Jaguar XJ: sheer elegance

The 2008 Jaguar XJ looks sleek and sensuous, has an all-new distinctive design, lots of space in its interiors and the latest technology to design user-friendly driver aids.

Jaguar's flagship XJ model is the epitome of style, luxury, comfort and craftsmanship that has become synonymous with Jaguar. It also delivers excellent performance and makes full use of 21st century engineering.

The XJ was launched in 1968 and has served as the Jaguar flagship model for most of its production span, which of course continues through to today with the Mark III, X350 model.

Since the Mark III's launch in 2002 the XJ's exterior styling has attracted much criticism from many motoring journalists who claim that the car looks old-fashioned and barely more modern than its predecessor, some even citing that the ‘Lyons line' had been lost in the translation from MKII into MKIII XJ. But beneath the skin lies a highly advanced construction that has put the XJ to very near to the top of its class.

To alter this perception, Jaguar sprang into action and the 2008 model year XJ range benefits from visual changes, technological advances and additional features.

Already renowned for its all-aluminium body construction, state-of-the-art technologies and outstanding craftsmanship and build quality, the new XJ is now even more desirable.

With lines that are pure Jaguar – elegant, sensuous and sophisticated – the XJ shape is instantly recognisable as a true design icon. The XJ has an aluminium body structure that makes the car 40 per cent lighter and 60 per cent stiffer than it would be had conventional steel been used.

Consider that on its own the current XJ's bodyshell weighs about the same as a contemporary BMW Mini.

The benefits of this include improved performance, fuel economy, crash safety, vehicle dynamics, lower emissions and recyclability. It's a win-win situation all around!

The key developments for every new XJ model include a more contemporary, assertive and sporting exterior look and significant improvements to the renowned interiors, as well as the latest intuitive in-car technology.

An all-new, distinctive design for the XJ's front gives the 2008 model an unmistakably purposeful appearance, a look complemented by the new side power vents, lower body sills and a subtle rear aero spoiler. I'm so glad to see an icon of motoring continuously evolving instead of sitting on its laurels.

Inside the XJ cabin an all-new seat design offers major benefits in comfort and support, while customers will also have the option of adding an advanced air-cooling system to their heated front seats. I cannot stress how important cooling leather seats are for our environment – funnily enough, un-cooled premium leather seats are a definite downside to a car in the UAE!

There is also increased rear leg and foot room thanks to redesigned front seat backs, which also allow easier access to the back seats.

The luxurious interior reveals new levels of spaciousness, ergonomic flexibility and seat comfort, together with entertainment, climate control and communications systems, reflecting the needs of today's luxury car customers.

Harnessing the latest technologies to design relevant, intuitive and user-friendly driver aids, the XJ includes a LCD touchscreen display that provides fingertip control of climate, audio, TV and DVD navigation systems and Bluetooth technology, and a voice-activated system to reduce driver distractions.

In the rear of the car, a multi-media system allows passengers to access audio, TV/video and telephone systems independently of the driver and front seat passenger.

All models in the XJ range have a 6-speed automatic transmission, new powertrain and chassis technologies, and four engines that deliver effortless, refined and exhilarating performance, ranging from a three-litre XJ6 to the amazing 400bhp XJR.

The entry-level 3.0 L V6 offers an output of 240 hp, and an acceleration to 100 kmph of just over 8 seconds, which isn't bad for starters and a long wheelbase luxury limo that even the royalty would feel at home in.

Next up is the 3.5 L V8 powerhouse, with an output of 262 hp and a fast-dropping 0-100 time of 7.6 seconds.

The 4.2 L V8 drops the time by another second, with a full output of an even 300 horsies, and the feather in the felt cap, the top-of-the-line supercharged 4.2 L V8 with an explosion of 400 hp and an impressive time of 5.3 seconds to reach 100 kmph!

Though I must say that the top feature of my test drive was not the amazing smoothness of the engine – yes, a fantastic balance between raw power and smooth progression; but the very top of my list was the suspension.

My road tests showed that the Jaguar XJ delivers an isolated ride that filters out even the most punishing UAE roads with minimal intrusion of unwanted vibrations or sounds into the cabin. It was truly a fabulous ride, uncompromised by ruts or blemishes in the asphalt.

I even took it off-road (with due caution, Jaguar, with due caution!) onto the dry wadi bed where I test the 4x4s, simply because I was totally impressed with the suspension, and I was curious as to what the limits would be.

Well, at a reasonable speed, to avoid bottoming out, of course, and always mindful of the low clearance, I can honestly say the ride was superb and much better than most other SUVs. Jaguar wins hands down.

The secret to this success is the aptly-named CATS – Computer Active Technology Suspension – with real-time variable-rate shock damping. CATS gives a supple ride at low or moderate speeds on all surfaces, with firmer control of the wheels at higher speeds or in hard cornering.

Therefore, we have a new-look sleek and sensuous Jaguar, stately on the inside, with some serious automotive power, and an absolutely stunning suspension. Very nice, Jaguar. Well done.