Goodbye to retro with a look that polarizes
The design of the Jaguar XJ is certainly an eye-catcher. Some are immediately enthusiastic – others horrified. And there are not many whose reaction is in the middle of the spectrum. The look polarizes, and that is very daring indeed in the luxury limousine segment. Exotic and charismatic models have in the past been rarely best-sellers. Jaguar has been forced to abandon its retro look and sends its XJ in pursuit of those who might otherwise tend to buy their cars from the manufacturers in Ingolstadt or Munich. So much is clear – Jaguar has stepped boldly into the new millennium. But the implied fastback, the darkly pronounced C pillar and the generally chunky rear end take some getting used to.
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- Restrained sporting elegance in the cockpit, but the infotainment system could be a lot better.
Inside a mixed bag
The interior of the Jaguar, now a marque owned by an Indian concern, has British DNA with a modern emphasis. Until now no other carmaker has dared to deliver all instrument readings as projected images. And they could be more delicate, a bit more elegant and exclusive looking. However the projection of speedometer, RPM counter and other data does in principle allow for further customization and other visualization modes. In particular it can allow for information to be brought into the driver’s field of vision related to various ‘driver assist’ systems such as night vision enhancement, lane holding and lane changing aids. However it is also in terms of the available assist systems that the German rivals are a good nose ahead of the four-wheeled 5.12 metre long feline. The comfort in the XJ is of the highest standard, with climate-controlled leather seating and adjustment possibilities to suit all shapes and sizes. There is plenty of legroom both in the back and in the front, in spite of the massive middle console and sharply sloping roof line. The control switches and displays are well thought through, although the multi-functional monitor with touch-screen interface is not quite what one might expect. The display of a route map reminds of a primitive computer game and the delay in data input is as awful as screen legibility when the sun shines on the unit. With voice control the overall situation is little better. Jaguar promises to make improvements and claims to have made modifications in the newest XJ models. In the back passengers rid in almost as much comfort as those sitting in the front seats. The large sun-roof comes as standard and the front part of it can be opened. The lumpy rear end has, apart from its odd appearance, the advantage of permitting 520 litres of load to be carried.
Limousine luxury
Once the navigation system has been asked to find the right route there is nothing to do but enjoy the sensation of travelling in complete luxury. The very low level of noise, the three litre diesel is almost unheard and the driving behavior is excellent. Not all drivers will find the very light servo-aided steering to their liking but the suspension handles any bumps very well without ever feeling spongy. Thanks to the aluminium carosserie this is a luxury sedan which never feels too sluggish or as big as it really is. When pushed to the limit there is a surprising incidence of under-steering but this is a minor complain given the overall satisfactory driving dynamics.
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- The version of the XJ most widely sold in Germany is the 3.0 diesel. It produces 275 horsepower and 600 Newton metres of torque at two thousand RPM with Jaguar confidence.
A convincing diesel
The version of the XJ most widely sold in Germany is the 3.0 diesel. It idles so quietly that the driver can imagine it sleeping. But the big cat only sleeps until nudged into action. Then the rear-wheel driven 1.8 tons of automobile wakes quickly.The diesel produces 275 horsepower and 600 Newton metres of torque at two thousand RPM with Jaguar confidence. The hundred kilometres an hour mark is reached in 6.4 seconds and the top speed is like so many rival models limited to 250 kilometres an hour, but this is certainly quick enough to avoid any longing for a conventional petrol engine. In our test the XJ needed 8.6 litres of diesel for a hundred kilometres. The next generation promises start-stop automatic, an eight-speed automatic transmission and brake energy recovery – all of which will push fuel consumption further below the averaged seven litre mark. And then, too, the very British XJ will benefit from all-wheel-drive.
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- The entry price for the well-equipped Jaguar XJ 3.0 diesel Luxury is 78,800 Euros. And with the equipment upgraded to leave no wish unsatisfied, with all the extras in the XJ portfolio the price rises to 90,800 Euros.
Best of breed
The entry price for the well-equipped Jaguar XJ 3.0 diesel Luxury is 78,800 Euros. And with the equipment upgraded to leave no wish unsatisfied, with all the extras in the XJ portfolio – climate-controlled front and rear seats, 19 inch alloys, four-zone air conditioning and fold-down tables in the back – the price rises to 90,800 Euros. It is hard, however, to accept that Xenon lights for this model are also an extra at 935 Euros. But all in all the downside is minimal, for the XJ 3.0d is without doubt one of the finest feline predators ever built.
