Jaguar

XJ/XJR

Incredible handling and blistering performance combine in the Jaguar XJ and XJR. The level of luxury within the cabin is second to none and the list of first class specifications, including the state-of-the-art infotainment system, is guaranteed to impress.

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Test Drive

Jaguar XJ MY16 – first drive

There’s no denying the fact that Jaguar’s limousine-like XJ model has long been regarded as the flagship of the premium brand thanks in part to its dynamic performance and distinctive styling and now the new 2016 model reaffirms that status.

Priced from £58,690, the latest XJ has some subtle design improvements with new front and rear bumpers along with more advanced LED lights, but it’s beneath the bonnet and within the cabin that the real changes of note have been made.

One of the most impressive areas of improvement is the introduction of the latest InControl Touch Pro touchscreen infotainment system which offers internet access with a very fast Intel processor. It links effortlessly with android or iOS media devices and the screen can easily and quickly be personalised with favourite sections offering access to phone numbers, music, radio stations, climate control etc. Then, if another driver uses the car their favourites can be stored too. The system uses all the familiar gestures such as swipe and scroll to navigate the many features and this can all link up perfectly to the 1,200-watt Meridian digital surround sound system for pitch perfect clarity.

And back seat passengers are catered for too with two 10.2-inch high definition screens which fold away when not in use. They can also connect their own personal devices via two USB ports, one HDMI and one MHL port.

Another area Jaguar has looked at upgrading is the tft cluster which can also be personalised to show maps and navigation directions as well as the more familiar data such as speed and fuel gauge readouts etc.

Additional luxurious touches include quad zone climate control and exceptionally comfortable seats offering electrical adjustment along with massage functions to deliver the total limousine package.

The traditional XJ grade line-up of Luxury, Premium, Portfolio and XJR has been boosted by the addition of two trim levels called R-Sport and Autobiography. Jaguar has also introduced an upgraded Euro-6 compliant 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine that delivers 300PS and has seen a reduction in carbon emissions of six per cent.

With these new attractions in mind, it was the all-new R-Sport model powered by this super-efficient 3.0-litre engine that we tested on a road route that incorporated country lanes, motorways and busy town centres.

The SWB test car carried a price-tag of £70,975 (£72,495 with options) and could sprint from 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds with a top speed of 155mph. According to official figures the XJ, which was on 20-inch wheels, could deliver combined fuel efficiency of 48.0mpg with carbon emissions of 155g/km.

One of the first things that really impresses as you take your seat behind the R-Sport steering wheel is the luxurious surroundings that greet you. There is a leather-clad dashboard housing the latest technology and infotainment systems, the soft-grain perforated leather sports seats are beautifully comfortable and can be adjusted every which way possible to find the perfect position and that setting can be stored in the memory facility.

Additional styling cues that help the R-Sport standout include new side sills, side power vents and a rear spoiler. In addition, the grille mesh has a gloss black finish and the wheels are 20-inch.

Over recent years numerous manufacturers have laid claim to developing the premium infotainment system and then when you get to test them out in the real world they can be clunky, slow to react, difficult to operate and sometimes totally impractical. That’s certainly not the case with the latest system fitted to the XJ. It was fast, accurate, easy to adjust, the swipe feature worked well and the connectivity and sat nav system also proved very efficiently.

As a result, that meant we could sit back and concentrate on the driving rather than fiddling about with touchscreens and eventually resorting to the owner’s manual for instructions.

When it comes to performance, the XJ is a sublime piece of kit. It moved effortlessly through the eight-speed automatic gearbox and the level of power on tap was certainly not for the faint-hearted.

The acceleration was beautifully smooth and as rapid as you wanted it to be, but at times the car actually seemed to glide across the Tarmac with next-to-no engine, road or wind noise to be heard within the well-insulated cabin.

