I'm looking to upgrade the stock radio on my '97 XJ6 VDP, which of course, is a single-DIN unit but with the taller, curved fascia. Looking for all the modern amenities: Bluetooth, audio connection via USB or 1/8" analog input, navigation, etc.

I'll detail my plans below, but I'd love to hear from anyone who has also solved this problem and who has different advice.

I'd love to have navigation in the unit itself, but a stereo with a flip-out motorized screen seems to be a non-starter. First, given the proximity of the gearshift, it would likely hit the shift knob when deploying. I'd have to remember to always be in gear or in neutral. Second, when open, the screen would block access to all the other controls in the center console, as the radio is positioned at the bottom.

So, looking to use my smartphone as the screen and pair with a good single-DIN Bluetooth stereo. So far, I'm considering this (or a newer/higher-end variant) for a head unit:

The Best Bluetooth Car Stereo (for use with smartphones) | The Wirecutter

For mounting the smartphone at eye level without marring the dash in any way, ProClip seems to be the solution:

Jaguar*XJ-series*1997*Dashboard Mounts*-*ProClip USA

I'd have a professional installer run the charging cable from the phone cradle through the dash, as I can't stand wires dangling and running over things in the cabin.

What this leaves is some kind of filler/trim plate to take up the extra gap and maintain as much of a stock look as possible. Would be grateful for any recommendations there.

And again, did anyone approach this application in a different way? Thanks!

 

This is what you're after:
Jaguar XJ Radio Fascia Adaptor

You can probably find them on Ebay too.

I was just about to recommend the new Sony units, as they're meant to be great with bluetooth and app remote... but I see they're already on the review site you've linked. I haven't used them personally, but I have heard good things.
The other ones to keep an eye out for are the new range by Parrot. They're basically a smartphone in the shape of a radio, and I have had a play with one of them, and it was quite impressive.