The choice of luxury cars has never been better than at present, especially in view of the current economic climate where no company is exempt from the credit crisis. Certain cars have a trendy appeal, some a chic appeal and some a more emotional pull. One such marque is Jaguar. Its appeal here in the UK stretches back many years and it has rarely been out of the headlines, most recently when the company was sold along with its sister company Land Rover to the Indian car maker Tata.
Always favouring evolution rather than revolution in design style the XJ saloon has been in the showrooms in various guises since the late 60s. In its latest form the XJ is somewhat of a hidden technological marvel having been aluminium bodied since its last makeover. I say makeover but there were a whole host of changes of which the aluminium body was the headline. A recently rationalised range sees just three models in the line-up starting with the fantastically smooth twin-turbo 2.7 diesel Executive and Sovereign and topping out with the flagship SV8 petrol version. Prices have always been competitive and start from £44,599 rising to £57,760. My XJ test car in extra spacious long wheelbase form offers an awful lot of car for your cash at just over £46,000.
Some may have criticised Jaguar for being too unadventurous with the style of the XJ, and indeed when viewed against competitors such as the Mercedes Benz S Class and BMW 7-Series it perhaps is. However they too have their critics and the XJ does have a rather chic and classy appeal. It’s all rather like comparing old money against new, one is rather brash and in your face, the other discreet and classy, not needing to shout its presence. It’s fair to say that the new XJ due next year will not be seen as unadventurous.
In the meantime the current XJ’s classy looks and appeal continue inside the car with wood and leather aplenty including enough rear seat space to hold a dance. This is the advantage of the LWB model compared to the standard car. Standard fare is, as ever with Jaguar, generous including masses of wood and leather, electric assistance with everything, climate control par excellence and probably the best standard fit sound system I‘ve ever heard.
On the road the XJ’s handling belies its size thanks to self-levelling suspension that is also computer controlled via sensors monitoring the driver input. Allied to sharp steering and a silky smooth 6-speed automatic gearbox you begin to see why XJ buyers are so loyal. The 2.7 twin turbo engine is superb and is arguably quieter and more refined than many petrol engines. With masses of torque available across a wide band of engine revolutions the power delivery is immediate and refined.
Multi-adjustment of steering wheel and seating ensures a perfect driving position and for rear seat passenger’s things get even better in this long wheelbase version. For those who have always thought the XJ a little tight in the rear this LWB version will bring no such complaints. It is a veritable automotive dance hall.
Jaguar’s finish and build quality has been improving for some time and the XJ more than matches the German competition in terms of its look and feel, both externally and internally. You can also now specify your Jaguar with darker more Teutonic interiors and lose the wood in favour of carbon fibre or machined alloy dependent upon the model. Somehow though the XJ is more firmly suited to the luxury of veneer and cream leather. Verdict? Superb!