Then when the open road presented itself and the opportunity arose to push the car a little harder it lapped up the challenge. The new electric power-steering system was nicely precise and the road-holding was very assured which meant tight bends were confidently attacked and conquered at pace.

All in all, the new R-Sport is a very welcome addition to the luxurious XJ range.

We also had the opportunity to test out the awesome XJR 5.0-litre V8 550PS model with its 0-60 sprint time of just 4.4 seconds and top speed of 174mph. This fearsome model can deliver combined fuel economy of 25.5mpg with carbon emissions of 264g/km.

Admittedly, it’s not the most fuel efficient car in the world, but for sheer enjoyment, driving dynamics and exhilaration, it gains top marks.

The handling is sublime and the acceleration through the automatic gearbox is blisteringly quick. Yet the car has a calmer side too and can be driven at a gentler pace.

Once again all the luxurious surroundings and technology were first class and once again the car was difficult to find fault with.

I would say the visibility through the small sloping rear window is a little limited and the economy will mean regular stops to top up with petrol. But this is a car that costs £91,755 (£95,885 with options) so running costs are hardly going to factor into the car-buying decision too much.

And, of course, the XJ line-up boasts a comprehensive assortment of safety specifications and driver assistance systems such as lane keep-assist, adaptive cruise control with queue-assist, reverse traffic detection, closing vehicle sensing (similar to blind spot monitoring it warns of vehicles approaching quickly from behind), plus semi-automatic bay and parallel parking.

To sum up, the new XJ has built on its already well-established reputation as a luxurious flagship model and now offers even more refinement complemented by state-of-the-art technology, improved driving dynamics and more efficient economy along the way.

Test drive

Jaguar XJ 3.0 V6 turbocharged diesel LWB Portfolio

When it comes to pure unadulterated luxury combined with breath-taking driving dynamics, Jaguar simply has to be at the forefront of a chasing pack.

That’s because so few car manufacturers can offer vehicles with the elegance and sublime sophistication that Jaguar does and if you want proof of that simply check out the XJ in glorious Portfolio trim.

For this particular big cat oozes all the dynamics and performance capabilities of a sports car and blends them perfectly with the refinement of a luxury limousine.

And when you take into consideration the array of techno treats and creature comforts on offer then that price-tag of £70,980 (£86,465 with options) becomes a little easier to digest.

The XJ in its long-wheel-base guise looks magnificent from any approach. It’s a car that you simply can’t take your eyes off, but with a length of 5,252mms it will take a while to walk around.

It is sleek and streamlined with stand-out features such as 20-inch alloys, twin exhaust tailpipes, a panoramic glass roof, a power operated boot, bright chrome side power vents and Italian Racing Red paintwork just in case someone somewhere hasn’t spotted you.

Move inside the vehicle and it’s impossible not to be impressed by the luxurious surroundings that greet you with the finest leathers and materials incorporated to create a cabin environment fit for a prince.

The on-board technology at your disposal is extensive and includes a pitch perfect Meridian audio system with CD player, DAB radio and compatibility with all modern media devices. There is Bluetooth connectivity, adaptive cruise control, a soft grain leather heated steering wheel, electrically-adjustable seats with memory settings, virtual instrument displays and plenty more besides.

There is even a DVD entertainment pack for back seat passengers who can really stretch out in comfort with ample legroom thanks to the XJ’s length.

But, believe me, there is so much more to the XJ than appearances and technology – one of the reasons for its beautifully streamlined contours is aerodynamics and anyone who thinks the “supercharged” label is just for show needs to think again.

Because this particular XJ can sprint from 0-60mph in just 6.0 seconds and redlines at a limited 155mph. The power at your disposal is breath-taking as the car moves swiftly, smoothly and effortlessly through the eight-speed automatic gearbox and you can adjust the handling by selecting the Sport setting if you are feeling particularly courageous.

You can also take extra control over the gears by changing manually via steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The XJ really does seem to glide across the Tarmac ironing out all the creases as it goes and the sure-footed road-holding and outstanding ride quality means bends can be attacked at pace with absolute confidence.

