Jaguar XJ road test
by Stephen Walker
4th December, 2011
Home >
Road Tests >
Jaguar
Related stories:
Jaguar XJ Sentinel
18th August, 2010
New Jaguar XJ released
11th August, 2010
A Jaguar always looks like a Jaguar, right? No, not these
days. The Jaguar styling techniques of old have given way to new influences. Sure, the new models are
stylish in contemporary terms, but in my opinion they lack that highly admired "I'm a Jaguar" look that
was established over a very long period of time.
The new Jaguar XJ models follow the XK and XF models with the new look. Additional models are on the
way, which will continue to bring acclaim to the famous British brand.
The Next Car team took a drive in the Jaguar XJ long wheelbase sedan (we mean saloon actually)
fitted with the fuel efficient 3-litre six-cylinder diesel engine. This model is known in Jaguar-speak as
the XJ Premium Luxury LWB.
Instantly recognisable as a large car, the Jaguar XJ LWB measures in at 5,247 mm long, 2,110 mm wide
and 1,448 mm high. The wheelbase is 3,157 mm (compared to 3,032 mm for the standard short wheelbase model
which measures a mere 5,122 mm in length). The kerb weight is 1,813 kg, whilst the boot volume is 520
litres. So it is quite clear that this Jag is a substantial car and it is wonderful to see Jaguar
continue to present a large saloon for the world to enjoy. And that's what we did, we enjoyed it for 346
kilometres.
There is plenty of comfort for both driver and passengers alike in this car. There is, just as you
would imagine, plenty of room in this substantial car.
Yet the physical size of the car isn't an obstacle to the driving process. With excellent steering,
braking and handling the Jaguar XJ is quite a respectable car. And the ride qualities are admirable,
too. But you cannot see the rear corners when you reverse, so some caution will be required during such
exercises.
The V6 diesel can use as little as 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle. This is a
remarkable figure for such a large car. Carbon dioxide emissions are as little as 189 grammes per
kilometre, which is another remarkable figure given that this Jaguar is such a substantial car. The V6
engine has a displacement of 2,993 cc. Power comes in at 202 kW at 4,000 rpm, whilst the torque is rated
at 600 Nm at 2,000 rpm. Be assured this is adequate power, reinforced by a factory acceleration test
which suggests the XJ LWB is capable of 0-100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds (not bad for a diesel). A
six-speed automatic transmission is standard. It permits manual sequential shifting if the driver so
desires. The XJ is rear-wheel drive.
Standard equipment includes Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electric Parking Brake (with the very
modern drive-away release - sure beats the old fashioned release utilising manual labour), Cruise
Control, Automatic Speed Limiter and the praise worthy Diesel Misfuelling Prevention Device.
Safety aspects include Pedestrian Contact Sensing, remote control central locking (features
deadlocking and drive-away locking) and six airbags (front and side - driver and front passenger - and
side curtain).
Convenience features include lane changing indicators, power boot lid (open and close - another great
labour saving device), rain sensing windscreen wipers, headlamps (automatic Xenon, with washers and
front LED signature lights), heated exterior rear-view mirrors (electric adjustment, power-folding,
auto-dimming with courtesy puddle lamps and memory function, tail lamps (LED), solar attenuating,
hydrophobic and acoustically laminated glass, front and rear parking aid (includes touch-screen visual
indicator), automatic headlamps, soft grain leather seats (heated - front and rear - with memory function
for front seats), soft grain leather heated steering wheel, front and rear electric windows with
one-touch open/close and anti-trap function, panoramic glass roof - tilt/slide front section with
electric blinds, steering column with electric adjustment for height and reach with entry and exit
tilt-away (excellent idea), interior rear view mirror with auto-dimming, front centre console with
illuminated stowage, auxiliary power socket and armrest, rear window sunblind (electric), four zone
automatic climate control with air filtration, humidity sensing and four zone temperature control for
driver, front passenger and independent control for left and right rear passengers, keyless entry and
rear side window sun blinds (manual). But there is so much more, so this Jaguar is quite well
appointed. And, just quietly, you wouldn't expect anything less.
A disappointment with the Jaguar XJ is the lack of a reversing camera as standard equipment. The XJ
is a big car and it needs a camera rather than a beeper to assist with reversing manoeuvres. But that is
our only issue with this car.
Sure to be a rewarding experience for all occupants, the Jaguar XJ LWB saloon is a particularly
welcome addition to the prestige car market. It's another great move by Jaguar!
More Jaguar News .....
here.
Top of page
|
