The way the XJ moves is a bit like the way it cajoles its occupants. Swathed in premium everything, the royally pampered passengers are whisked away by a firm, but gentle, shove from the swell of torque provided by the blower with the subdued whistle. A very forceful prod of the go-pedal will surely put a large smile on the driver's face as throttle response is immediate.
The XJ's cabin is everything a Jaguar owner or enthusiast could ever want it to be: the finest hides, veneers and chrome. Jaguar's wrap-around cockpit is beautifully crafted and assembled. There's an uncompromisable approach to Coventry's touch when it comes to putting together an interior. Crude plastics are only used when filling “gaps” is necessary. Stitched leather is what your eyes will stare at mostly.
Not all is perfect, though. The touch-screen looks great, but as is the case with most of the buttons, a very firm tap or push is required in order to get something to take place. The worst offender here is the engine start button which, truth be told, is a common issue in other cars. What's more, the HVAC and audio menu controls make an unnecessary “clicky” sound that suggests cheap more than expensive.
Thankfully, the awesome Bowers & Wilkins audio system drowns out the world (and sunroof rattle) in melodious and textured harmonic waves. The door-mounted speakers have two-tone cones which I find to be a tasteful, old-school touch.
On the topic of touch, if you're finding yourself too relaxed in the Jag, you can depress the small checkered-flag button and take command of the XJ in Dynamic mode. When Dynamic is on (other modes include Normal and Winter), the car's gauges take on a red hue, letting you know that the cat is out of the bag. The Adaptive Dynamics electronically controlled air suspension tightens and sharpens, and the same goes for the throttle and transmission shifts. In Dynamic mode, the XJ does not transform itself into an XKR, but the drive does become far more involving.
The XJ's cabin is everything a Jaguar owner or enthusiast could ever want it to be: the finest hides, veneers and chrome. Jaguar's wrap-around cockpit is beautifully crafted and assembled. There's an uncompromisable approach to Coventry's touch when it comes to putting together an interior. Crude plastics are only used when filling “gaps” is necessary. Stitched leather is what your eyes will stare at mostly.
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| Jaguar's wrap-around cockpit is beautifully crafted and assembled. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
Not all is perfect, though. The touch-screen looks great, but as is the case with most of the buttons, a very firm tap or push is required in order to get something to take place. The worst offender here is the engine start button which, truth be told, is a common issue in other cars. What's more, the HVAC and audio menu controls make an unnecessary “clicky” sound that suggests cheap more than expensive.
Thankfully, the awesome Bowers & Wilkins audio system drowns out the world (and sunroof rattle) in melodious and textured harmonic waves. The door-mounted speakers have two-tone cones which I find to be a tasteful, old-school touch.
On the topic of touch, if you're finding yourself too relaxed in the Jag, you can depress the small checkered-flag button and take command of the XJ in Dynamic mode. When Dynamic is on (other modes include Normal and Winter), the car's gauges take on a red hue, letting you know that the cat is out of the bag. The Adaptive Dynamics electronically controlled air suspension tightens and sharpens, and the same goes for the throttle and transmission shifts. In Dynamic mode, the XJ does not transform itself into an XKR, but the drive does become far more involving.
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| The door-mounted speakers have two-tone cones which I find to be a tasteful, old-school touch. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |