What the Queen would drive

(This review has been updated to include model years 2004 through 2007)

In addition to being Jaguar’s flagship model, the XJ is the longest-running nameplate in Jaguar history.  First introduced in 1968, the XJ series is in its seventh iteration (the Big Cat was completely redesigned in 2004).

The elements of classic Jaguar sedan design are unmistakable but the new rear-wheel-drive luxury XJ is longer, taller and wider and rides on a longer wheelbase.  Ford Motor Company, which now owns Jaguar, went to great lengths and spent hundreds of millions of dollars to update the XJ, beginning with a new lightweight all-aluminum body.

Constructed with a rivet bonding and adhesive technique borrowed from the aerospace industry, the new aluminum body is 60 percent stiffer and 40 percent lighter than the previous XJ.   All that means less body flex, which improves the already butter-smooth ride and handling. 

But the XJ is a true luxury car meant stand toe to toe with ultra competitive luxury sedans like Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Audi A8 L, Volkswagen Phaeton and Lexus LS430.  I’ve driven and tested all of these premium luxury sedans and I give the edge to the new XJR Jaguar.  This is a beautiful automobile by any standard.

For 2007, XJ is available in a series of five models: XJ8 ($64,250); XJ8 L ($67,750), essentially the same as the XJ8 but with more rear-seat room; Vanden Plas ($75,500); XJR ($81,500), a supercharged high-performance 400-horsepower model; and the Super V-8 ($92,000), the same as the XJR, but with a longer wheel base and upgrades that are optional on other models.

For 2007, I drove the XJ Vanden Plas with additional backseat room.

My tester was finished in frost blue with champagne/mocha leather interior and burl walnut interior trim.  The Vanden Plas is an upgrade of the XJ8, and is trimmed with a twin-stitched leather dashboard, burl walnut trim with Peruvian boxwood inlays, lambs wool carpeting, 16-way power front seats, three-stage heated front and rear seats, and heated steering wheel.  There are rear fold-down trays similar to what you would find on a commercial jetliner, and a 320-watt Alpine premium audio system. 

Additional touches for 2007 include the XJR’s chrome mesh grille on all models, a body-color surround for its mesh grille and identifying “R” badging.

Inside, you’re treated to the warmth and richness of leather, chrome and walnut burl trim. In sheer elegance, interiors don’t get any better than this.  With the increase in exterior dimensions comes a welcome 40 percent of additional interior room and trunk space.

As you would expect in a premium luxury sedan, there’s a full compliment of standard features and equipment, like 16-way power and heated front seats, Xenon headlamps, power adjustable pedals, dual zone climate control, and self-leveling suspension.  My test model included three options: a multimedia package with DVD entertainment and two 6.5-inch screens ($2950); a warm climate package with 4-zone climate control and rear adjustable side window blinds ($1350); and 19-inch custom chrome wheels ($2600).

Other changes for 2007 include Bluetooth connectivity, now standard. Seat piping has been added as standard equipment on the XJ8, XJ8 L and XJR.  The Vanden Plas edition gets standard front parking control as well.  Gloss elm veneer has been added as a no cost alternative to the standard burl walnut interior trim. 

In 2004, I tested the XJR model powered by the 390 horsepower (upped to 400-horsepower on 2007 XJRs) supercharged 4.2-liter V-8 mated with a six-speed automatic transmission and the bothersome J-gate shifter. I complained about the J-gate in previous Jaguar reviews. 

While not as powerful as the Mercedes-Benz E55 with its 469 horsepower or BMW’s M5, this cat is quick and leaps to life, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in a mere five seconds, with a V-8 growl befitting its feline heritage.  It comes equipped with huge BremboÒ brakes, which are simply the best in the business. 

A round-trip drive from Phoenix to Tucson offered as much driving pleasure as can be had behind the wheel of any automobile.  It’s smooth, quiet and powerful. On the highway, you’ll find yourself cruising at 90 mph when you thought you were maintaining the 75 mph speed limit.  That’s the beauty of this car; it’s such a pleasure to drive.

Thankfully, safety is another top priority. The XJ comes equipped with standard front- and side-impact and head curtain airbags for front and rear occupants.  Adaptive cruise control (ACC) can be set to keep the Jag at a safe interval by slowing or speeding up the car to maintain a safe distance to the car in front. The cruise function cancels if this is not possible.  Another feature of the ACC system is Forward Alert, which provides an audible warning to the driver when the car is too close to the vehicle in front. This function works even when the cruise control is not operating. The XJ has not been crash tested as of this writing.

The blending of ultra-modern, state-of-the-art technology with traditional Jaguar heritage results in one of the ultimate expressions of a performance luxury sedan available today.  It’s likely that not everyone will want or need the added performance offered by the “R.”  In that case, little performance is lost with the standard 300 horsepower V-8 of the XJ, which is equally satisfying and a truly exhilarating luxury sedan.