Jaguar XJ: modern luxury motoring

Jaguar XJ 3.0D V6 Luxury SWB

What is it?

THE new flagship Jaguar and a car that causes a real stir on the high street. Ian Callum-designed limousine is a huge leap forward over the traditionalist model it replaces. In comes a dramatic new look, a revolutionary interior and an updated lightweight rear-wheel drive aluminium chassis. Engines include a 3.0-litre V6 diesel and a 5.0-litre V8 petrol in both normally aspirated and supercharged form. Tested here in short wheelbase (SWB) 3.0D ‘entry-level’ Luxury trim. Priced at £55,500.

What’s hot?

• Those looks. New XJ really stuns on the road…
• …thanks to that imposing shape and sleek coupe-like tail
• Cabin is beautifully trimmed and stuffed full of hi-tech kit…
• …including an eight-inch touchscreen and digital instrument panel
• Put the car into Sport mode and the dials glow red
• Nimble chassis offers a really sporty driving experience
• Ride over large undulations is beautifully floaty and relaxing
• Muscular 275bhp diesel does 0-60mph in 6.0 seconds…
• …and is mated to a slick six-speed auto
• It’s frugal, too, returning 40.1mpg and emitting 184g/km
• Superb build quality throughout
• Satnav, electric sunroof, rear parking sensors all standard

What’s not?

• That coupe-like roofline means there’s not much headroom in the back
• Those blacked-out C-pillars can look odd from some angles
• The ride is on the firm side; perhaps too firm for a luxury limo

What you need to Know?

Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.

Business Car Manager Road Test Rating

There’s no doubt about it – the new XJ is a revolutionary car for Jaguar. Apart from the slightly controversial tail, its forward-looking design is a real success – the majestic XJ turns far more heads than the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S-Class. It’s great to drive too and although the ride could be smoother, it’s still a superb luxury car with a diesel engine that offers a fine blend of hushed, surging pace but decent economy.