Jaguar has always been an ‘outsider’. While the market sometimes appreciates a ‘disrupter’, the Coventry-based semi-traditionalist might be congratulated for not playing the game by the purported rules. If there are pitfalls, it makes them for itself, although it can extricate itself invariably from the largest stumbling-blocks.
The current X351, which is Jaguar-speak for the long and sleek XJ luxury saloon, has been with us since the end of 2009, when it was unveiled in customary star-studded form in London. Having been only lightly titivated since, the same, coupe-like bodystyle, notably in short-wheelbase test car form, has played a Marmite role in Jaguar’s line-up, attracting as many new buyers as it has lost traditional customers. Yet, with an annual turnover of around 10,000 examples, XJ is shaded by its notional rivals; the BMW 7-Series, Merc S-Class and Audi A8.
First acquaintance with the test example provided an ‘Ooh’ moment, its elegant Carpathian Grey paintwork (£795 extra cost) contrasting with the gorgeous, crosshatched London tan, full-hide upholstery. Entering the cockpit was an event, the 18-way electrically adjustable seats (with massage function) and electric steering column adjustment enabling an excellent driving position to result. However, a combination of the tumblehome of the side windows and the depth of the black ‘velveteen’ upholstered headlining creating a distinct shortage of headroom for a two metres tall occupant, a compromise resulted for me.
Sadly, this apparent lack of space also creates a compromise in the back seat, where there is simply insufficient legroom in the SWB model for executive lounging. It is a problem encountered by Jaguar with all of its biggest cars, even since the original XJ6 hit our market in the late-1960s, which is why the LWB alternative was devised and remains available today.
Yet, I am damned, if I am going to let this ruin my enjoyment of a Coventry Cat. The ultra-modern dashboard, with its massive centrally-located air-vents flanking an analogue clock, are attention-generating. The instrument nacelle ahead of the driver contains a configurable screen, with only essential information (speed, engine revs, fuel and water gauges) being in-focus. The large touch-screen at the top of the centre console, now much faster-reacting than it has ever been, provides access to a vastly improved amount of connectivity, climate control and several of the car’s functions.
The XJ’s handling and roadholding are exemplary. While its ride quality can be altered between sportily firm and luxuriant, the 8-speed automatic transmission slushes imperceptibly between the ratios, allowing the ‘old girl’ to hike up her skirts and despatch the 0-60mph benchmark in 5.9s, en-route to a limited top speed of 155mph. Yet, it provides a fuss-free progression, as refined as a car of this class should be, with its 3.0-litre, 296bhp, 516lbs ft V6 turbo-diesel engine growling distantly and benignly.
