*** Specifications and prices contained in this article are based on US products ***
When does $63,000 (US) seem like an automotive bargain? When it is the MSRP for the fuel frugal, lightweight, Jaguar XJ8L (Long Wheelbase) that is significantly less money than its luxury sedan competition and still treats you to an exceptional ride and an interior with few equals.
The question you are probably asking is what is a Long Wheelbase XJ? Well, for about $3000 (US) more you get a sedan that is five inches longer than the regular model and that provides you with more seat legroom and larger rear doors. The roof has also been slightly raised to provide more headroom for the passengers, too. Of note is that due to the Jaguar's extensive use of aluminum the additional length adds just 53 more pounds over the weight of the standard model.
The additional floor space enables you to choose from four optional rear-seat configurations, including a fixed or power-adjustable bench layout and individual powered and heated rear seats.
Jaguar's reliance on a tradition of charm and luxury has not left it out of the electronic era. Burr walnut trays fold down from the front seat backs to hold a laptop computer. According to Jaguar there is also the ability to stuff 6.5-inch display screens in the front head restraints, with rear-seat multi-media options including iPod, MP3 player and DVD connectivity. Communication possibilities include a telephone conference call facility for front and rear passengers, while rear-seat passengers can specify voice-activation for the four-zone climate-control system, with individual seat-to-seat settings.
Sticking to this modern trend is the availability to order your Jaguar with optional 19-or 20-inch rims if the standard 18-inch versions don't satisfy you. In addition, Jaguar's Adaptive Restraint Technology System combines dual-stage driver and passenger airbags with seat-occupation sensing, side-impact chest airbags in the front seat bolsters, front and rear side air curtains, anti-whiplash seat design and rear child seat attachments. Adding to that array of modern safety features are four-channel anti-lock brakes with Emergency Brake Assist, traction control and Dynamic Stability Control as well as having a transponder-operated remote double deadlocking and automatic drive-away locking. We liked the nice night lighting which made it easy it easy to travel at night as well as having gauges that were easy to read at night. They are not as good as those on a Lexus or BMW, but they are the best Jaguar has ever offered. They also don't cause as much glare as the BMW units so oncoming drivers find it much easier on the eyes.
Mom's view: There is something about asking your lady friends if they would like to take a ride in your Jaguar that speaks of good taste and a nice wine cellar. It has elegancy both inside and out. What is even better is that we got over 23 mpg in this Anglo-liner even though I frequently had my derriere pushed tight against the double stitched leather covered seats when I whipped all 294 horsepower into action.
Although not a cheetah out of the starting gate, the long legged Jaguar comes into its own at speed where the silky smooth 4.2-liter DOHC 32-valve V-8 gives you 303 pound-feet of torque that make short work of those pesky plebians. In other words, I liked the Jaguar for it looks and deeds. Sounds like a perfect mate to me. Besides, it is easy to park and unlike the invisible Lexus and boy racer BMW image, the Jaguar whispers class. Could this be love?
When does $63,000 (US) seem like an automotive bargain? When it is the MSRP for the fuel frugal, lightweight, Jaguar XJ8L (Long Wheelbase) that is significantly less money than its luxury sedan competition and still treats you to an exceptional ride and an interior with few equals.
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| 2005 Jaguar XJ8L |
The additional floor space enables you to choose from four optional rear-seat configurations, including a fixed or power-adjustable bench layout and individual powered and heated rear seats.
Jaguar's reliance on a tradition of charm and luxury has not left it out of the electronic era. Burr walnut trays fold down from the front seat backs to hold a laptop computer. According to Jaguar there is also the ability to stuff 6.5-inch display screens in the front head restraints, with rear-seat multi-media options including iPod, MP3 player and DVD connectivity. Communication possibilities include a telephone conference call facility for front and rear passengers, while rear-seat passengers can specify voice-activation for the four-zone climate-control system, with individual seat-to-seat settings.
Sticking to this modern trend is the availability to order your Jaguar with optional 19-or 20-inch rims if the standard 18-inch versions don't satisfy you. In addition, Jaguar's Adaptive Restraint Technology System combines dual-stage driver and passenger airbags with seat-occupation sensing, side-impact chest airbags in the front seat bolsters, front and rear side air curtains, anti-whiplash seat design and rear child seat attachments. Adding to that array of modern safety features are four-channel anti-lock brakes with Emergency Brake Assist, traction control and Dynamic Stability Control as well as having a transponder-operated remote double deadlocking and automatic drive-away locking. We liked the nice night lighting which made it easy it easy to travel at night as well as having gauges that were easy to read at night. They are not as good as those on a Lexus or BMW, but they are the best Jaguar has ever offered. They also don't cause as much glare as the BMW units so oncoming drivers find it much easier on the eyes.
Mom's view: There is something about asking your lady friends if they would like to take a ride in your Jaguar that speaks of good taste and a nice wine cellar. It has elegancy both inside and out. What is even better is that we got over 23 mpg in this Anglo-liner even though I frequently had my derriere pushed tight against the double stitched leather covered seats when I whipped all 294 horsepower into action.
Although not a cheetah out of the starting gate, the long legged Jaguar comes into its own at speed where the silky smooth 4.2-liter DOHC 32-valve V-8 gives you 303 pound-feet of torque that make short work of those pesky plebians. In other words, I liked the Jaguar for it looks and deeds. Sounds like a perfect mate to me. Besides, it is easy to park and unlike the invisible Lexus and boy racer BMW image, the Jaguar whispers class. Could this be love?