same supercharged V-6, while the top-of-the-line XJR will carry the already familiar 550-horsepower, supercharged V-8.

Why It Matters

Given its five-year run, the current-generation XJ is receiving very few updates. The sedan is already lagging behind its German competitors, and with a new S-Class in showrooms, that's not likely to change. Sure, the XJ benefits from a lightweight construction that makes it faster, more agile and more fuel efficient, but, for some reason, customers need more. Hopefully the facelifted XJ carries a few tricks up its sleeve and takes us by surprise when it breaks cover later in 2014.