In top $96,000 Vanden Plas form, that includes more upscale trim and enhanced luxury features, it tops out at $104,000 when options are factored in. These include an electrically adjustable rear bench seat, with power adjustable backrest recline, 4-way lumbar adjustment, and 3-position memory for individual outboard passengers.
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| With all the upscale trim and enhanced luxury features the price of the XJ Vanden Plas tops out at $104,000. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
A warm weather package adds 4-zone auto climate control with rear controls plus side rear manual sunscreens. The XJ's competitors offer power rear sunscreens as well.
You'll want a chauffeur if you opt for the multi-media entertainment package, that features individual 6.5-inch video screens integrated into the back of the front seat headrests, plus A/V jacks for game connections, etc. The DVD changer mounts in the trunk, however, which is hardly state-of-the-art with regards to convenience.
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| The thing that bothers me about the new XJ is the lost opportunity to make it the next classic Jaguar by taking a risk with its styling. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
While the DVD changer is a minor irritation, it must be fairly obvious I'm somewhat disappointed with both XJs I tested. The sloppy door handles shouldn't be allowed to pass stage one of a premium flagship model's developmental process let alone make production, and the wiggly seatbacks are far less than ideal, but what bothers me most about the new XJ is the lost opportunity to make it the next classic Jaguar. The new sedan's design lacks any semblance of courage, running the risk of offending traditional Jaguar enthusiasts ironically because of its fear of offending them in the first place.
