JAGUAR XJ LWB (XJ50) 3.0 V6 DIESEL 300PS TURBOCHARGED
by Tony Yates
This review for this month is simple - I love a Jaguar. And the reason for this
is quite simple. My father owned several XJ models over many years - along
with the odd Daimler Sovereign or two which made me into the sort of kid
who loved the idea of a car with a big engine that made lots of noise. Also,
maybe I am on my own here - but there is something very special about
owning and driving a Jaguar.
So, what’s the Jaguar XJ like then? Well, basically it’s a really really ace car.
Plus, Jaguar has done a terrific job of pricing it in such a way that it makes
sense to pick the XJ over an equivalent model from the likes of BMW or
Mercedes. That may sound hard to swallow – but trust me on this – take
one out for a spin and then tell me your not totally hooked and reaching
inside your pocket for a flexible friend.
Power & Efficiency:
The XJ I had on test was fitted with the brilliant 3.0-litre V6 Turbocharged
Diesel engine that was also equipped with and array of Intelligent systems to
enhance fuel economy. When it comes to power you get 300ps – meaning
it will accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 5.9sec. Top Speed is also maxed
out at 155mph. I am not going to talk much about MPG, but I did manage
35 mpg (combined) making the XJ a strong performer considering its size.
On the road:
The steering is accurate in whatever situation unfolds itself on the road. The
chassis is also wonderful and it’s like sitting on a cushion of air. The last time I
felt this comfy was when I was testing out a water bed with my new girlfriend.
That went really well right up to the point when the man in the shop told
us we had to leave. Plus, when it comes to gripping the road – the XJ does
this like its life was depending on it. The suspension is also set up very nicely
thanks to the Jaguar engineers taking the time to give it its defining character
when you are out on the open road. Also, on a motorway, it’s a real ‘dream’ to
drive because it feels like it belongs there and nothing feels rushed or staged.
True Jaguar form then!
Equipment, Safety & Technology
The designers have added in some nice detailing lines and the appearance is
sleek but also bold – meaning you can see all the Jaguar DNA right there at the
heart of the machine. The XJ is also equipped with modern and lightweight
materials inside and the layout is very good. There are also some very good
ideas inside and it’s these ideas that make the XJ stand out from the crowd and
why in my book I would pick the XJ over anything else currently in its price
range. Again - The XJ’s cabin layout is just like all Jaguars’ - perfect! Jaguar has
always focused on the driver and what they have done on the inside of the XJ
is a very nice design indeed.
The XJ (XJ50) also comes with an array of standard equipment such as;
Auto High Beam Assist (AHBA) 3-flash lane change indicators, Acoustic
Laminated Glass (Front Screen / Front Door Glass) Approach Illumination
(automatic via remote) Body coloured rear valance with Chrome blade,
Chrome front lower grille blades, Heated powerfold exterior mirrors with
electric adjustment, puddle lamps, memory function and auto-dimming,
Gloss Black radiator grille and Chrome surround with Gloss Black lower
grille, Automatic headlamps, Heated front windscreen with timer, Jaguar
Leaper - Centre boot badge, LED tail lamps, Rain sensing windscreen wipers,
Heated rear window with timer, Solar attenuating windscreen, Twin oval
exhaust chrome finishers, XJL - LHS boot badge, XJ50 Chrome Side Vent
with Chrome Surround. Plus, Adaptive Dynamic,s All Surface Progress
Control (ASPC) Automatic Speed Limiter (ASL) Cruise Control Diesel
Particulate Filter (DPF) Electric Parking Brake (EPB) - Drive-Away Release,
Intelligent Stop / Start JaguarDrive Control (Normal / Winter / Dynamic
Modes) JaguarDrive Selector, Power Steering - Variable Ratio Speed Sensitive
Standard Suspension - Front Coils, Rear Air (Self-Levelling) – Standard and
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Trac DSC Mode.
To sum up:
The XJ has everything you’ll ever need, it’s been built with serious quality,
comfort, and impeccable attention to detail, at a price to take on the big hitting
Mercs and BMW. That is saying something.
Price (from) £74,280
96 wirrallife.com