by Jim Prueter - 5/07
(This review is representative of model years 2004 thru 2008)
In addition to being Jaguar's flagship model, the XJ series is the longest-running nameplate in Jaguar history. First introduced in 1968 and now in its seventh iteration, the Big Cat was completely redesigned in 2004.
Sure, the elements of classic Jaguar sedan design are unmistakable from the previous generation - and they should be. Ford Motor Company went to great lengths and hundreds of millions of dollars in updating the XJ beginning with a new lightweight all-aluminum body.
Constructed with a rivet bonding and adhesive technique borrowed from the aerospace industry, the aluminum body is 60 percent stiffer and 40 percent lighter than the previous XJ. All that means less body flex, which improves the already butter-smooth ride and handling.
But the XJ is a true luxury car meant to go toe to toe with ultra competitive German luxury sedans like Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Audi A8 L, Volkswagen Phaeton and Lexus LS 460. I've driven and tested all of these premium luxury sedans and, having previously given the edge to the XJ body style, it has now fallen behind the competition and is in need of a major redo.
Hit by unfavorable exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the Euro, along with being past its freshness date, sales of the XJ have been struggling at best. While still possessing expensive looks, for 2008 XJ gets some mild exterior tweaking that includes a new front bumper with new upper and lower mesh grilles.
Borrowing a styling cue from its sibling XK, there are new chrome side vents (brushed aluminum on the supercharged XJR model) and new mirrors with integrated directional signals. New lower body sills have been added and a subtle rear aero spoiler, a new rear bumper and alloy wheels complete the exterior modifications. Three new colors have also been added for 2008. Changes to the interior are limited to the addition of optional air-conditioned seats.
For 2008, XJ is available in a series of five models: XJ8 ($64,500); XJ8 L ($68,000), essentially the same as the XJ8 but with more rear-seat room; Vanden Plas ($76,750); XJR ($84,250), a supercharged high-performance 400-horsepower model; and Super V8 ($94,750) with the same 400-horsepower engine as the XJR, but with a longer wheel base and upgrades that are optional on other models.
 I drove the 2008 XJ Vanden Plas, which adds additional room to the back seat.
Our tester was finished in botanical green with champagne/mocha colored leather interior. The Vanden Plas is an upgrade of the XJ8, trimmed with a twin-stitched leather dashboard, burl walnut trim with elm veneer inlays, lamb's wool carpeting, 16-way power front seats, three-stage heated front and rear seats and heated steering wheel. There are rear fold-down trays similar to what you would find on a commercial jetliner (but much nicer), and a 320-watt Alpine premium audio system.
Additional touches for 2008 include the XJR's chrome mesh grille on all models. A body-color surround for the mesh grille, along with side and rear "R" identifying badging distinguishes the high-performance XJ model.
Inside, you're treated to the warmth and richness of leather, chrome and elm veneers. In terms of sheer elegance, few automotive interiors match the look of the XJ. With the increase in dimensions comes a welcome 40 percent additional interior room and trunk space.
As you would expect in a premium luxury sedan, there's a full compliment of standard features and equipment like 16-way power and heated front seats, Xenon headlamps, power adjustable pedals, dual zone climate control and self-leveling suspension.
 My test Vanden Plas included two options: a $2950 multimedia package with DVD entertainment and two 6.5-inch screens set in the back of the front-seat headrests, and a warm climate package ($1350) that includes four-zone climate control with additional controls in the rear seat and manually operated rear-side window sun blinds.
The tester was powered by the standard 300-horsepower 4.2-liter V-8 engine linked to a six-speed automatic transmission, and the bothersome J-gate shifter. I've complained about the clumsy J-gate on previous Jaguar reviews.
Standard safety features include front, side-impact and head-curtain airbags for front and rear occupants, and stability control. The XJ has not been crash tested.
The blending of ultra-modern, state-of-the-art technology with traditional Jaguar heritage produces one of the ultimate expressions of a performance luxury sedan available today. It's likely that not everyone will want or need the added performance offered by the R, in which case little performance is lost with the standard 300 horsepower V-8. In that case, the XJ is an equally satisfying luxury sedan.
As of this review, cash hungry Ford Motor Company, which lost $12.6 billion in 2006 and was marginally profitable through three quarters of 2007, finalized the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to the Indian conglomerate Tata. Ford bought Jaguar for $2.5 billion in 1989 and Land Rover for $2.7 billion in 2000. Ford sold its controlling stake in Aston Martin for $931 million last year.
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