The 3.0-litre diesel powertrain is nice and quiet with a constant supply of power on tap and the car’s highly efficient insulation means there is next-to-no road surface or wind noise even when pushed hard.

Due to its length, manoeuvrability is a little limited which makes tight parking spaces a little tricky to navigate but the cameras and parking sensors are a bonus.

According to official stats the XJ can deliver a combined fuel efficiency of 44.8mpg, although during my week-long test I was seeing slightly less – 39.2mpg – which isn’t bad for such a high performance car.

And my only real gripe of note is the extremely poor visibility through the ultra-narrow rear window and also the rear side windows which is noticeable when glancing backwards to cover a blind spot.

But that aside, The XJ is a fantastic piece of machinery and when you take into consideration all the extensive safety features, it’s certainly the complete package.

Test Drive

Jaguar XJ 3.0 V6 Supercharged Portfolio

They say an expensive car on the drive can help sell a property and I now know the perfect model to wow any potential house-hunter – the Jaguar XJ 3.0-litre Supercharged model.

With its £75k-plus price-tag and incredibly dynamic streamlining this car is guaranteed to bring out the green-eyed monster in the most placid of onlookers.

And quite rightly so because the XJ in top-of-the-range Portfolio trim is an amazing piece of kit packed to bursting with technical advancements and boasting performance capabilities that will blow your socks off!

The attention-grabbing car looks great from every angle thanks to its elegant lines, 20-inch alloys, power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, panoramic glass sunroof, tinted windows, power-operated boot, adaptive automatic front lights with dynamic pivoting headlamps and a whole lot more.

Once inside, it’s impossible not to be wowed by the luxury that surrounds you. Jaguar has incorporated the finest leathers and the Piano Black veneer is beautifully crafted.

There are examples of technical wizardry at every turn and comfort levels are second to none with leather massaging seats that can be electrically adjusted 20 ways and feature a driver memory package.

As one might expect, they can be heated too along with the steering wheel.

Creature comforts include dual zone automatic climate control, an easy-to-use satellite navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, Smart keyless entry and start-up, dual-view TV, a DAB radio and an amazing 825W Meridian audio system with 20 speakers that helps create concert hall- style quality for all occupants.

Another eye-catching feature and one of my favourites is the virtual instruments. The main readout dials look really striking.

All occupants can relax in supreme comfort and even those relegated to the back seats are treated to ample leg, head and shoulder space plus their own DVD system.

Luggage restrictions will never be an issue either as the boot is very generous in size and there are many smaller compartments scattered throughout the cabin too.

But the key to this car’s finest attribute lies in its “Supercharged” name-tag.

The V6 3.0-litre petrol engine oozes power and its performance credentials are awesome.

With its aluminium construction, the XJ is one of the lightest cars in its class and that means it can reach 60mph from a standing start in just 5.7 seconds – now that is fast!

It features a top speed which is limited to 155mph and although it’s not the most economical car I’ve ever driven it does return 30mpg on a combined cycle.

The XJ accelerates rapidly, albeit smoothly through the eight-speed automatic transmission and there is virtually no engine or road-surface noise within the cabin.

All bumps, dips and potholes are easily absorbed by the car’s efficient suspension system and the XJ performs effortlessly in busy, built-up traffic then bursts into life on faster country lanes where it hugs the tightest of bends for fun.

As one would expect from a premium brand, Jaguar has packed the XJ with a comprehensive range of safety features, such as Pedestrian Contact Sensing, dynamic stability control, a blind spot monitoring system and plenty more besides.

All in all, the new XJ is quite a catch. It looks incredible, offers amazing comfort levels, handles supremely well and is packed to the rafters with quality features.

It may come with a steep price-tag but sometimes you have to pay for quality and this car is quality through and through.

