To put things into perspective, BMW's 3-Series wagon starts at $40,950, more than $2,000 cheaper than the
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| To put things into perspective, BMW's 3-Series wagon starts at $40,950, more than $2,000 cheaper than the Jaguar. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Jaguar. Audi's A4 Avant, although featuring only front-wheel drive in base form, starts at $35,735, more than $7,000 less expensive than the X wagon. The all-wheel drive quattro A4 wagon is priced at still more than $3,000 under the X-Type wagon, at $39,595. Volvo's new V50, while slightly smaller than the Jag and less opulently equipped in base guise, starts at a mere $31,495, $1,000 less than the outgoing 2004 V40 wagon. If you want the high-end interior treatment and extra power of its T5 engine package, a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder complete with an intercooled turbocharger developing 218 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, the Volvo V50 T5 will set you back a cool $36,495. Hmmm, not bad for a great looking little luxury wagon with a heck of a lot more sport than the X-Type. The Lexus IS 300 SportCross is the only luxury sport wagon base priced higher than the Jaguar, at $44,640. This is not a very positive example for Jaguar to rest its case, however, as the model is almost nonexistent on North America's roadways. Of course, buying a sport/luxury car rarely comes down to comparing engine output ratings, at-the-limit handling dynamics, or specific features. At times performance and luxury features are so dramatically different that it will persuade buyers motivated by such differences, but then price almost always comes into the equation.
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| The X-Type wagon does have one intangible going for it that no competitor can match - sheer opulence. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
When comparing Jaguar's X-Type wagon side-by-side with its competitors, performance and features aside, it has an intangible going for it that no competitor can match - sheer opulence. It's the only traditional luxury car in the mix. The only one that overwhelms occupants with planks of beautifully finished woods, olde world trim accents such as the classically styled chrome door handles, and beautifully detailed gauges. It's a feast for the eyes. Audi and BMW buyers might not buy into its gentleman's club charm, but anyone subjected to the maelstrom of clashing interior treatments in a Lexus IS 300, especially when finished of in beige leather, will feel as if transported into a calming den of tranquility. Being a Gemini I appreciate both the German and Swedish approach to contemporary efficiency and British overindulgence, depending on the mood swings of my polar personality, but I can't stand clutter for the sake of excitement - hence my dislike of that particular Lexus and most anything of recent vintage bearing a Pontiac badge. From a visual perspective Jaguar's X-Type doesn't invade on my senses, but rather envelopes them in harmonic unity.
