Jaguar has reached a new pinnacle with the new XJ R-Sport. Not only is it a car now worthy of rivaling the German luxury saloons, but it also adds sports driving and precision handling.
The essence of the new XJ is luxury and performance and it is a true flagship for the segment. The cabin is a cocoon of grandeur with the usual arrangement of instruments familiar in all Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles. The electronic instrument panel complements a large central screen which controls navigation and a cluster of other functions.
Arab News tested the new XJ R-Sport in the UK and the experience far exceeded expectations. This is a remarkable effort by the Jaguar design team led by Ian Callum.
There are three engines, two wheelbases and five different trim levels to choose from. The list of options is substantial and some of the add-ons are free of charge.
The new style is a complete departure from the classic and enduring retro XJ models of the 1990s. The change was necessary to compete with German rivals such as Mercedes S Class, BMW 7 Series and Audi A8. The Lexus LS also competes in that segment and also offers a sumptuous ride and luxury cabin.
What Jaguar adds to the segment, however, is the sporty touch, albeit with a firm ride, and style loved by the traditional “gentlemen’s club” as well as the young generation.
The model tested was a glacier white metallic XJ R-Sport with a 3.00 liter V6 diesel engine. Engines in the region are all petrol and provide more power and torque. All engines are fitted with stop-start technology which improves fuel consumption.
There is a long list of standard specifications that most buyers would find sufficient. The company also offers some options at no extra cost such as choice of paint, leather interior, privacy glass, piano black veneer and a parking assist pack.
The test car had paid options such as 20-inch venom wheels and air quality sensors.
Passengers’ welfare and comfort take priority in the XJ R-Sport with heated and cooled front and rear seats with perforated leather; four-zone automatic climate control; DAB radio; digital TV and a Meridian digital surround audio system.
Driver assistance systems are plenty. They include cruise control; keyless entry and ignition; electronic parking brakes; dynamic stability control; blind-spot monitoring; front and rear parking aid; rain-sensing wipers; reverse camera; traffic sign recognition; tire pressure monitoring and an electrically adjustable steering wheel.
The car also comes equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, power boot lid and heated folding exterior mirrors.
The diesel engine is designated for the European markets. Petrol engines for the region include a five liter 542bhp supercharged V8 which gives supercar performance and a fabulous soundtrack. All engines are linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission box.
The 3.0 liter diesel engine was quite adequate in acceleration and speed. The secret of the XJ agility on the road is the light aluminum body combined with the adaptive dampers which make the car feel nimble and taut especially on fast corners.
What was most impressive about the XJ was the quality of the interior and the attention to detail. Buyers can add massage seats and a multimedia package for the rear seats with 8-inch screens and wireless headphones.
Interior space is comparable with the best in class and buyers can specify a three-seat back bench or two individual seats that can add electric adjustment and massage. Options also include two folding work tables for the rear seats. There is no option, however, for extending the space in the back for those much-needed power naps as in the new Audi A8.
The rear boot’s capacity is 479 liters which is smaller than some rivals offer — but is easy to load. Every new Jaguar comes with three-year unlimited warranty as standard (in Europe) which can be extended at extra cost. This warranty exceeds what some rivals offer.
Driving experience
The XJ was a pleasure to drive. The only concern was the rear visibility due to the small rear window. But the reversing camera, audible and visual aids make parking the car easy and safe.
The size of the XJ, which is over five meters long, soon ceases to be an issue for the driver after a short period of driving. The steering is precise and connection with the road gives good feedback for this class of car. The XJ is in its element when driven at high speed on highways and after a while feels like a sports car.
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