Jaguar Xj Saloon
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Review Of The Jaguar XJ Saloon
JTNDY2VudGVyJTNFJTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGSHlpaTRVc25QeXclMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBnZXN0dXJlJTNEJTIybWVkaWElMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmVuY3J5cHRlZC1tZWRpYSUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRSUzQyUyRmNlbnRlciUzRQ==Adrenaline junkies take note! The new Jaguar XJ Saloon shows who’s the daddy with its muscular looks, expert handling and insane speeds. The problem it has for more cautious buyers is that there is only really one engine that we’d call sensible.
Having said that, if you’re in the market for a large exec saloon, the XJ has to be on your radar. A proper driver’s car, it’s better to drive than all its esteemed German rivals. It’s also luxurious, doubles up as a fine motorway cruiser, and stylishly designed.
And thanks to lightweight construction, it’s rapid.
On The Road
Two things make the new XJ so appealing – sharp handling and powerful engines. Its lightweight construction helps it to be the best-handling car in this market, as does the fast steering and minimal body lean.
The low seating position just adds to the drama, which the wraparound interior further intensifies. The engines all have a lust for drama too – even the sole diesel model.
All models are just at home on B-roads as they are on the motorway or in the inner city. Our only minor criticism is that the ride is firmer than rivals. It gets worse if you opt for 20” alloys, too.[vc_single_image image=”56671″ img_size=”article-image”]The aforementioned diesel engine is the slowest in the range. It’s sized 3.0-litres and produces 296bhp, and can do 0-62 in 6.2 seconds.
And, yes, that’s the slowest in the range!
That should be fast enough for most buyers, and the economy is reasonable. But scream if you want to go faster, because the 3.0-litre V6 petrol does 0-62 in 5.9 seconds. If you want even more power and pace, the monstrous 5.0-litre V8 engine does it in 4.6 seconds.
These are lightweight machines, despite them looking so bulky. The Autobiography trim houses a long-wheelbase, which adds weight, and this cuts back its 0-62 time to 4.9 seconds – despite it sharing the 5.0-litre V8 engine with the XJR.
All engines come with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which shifts gear smoothly.
Jaguar XJ Saloon Interior, Design & Build
[vc_empty_space height=”8px”][vc_single_image image=”56672″ img_size=”article-image”]The firm ride that we mentioned as a criticism just now is a bit of an issue. Jaguar has done a good job of blending comfort with handling, but at times you’ll get a raw deal if you just want to relax. On smooth roads, the XJ treats you like royalty. On broken roads – of which there are many in the UK – the car starts to fidget.
That said, the interior is beautiful. Leather trim spills over from the seats and onto the centre console and dashboard. You sit low down and feel like you’re in a sports car. And Jaguar has finally modernised the cabin so that it no longer looks old-fashioned. The infotainment still isn’t as up-to-date as some rivals, but you get some neat new tech, such as Apple CarPlay.There are touches of luxury everywhere, from the piano-black wood and carbon fibre trim, to the polished wood veneer used on the doors. We also love the way the gear selector emerges from the car’s centre console.
Everything is easy to use too, with the solid metal air vents an example of this.
This is a big car with a pretty big interior. Rear-seat passengers will be very happy with the amount of room they have, even in the short-wheelbase versions. However, while legroom is excellent – you get 44” of it – headroom is a bit tight. All seats are supportive, too.
The boot measures 479-litres, but lacks depth. The large opening is another issue.
Equipment & Safety Of The Jaguar XJ Saloon
Standard kit is good, with all models getting plenty of luxurious touches. The Dual View infotainment system is new, and it lets you check on two different things at the same time on one screen. For example, you could be checking the sat-nav, while someone else catches up with House of Cards.
The XJ also gets the brands InControl Pro system that features Apple CarPlay. A panoramic sunroof is also in the kit bag, as are electronically operated seats and climate control.
You need assurances that powerful, fast cars like this are safe. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been crash-tested by Euro NCAP, and we don’t think it will be. However, with electronic stability control, eight airbags, and traction control among the standard safety kit, we expect it to be as safe as houses. Chuck in Jaguar’s reputation for safety and adaptive cruise control and you should be A-okay.
Costs Of The Jaguar XJ Saloon
Prices for the new car start out from £58,750 and rise to £100,250. For more information on our lease deals, check out our page here.
You will get penalised on running costs if you buy the XJ. It’s a big car. However, Jaguar has added start-stop tech to each engine in a bid to improve efficiency and it’s worked to a degree. The 3.0-litre diesel can now return 49.8mpg off the back of a sensible drive, and emits 149g/km of CO2. Larger alloys will change those figures for the worst, though (but not massively).
The V8 engine, meanwhile, is good for a 25mpg economy, and costs £505 a year to tax.
Pros and Cons Of The Jaguar XJ Saloon
Pros:
Handsome
It purrs, it preens, it pouts. A car born for the cameras, the showroom, and the rolling hills of Europe.
Excellent Handling
Handling is as regal as it comes for such a hefty machine. This is a driving experience at its most luxurious.
Gorgeous Interior
The cabin is both deftly conceived and executed. Jaguar is rolling in cash again – and it tells.
Cons:
Firm Ride
A big weak point is the firm ride. Compared to rivals, it doesn’t cushion you anywhere near as much.
Read Headroom Is Suspect
We’re not sure how Jaguar bungled this bit, but rear headroom is tight. It’ll certainly dampen the experience of any taller rear passengers you’re trying to impress.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
Jaguar XJ Saloon vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs Audi A8 Saloon
Let’s see how the car fares against its rivals in the comparison section of our 2017 Jaguar XJ Saloon review.
