Jaguar had recently launched its latest full size
sedan throughout the world, but until recently not many had laid their hands
and experienced the reborn XJ. For that, Jaguar initiated one of its most
thorough Press events since the launch of the game changing XK in 2005, and
took us, along with the rest of the world’s automotive media, to test drive of the
new Jaguar XJ on the scenic roads that surround Paris, France.
When Jaguar, the car, comes to our mind the first
image that flashes through our imagination is that of a Jaguar, the cat,
leaping forward in chase of its prey. The current XJ might not have a mission
as a sprinter, but as a car designed to carry statesmen and executives with all
the legroom they wish for, it’s the closest you get to the real thing…
When it debuted in the late 60’s, the XJ was seen as
a break with the past, and the 2011 XJ is even more so. It provides the best
luxury and sporting equilibrium in a segment shared with the Audi A8, BMW 7
Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS 460.
The XJ Experience
The big cat gets underway softly with an
undercurrent of toughness. When prodded off the line, there’s little suspension
crouch, and as the V8 power plant climbs rather quickly through to the 6000
limit, the ZF automatic transmission graciously swaps cogs like a royal
servant. With sporty Dynamic mode selected, one of three driving modes along
with Standard and Winter, throttle reaction is enhanced and the suspension
firms up, allowing for manual shifting through the paddles and holds the gears
for a more responsive drive. It's also how you'll sprint to 100 kph in 5.4
seconds in the standard XJ, and 4.7 seconds in the Supercharged Supersport - and
that’s according to Jaguar's number.
On the twisty corners, the short wheel base XJ takes
a set-on turn-in and sweeps from side to side with minimum roll. The sedan's
1755 kg curb weight is well and truly felt, but body motions are well controlled
both in Dynamic and Standard modes. In its softer setting, the suspension works
overtime to provide a leveled plush ride that irons out most imperfections on
the road. Steering on the other hand is more precise than some of the XJ's
rivals and the wheel itself is right-sized and feels good in your hands. The XJ
is not a sports car; it’s a limousine in soul and spirit, but also having a
rather naughty side.
The Roaring Locomotive
The new XJ benefits from Jaguar’s latest efforts in
the V8 powertrain market. Just like its smaller sister, the XF, and the Range
Rovers across the company headquarters’ hall, it uses the 5.0 liter V8 in both
atmospheric and supercharged mode. In fact, the 2011 XJ available trim will be
two for the atmospheric, being Short and Long Wheelbase, and four for the
supercharged engine, two being normal dual wheelbase length models, and the
other two being also dual length wheelbases but powered by a more potent
version of the supercharged V8 dubbed Supersport.
The ‘base’ V8 XJ will have 385hp and 515Nm of torque
to go about its business, while the supercharged version will have 470 hp and
575Nm of torque. And topping off the power trim is the Supersport with 510hp
and 625 torque, making it the naughtiest of the ladies; all of them benefit
from the same ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with Jaguar’s now signature
select drive rotary shifting knob with steering mounted paddle shifters.
The Cat’s Skeleton
The 2011 Jaguar XJ's mainly aluminum chassis is stiffer
than the outgoing car, allowing engineers to dial in some added comfort to the
suspension without compromising ride and handling. Despite the fact that the XJ
is 120 kg heavier overall than the old one, the new car remains notably lighter
than its adversaries, permitting Jaguar to maintain an efficiency and
performance edge it has had for years.
The XJ's exterior hasn't grown on everyone just yet,
especially with the rear blacked out C-Pillars. However the XJ is the sleekest XJ
ever, claimed by the company itself, and its design, signed by Ian Callum and
his team, fruitfully blends muscularity with a neat roof line. Conversely,
while the front of the XJ looks like a modern Jaguar should look, the rear is a
scene of conservatism and poise, keeping the jaguar XJ squarely in states car
territory.
Jaguar's new flagship is brilliantly built, and what
the exterior and interior emphasize most is distinction. The XJ is obviously
different from its predecessors and its rivals. Its uniqueness and aristocratic
flair are its most significant selling points.
Relaxing Cabin
The balance that the XJ seeks to beat, without
actually trying, pits dynamic driving enthusiasm against luxury. These are the everlasting
and opposing goals sought by many automakers. The XJ has been designed as a
luxury chauffeured car, but within it are light flairs of sporting attributes,
keeping the Jaguar ethos well alive as producer of fast, beautiful cars.
Certainly, regardless of its dynamic capabilities,
long-distance touring and red carpet appearances, it will still be this Jag's
specialty, with ride quality adequate to keep your head and whatever magazine
you may be reading in the backseat moving undetectably.
As essential as anything are the seats. Several
hours-long stretches in the driver, front passenger and rear seats confirmed a
key notion. So satisfactory is seat comfort that one simply forgets about especially
cruising around Paris’ streets from Champs Elysees to Place de La Concorde, Cobbled
or asphalted streets, the XJ keeps everything smooth as a whisker.
Offered Utilities
Advanced display technology and iPod-generation influenced
ergonomics are manifested in the XJ's 12.3 inch high definition Virtual
Instruments, which harmonize a pioneering, dual-view technology 8 inch touch
screen that can project DVD movies to the passenger while the driver views
vehicle functions or follows satellite navigation. It all works in the
brightest of sunshine and can be figured out with a bit of spontaneous,
intuitive fixing.
The touch screen interface is helpful but it
regularly got muddy with oily fingerprints and requires a longer glimpse than plain
dials. Steering wheel-mounted controls and a few console buttons help you rapidly
order simple commands. While we think the rotary gearshift available with the
XF and the XK is original, its maneuver requires some getting used to. More
than once after backing up, I accidentally shifted the transmission into Sport
mode rather than drive and a careless fiddle can also shift into neutral. When
it becomes a habit it won’t be inconvenient.
The leather dashboard is dominated by twin center
air vents that are look like they’ve been extracted from a 1930’s coach built
car. Door accents, both wood or carbon-fiber, are pleasant to view and impart a
modern-chic ambience. Interior storage cubbies are typically well-placed and generous
enough. The spacious trunk will swallow two large bags side by side. Seatback
tray tables in the Long wheel base model give the 2011 Jaguar XJ a jet-set pleasure,
and lets you get some signatures out of the way on the go and in between
appearances.
On the whole, interior visibility is valuable, with
the cockpit lightened by a panoramic glass roof. However like so many modern
vehicles, the XJ has blind spots both on front and rear quarters. The interior
is sophisticated, with a Bowers & Wilkins sound system with a 1000W+ as an
option, guaranteed to blow the doors off a Chinese-made clone.
Verdict
The new XJ offers a fresh breath of air in the
segment; it guarantees a wooly wafting experience and a precise driving joy as
well as one of the most opulently luxurious interiors. Its looks are far better
than any of the competition, and so is its build quality. In terms of power, it
offers it in spades. And a 6-cylinder power unit, in addition to a hybrid, is
still in the works for those interested in a greener version.
It truly deserves the Limousine description,
most especially in it long wheelbase trim. And for those requiring more bang,
but not necessarily for less buck, the Supersports offers the complete package.
All in all, the new XJ will make those riding inside feel as special as those
who see it driving by, as Ian Callum and Jaguar have made the definitive
successor for the XJ’s initial 1968 offering, all flare and aura included.
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