Description

Applicable models and years

Models with Fiber Optic (MOST) Interfaces

The fiber optic system is called MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport). It creates a ring network connecting audio and video components.

Primary Era: Mid-2000s to circa 2020

Affected Jaguar Models (Pre-2020, primarily):

• Jaguar XJ (X351): All models with premium audio (circa 2010-2019).

• Jaguar XF (X250 & X260): The first generation (X250, 2007-2015) and the early second generation (X260, 2015-2021) used MOST, especially with Meridian audio.

• Jaguar XK (X150): Later models with updated infotainment.

• Jaguar F-Type (X152): The original F-Type (2013-2020) used a MOST network.

• Jaguar F-Pace (X761): The first-generation F-Pace (launched 2016) used MOST in its early production years.

• Jaguar E-Pace (X540): The first-generation E-Pace (launched 2017) initially used a MOST bus.

• Jaguar I-Pace (I-Pace): Interestingly, as a fully electric vehicle launched in 2018, the I-Pace was a pioneer for JLR and uses a fully Ethernet-based network, with no MOST bus.

Affected Land Rover Models (Recap from previous answer):

• Range Rover (L322 & early L405)

• Range Rover Sport (L320 & early L494)

• Discovery 4 / LR4 (L319)

• Early Range Rover Evoque (L538), Discovery Sport (L550), and Velar (L560).

Key Point: If a Land Rover from this era has a high-end audio system (e.g., Meridian Surround Sound), it almost certainly has a fiber optic MOST ring.

Models with Ethernet Interfaces

Phase 1: Diagnostic Ethernet (Circa 2013+)

• All modern JLR models have a 100BASE-TX Ethernet port at the OBD-II connector for high-speed software updates and diagnostics.

Phase 2: Full Vehicle Ethernet Networks (Circa 2017+)
This marks the transition to the new EVA (Electronic Vehicle Architecture), where Ethernet is the high-speed backbone.

Jaguar Models with FULL Ethernet Network Architectures (Typically NO MOST):

• Jaguar I-Pace (2018+): The first Jaguar to use the new, fully Ethernet-based EVA.

• Refreshed Jaguar F-Pace (X761) - Post-2020 Model Year: A significant update replaced the MOST bus with an Ethernet network.

• Refreshed Jaguar XF (X260) - Post-2021 Model Year: The major refresh moved to a fully Ethernet-based infotainment system.

• Refreshed Jaguar F-Type (X152) - Post-2021 Model Year: Similarly updated to remove MOST.

• Refreshed Jaguar E-Pace (X540) - Post-2021 Model Year: Updated with the new Pivi Pro infotainment and Ethernet network.

• All-New Jaguar Models (2024+): Any new Jaguar models launched from here on will use the latest Ethernet-based architecture.

Land Rover Models with FULL Ethernet Network Architectures (Recap):

• New Range Rover (L460) & Range Rover Sport (L461) (2022+)

• Defender (L663) (2020+)

• All current models post-refresh (Discovery Sport, Evoque, Velar) now use Ethernet-based networks.

The Key Indicator: Infotainment System

• MOST Bus Vehicles: Typically have InControl Touch Pro (with the dual-screen setup in older Range Rovers) or earlier systems. These often have a CD/DVD player in the center console, which was a node on the MOST ring.
• Ethernet Network Vehicles: Feature the newer Pivi Pro or the latest Pivi 2 infotainment systems. These systems are faster, more responsive, and designed for the high-speed Ethernet backbone.

The Core Role of the Sound Source

In the field of in-car audio upgrades, the quality of the sound source is the most critical foundation for achieving high-fidelity performance. Due to the varying trim levels—high, medium, and low—of luxury vehicles, some factory-installed head units in mid- to low-tier configurations fail to meet the stringent requirements of audiophiles. These systems often output high-level audio signals that have already undergone factory tuning and internal amplification, resulting in compromised sound quality.

The audio interface box addresses this issue by isolating the audio data commands from the factory head unit—such as volume control, EQ settings, and other sound effects—and bypassing the built-in OEM amplifier. It converts vehicle-specific network audio signals into standardized optical or coaxial digital outputs that are compatible with professional-grade audio equipment.

By doing so, it restores access to a clean, unprocessed sound source and enables integration with high-performance aftermarket amplifiers equipped with digital DSP functionality. This seamless conversion ensures that audiophiles can enjoy a truly refined listening experience, with significantly enhanced soundstage, clarity, and depth—ultimately achieving a professional-level audio upgrade in their vehicle.

Package includes

For Jaguar Land Rover fiber optic interface

For Jaguar Land Rover Ethernet interface