Jaguar XJ Saloon vs Mercedes Benz S-Class
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is hard to beat as a luxury saloon. It’s hushed, boasts space-age tech, and houses a star-studded interior.
Where it differs from the Jaguar is in how it drives. The Jaguar is all about power and might, while the Mercedes is more about comfort and relaxation.
It’s always been like this, and it’s one of the reasons why it’s been the most popular car in this class. The ride is smooth, the engines are whisper-quiet, and there is zero hassle. It won’t entertain you like the XJ, however.[vc_empty_space height=”42px”][vc_empty_space height=”42px”][vc_empty_space height=”42px”][vc_single_image image=”56674″ img_size=”article-image”]With that said, body lean is at a minimal, and there is lots of grip. And thanks to Magic Body Control – which cleverly checks the road ahead for scarred surfaces – the suspension is much softer than the XJ’s.
There are too many petrol engines available for us to cover them all in detail here. But they range from a plug-in hybrid, to a 4.7-litre V8, to a 5.5-litre V8, to a 6.0-litre V12. All are fast, with even the hybrid capable of doing 0-62 in 6.8 seconds. The AMG S65, meanwhile, scrambles from 0-62 like its life depends on it in a bewildering 4.3 seconds.
There is also a pair of diesels to choose from. The S350 BlueTEC model is expected to sell the best, and it makes financial sense. It delivers 255bhp, and is the most refined engine available.
A hybrid is the other diesel model. It’s the slowest in the range, but returns of over 100mpg will tempt a few buyers. Moreover, it’s free to tax and escapes the London Congestion Charge.
For a car that weighs over 2.5 tonnes, that’s pretty astonishing.
On the other hand, this diesel hybrid will cost you £90,000, to begin with.
The petrol hybrid is reasonably frugal, and can return 44mpg economy. Meanwhile, the 3.0-litre V6 diesel is good for 47.9mpg – according to Mercedes, at least.
The interior is first class. It’s gorgeous, adorned in advanced tech, and will be hard for you to want to leave when it’s time to park up and get out. Refinement is the best yet, with just a hint of exterior noise seeping into the cabin like a polite intruder. Comfort is also the best yet.
Advanced tech includes a pair of 12.3” TFT screens, and a COMAND infotainment system that’s easy to use. It comes with a touchpad and a rotary controller – as well as voice control.
The quality of the materials is extremely high, while the leather upholstery is super soft to the touch.
Like the Jaguar XJ, the S-Class Saloon is a large car, which means there’ll be plenty of interior space. Even the standard wheelbase model has more than enough leg and headroom. If you need more, the longer wheelbase model is happy to oblige. If you need even more, the even longer Maybach model is on hand to help you out.
The front seats are super comfortable, and can be adjusted to your heart’s content. The boot, meanwhile, varies in size from wheelbase to wheelbase. On average, it hits the 500-litre mark. The plug-in hybrid versions will shrink the boot below 400-litres, thanks to them having to store the battery somewhere.
Price:
Jaguar – £58,750 – £100,250
Mercedes – £70,500 – £186,000
Jaguar XJ Saloon vs Audi A8 Saloon
[vc_single_image image=”56675″ img_size=”article-image”]The new Audi A8 Saloon is another flagship model that’s gasping for your attention. It’s luxurious, comfortable, and can even be fun if you choose the right model.
Like the XJ, the A8 Saloon benefits from lightweight construction so that it’s not as heavy as anyone might guess. Because of this, its engines are on the whole pretty fast. The entry-level 3.0-litre TDI diesel engine, for example, can do 0-62 in less than 6.0 seconds.
The more powerful 4.2-litre diesel unit does it in 4.7 seconds.But it’s the petrol engines that show its rivals a clean pair of heels in a straight line. The A8 W12 model develops a crushing 493bhp, and can get you from rest to 62mph in 4.6 seconds.
Then there is the S8 model. Its turbocharged venom develops 513bhp, and it does 0-62 in a matter of 4.1 seconds.
The quickest of them all, though, is the 596bhp S8 Plus that sprints from standstill to 62mph in 3.8 seconds. For such a big car with 21” alloys, that’s incredible. Believe it or not, in comfort mode it’s even relaxing.
However, with all that performance oozing out of the car, you’d expect your wallet to take a hit at the pumps. It kinda does. But how much economy it can return will depend on which sized wheels you opt for. For example, the 3.0-litre TDI diesel can return 49.6mpg, but you’d need to select the 18” alloys.
Still, to give you a fair idea of economy, the bigger 4.2-litre TDI diesel is good for returns of 39.2mpg. The 4.0-litre 513bhp petrol, meanwhile, returns 30.1mpg at best.
Inside, the Audi A8 Saloon is comfier than the Jaguar, thanks to the brand’s Drive Select. This lets you modify the suspension setup so that it’s as comfy or as sporty as you wish. It’s not as smooth as the S-Class, but it deals with broken roads well.
The cabin is exquisitely put together, feels well-built, and looks gorgeous. Audi – a brand known for crafting some of the finest cabins in the world – have outdone themselves once again. Brushed metal, veneers and leather real treats.
It’s also a usable car. Leg and headroom are excellent, and there are both short and long wheelbase versions available. The boot measures 520-litres, which is the biggest out of all three cars here. However, you can’t extend its size by folding the rear seats.
Price:
Audi – £65,000 – £101,400
Verdict Of Our 2017 Jaguar XJ Saloon
Jaguar has got their confidence back. The XJ is as handsome as a Prince, as gorgeous inside as a penthouse, and as fun to drive as a sports car. With performance on tap, sharper looks than ever and a number of luxurious touches, the dapper Jaguar XJ Saloon should sit proudly at the helm of your shortlist.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[vc_row content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1464089844166{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1494257310211{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]
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