Test Drive

Jaguar XJ 3.0L diesel Portfolio LWB

Boasting limousine style luxury and blistering performance capabilities, the Jaguar XJ is one truly remarkable car.

The level of craftsmanship on this feature-rich model is incredible with amazing attention to detail and after a week-long test drive I was still craving more driving time.

There’s a staggering amount of on-board technology to accompany its eye-catching good looks and this car is guaranteed to stand out from the crowd.

That’s because it’s not just any old four-door saloon – far from it.

With an asking price of £69.5k which doesn’t include any of the £7,900 optional extras fitted to the test model, the XJ is not cheap and it’s not for the faint-hearted either as the jaw-dropping looks are equally matched by the car’s amazing performance capabilities.

Creature comforts include soft leather seats that can be adjusted every possible way to find the perfect driving position along with three memory settings.

Even the rear seats have electrical adjustment options and all occupants can enjoy the seat cooling or warming function and those in the front can even sit back and relax with a massage – well, I did say it was luxurious.

Then, there’s the tinted rear window which can be heated on a timer, the foot rests for rear seat occupants, a double panoramic sunroof, a dual view 8-inch colour touchscreen, a three-spoke heated steering wheel, a brilliant audio system with 20 speakers, four-zone climate control, mood lighting, a voice controlled audio, Bluetooth and navigation system, rear seat entertainment system with DVD players and plenty more besides. Even the wiper blades have their own built-in washers.

The boot is generous in size and is opened and closed with the push of a button. Elsewhere there are many good-sized storage compartments conveniently scattered throughout the cabin, including a glove-box with a sensor opening function.

So the XJ looks fantastic and is packed to bursting with state-of-the-art technology, but what about performance?

Once again, this car is first class in every department.

Acceleration through the six-speed automatic transmission is both smooth and rapid when required and the 3.0-litre diesel-powered engine produces a seemingly endless supply of power and torque.

Cabin noise is virtually non-existent except for the gentle purring of the diesel engine and the Jaguar appears to glide along absorbing all the road surface’s bumps and dips in the process.

The driver’s all-round visibility is unhindered and even the manoeuvrability is surprisingly good for a LWB model, although larger than average parking spaces are required.

The car features a comprehensive package of safety features such as parking aids with front and rear camera, a pedestrian contact sensor, numerous airbags, dynamic stability control with three settings, Jaguar’s Drive Control with normal, winter or dynamic modes and a whole lot more.

It’s a fact that the Jaguar XJ is not cheap, but creatures of such beauty and precision seldom are.

Test Drive

Jaguar XJR 4.2 V8 Supercharged

It’s never going to make many friends in the save-our-planet brigade and it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted, but if it’s an adrenaline-packed ride surrounded by sheer luxury you are striving for then look no further than the Jaguar XJR.

Powered by a mighty V8 4.2-litre engine that will leave you buying up any spare shares in Shell or BP, the XJR is pure class as it cruises smoothly and effortlessly through the six-speed transmission.

The quality of design is apparent throughout the cabin and the creature comforts are endless.

Features include heated seats with three heat level settings along with memory positioning, cruise control, a first class sat nav system that doesn’t leave you shouting back at the operator, plus one of the fastest climate control systems in operation today.

Admittedly, I have to look for faults in any vehicle and if I were to be really picky then I could focus upon the all-round parking sensor which is extremely sensitive and more worryingly a boot that has to be opened carefully after a heavy downpour to avoid spilling water inside. But in reality, after a week behind the wheel of my test vehicle the only real disappointment was having to hand it back to Jaguar.

In and around town the XJR is a pleasure to drive and its beautifully-crafted design is guaranteed to turn a few heads. Parking is made easy thanks to those sensors.

Then out on the open road, the pure quality of build and performance is instantly acknowledged.

Add in a mix of state-of-the-art safety specifications and the XJR is certainly one hell of a car.

Admittedly not cheap, but if you can afford the fuel bill, what the heck!