Flagship Jag makes a big statement
Technically impressive and classically luxurious, the XJ shows there’s still a space for saloons, argues Steve Teale
Saloons are going out of fashion. Lots of car companies no longer make them and those that do often have big peoplecarriers as their flagship models, but not Jaguar.
This very British manufacturer is as traditional as they come so the flagship car from this company remains an XJ saloon. Not just any saloon, as M&S might, say. But a Jaguar saloon.
It isn’t the prettiest saloon on the market, nor the cheapest. But if you want the ultimate car, it’s hard to look beyond this vehicle – even if it costs over £100,000.
It exudes class, quality and distinction. It is, as you might demand for such a costly motor, loaded to the hilt with features which you may not expect on such a traditional car.
So what do you get for your money? Well, this is an exceptionally big car which costs £98,800 on the road. A few added options mean this model retails at £101,370.
The standard XJ is long but this is an extra 12cm long (nearly five inches in old money) which gives people in the back a little more legroom. And let’s face it, if you’re in the market for a hundred grand car chances are you’ll be chauffeured.
That’s a pity though for the XJ LWB is a hoot to drive. It feels so quick and lithe that you forget the size. It handles with aplomb and the engine note is stunningly good.
But it’s also a reasonably sensible car in that it manages 34.5mpg on a run and 25.5mpg on a combined route. Only around town (17.5mpg) does it become scary, but then it is a 5.0 litre V8 with emissions of 264g/km.
Performance is excellent. The car doesn’t scream like some sports saloons, rather it whispers its way to 155mph and hushes to 60mph in 4.7 seconds. If you want a car which shouts, you’ll have to try a rival. Jaguar is about subtlety.
Now you don’t have to spend £101,000 to have the XJ experience. The range starts at just over £60,000, which is still a lot of money but it stands comparison with executive rivals costing the same or more.
The XJ feels like a gentleman’s club, full of leather, walnut and chrome touches. If you’ve been inside an upmarket Audi or BMW recently, then this is nothing like that. It is more distinctive. Not better. Just different.
All the latest hi-tech functions can be accessed through a new larger 10-inch central touchscreen.
Because the console now features a larger touchscreen, it offers greater clarity. The bigger screen functions like a smartphone allowing occupants to pinch and zoom when using satellite navigation and create custom homepages for shortcuts to favoured features.
XJ models also get state-ofthe-art safety features including autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and driver condition monitoring. I know the last one sounds like BigBrotheriswatchingyou,but ifitpreventsyoucomingacropper it is worth it.
This system is able to identify periods of little or no steering activity followed by sudden or excessive inputs – a clear indication of driver fatigue – and display warnings to prompt the driver to take a break.
Other new safety features are impressive too. Forward traffic detection is designed to assist drivers when forward visibility is restricted, for example when pulling out of blind junctions.
In short the XJ is the largest model in Jaguar’s saloon car line-up and retains the physical presence and graceful design customers expect from a Jaguar flagship.
Anyone who sees this car immediately knows it will be both great to drive and to travel in.
There is huge momentum behind Jaguar in the UK at the moment with record sales, high footfall at retailers and more customers considering the brand than ever before.