•Mark MusutuTalking about premium brands such as the Mercedes S Class, BMW 7 Series, Cadillac CT6 and the Audi A8 without mentioning the Jaguar XJ would be an incomplete story.
The Jaguar XJ is no new kid on the block, it has a defined stake in this market – it’s the sports car of the segment and you would be forgiven for thinking it’s just another big luxurious car.
Consisting of several levels of cabin luxury as well as short and long wheelbase models, the Jaguar XJ is a technological tour de force and is high up on the automotive food chain. The XJ is as British as high tea and you will notice some Aston Martin and Bentley-like features on it. In other words, British characteristics.
The XJ is the only Brit in this segment which is mainly dominated by the Germans, its other foes include the sportier Masserati Quatroporte and Porsche Panamera as well as the rookie, the Hyundai Genesis.
Jaguar, as per tradition, first built a sports car, a large one, and then they made it luxurious. Like most car makers, it has gone on to perfect its strengths. The XJ is the wildest car in the segment, a true member of the feline family and everything echoes its cat-like agility which is delivered in a very refined manner.
The 2016 XJ has a more modern look with futuristic design which complements its aluminum body. The 2016 XJ has sports gloss black panels covering the C pillars which create an illusion that it has black glass stretching from fender to fender. A classy aspect to a classy car.
As you sit in the XJ, you will quickly notice a cockpit like no other, a totally different psychological phenomenon. Advanced new technologies have allowed Jaguar’s designers to create an environment which is more a state of the art living space than a simple car cabin.
The panoramic glass roof is the most obvious visible innovation enhancing the feeling of airiness and space inside, you are almost in a convertible. The XJ’s cabin blends elegant, contemporary design with the comfort, luxury and the unmistakable sporting style of the Jaguar legend.
Chrome and piano black detailing provide an eye catching contrast to the beautifully crafted leather and veneer surfaces. To complement the cabin design is a level of choice in colours, veneers and leathers not seen before in a Jaguar. So-much of this cars interior echoes aerospace even details like air vents are like jet thrusters. This aerospace design and technology theme adds up very well.
Premium surround sound options include the top-of-the-range 1 200W Bowers & Wilkins system, which is comparable in audio quality to the likes of Harman Kardon and the best in-home entertainment.
Advanced infotainment features also include hard drive-based audio and navigation systems, and comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices via the powerful Media Hub. Stunning, 12,3 inch high-definition Virtual Instruments complement an innovative, Dual-View technology eight-inch touch screen that can project DVD movies or television programmes to the passenger while the driver views vehicle functions or follows satellite navigation.
The XJ is constructed using Jaguar’s aerospace inspired aluminum body technology, the XJ is lighter than its rivals by at least 150kg which significantly improves performance, handling and economy, while delivering increased strength and refinement. Proven Jaguar dynamic technologies are taken to new levels in the XJ.
Features such as air suspension, adaptive dynamics (continuously variable damping), active differential control and quick-ratio power steering deliver the responsive, dynamic handling and refined, supple ride expected from a Jaguar. No wonder Jaguar say the car is alive.
Base level XJs get a 340 horsepower, supercharged 3,0 litre V6 with 100 km/h in 5,7 seconds.
Both short and long wheelbase V6 powered XJs can be outfitted with all wheel drive, which should please buyers who routinely deal with snow. But Jaguar is quick to point out the all wheel drive system is not a performance enhancer.
More power-hungry buyers can choose rear drive versions of the supercharged 5,0 V8, one delivering 470 hp Supercharged or the 550 hp XJR. Again, these are both available with a short or an extended wheelbase. The quickest of the bunch, the XJR, hits 60mph in a thrilling 4,7 seconds.
The XJR also benefits from a stiffer suspension, a front aero splitter, a subtle rear spoiler, and various interior upgrades.
Transmition is via an eight-speed automatic for the entire range, and shift quality is quick and oil smooth, with a more performance oriented shift programme in S mode as well as a dynamic mode that provides sharper shifts and some extra revs (along with other important changes to the adaptive damping system and stability control) to suit.
Concluding the test drive, I felt the evidence of its 40 000 quality checks and I came to understand that the Jaguar XJ is not just a luxury car which is sporty, this car is a thoroughbred sports legend clothed with luxury (don’t be deceived). Jaguars are born on the race track and escaped into the urban setting. Press the brake pedal and hit the start button, by the sound alone, you will know its roots, and you will feel like you are Lewis Hamilton. It’s made to make you feel that way.
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